Acknowledgment of a Career

I would like to recognize the many professionals who helped guide me in my quest to find my niche in health care, first as a general dentist and then an oral pathologist. Anyone who has graduated from dental school can attest to its trials and tribulations and I was fortunate to have a “big brother,” Dr. Barry Kennedy, who as an upperclassman helped guide me over the many hurdles encountered. One of the Emory dental school faculty, Dr. Patricia Moultin, also offered words of encouragement when most needed to persevere and I am forever indebted to her. During my early general dentistry career, in the U.S. Army, yet another individual, Dr. Jack Edge (Lt. Col., retired), stepped up and taught me the “real-world” dental tricks of the trade and guided me into correct and wise decisions. I decided to return to Emory for my postgraduate training in oral pathology and am especially indebted to my two primary mentors, Dr. D. R. (Ronnie) Weathers and Dr. Steven Budnick, as well as two of my fellow residents, Dr. Craig Fowler and Dr. J. Michael Hall (the coauthor of this textbook). Dr. John Kalmar, at that time a Young Dental Scientist Award winner, also helped and taught me more than I can now remember. Following my stint at Emory, I did a one-year postdoctoral fellowship at Temple University, where Drs. J.C. Chen, Arthur (Art) Miller, and John Fantasia fine-tuned my 3-year postdoctoral training and helped my early transformation into a dedicated faculty member. A seminal moment in my career occurred near the completion of my fellowship when Dr. James Turner asked me to interview for an assistant professor position at UT–Memphis College of Dentistry. He took a chance on me and I am forever grateful as he, Dr. Harry Mincer, and Dr. Marjorie Woods gave me every opportunity to maximize my potential—I couldn't have been luckier and I am forever grateful. Soon after my arrival in Memphis I challenged the American Board of Oral Pathology examination and I am indebted to the oral pathologists of the AFIP, Dr. Fowler, and Dr. Robert Brannon for their willingness to share their education material and expertise. Approximately 11 years ago, my latest career phase began when Dr. Robert (Bob) Goode strongly supported my move to Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Bob was a wonderful mentor who served his country admirably in the U.S. Air Force as an oral pathologist, including a stint as a forensic odontologist. When our country experienced military mass disasters Bob was there to provide closure to the families of the deceased. Unfortunately, poor health forced Bob into early retirement. At Tufts, I learned much with Dr. Eleni Gagari, subsequently with Dr. Lynn Solomon, and most recently with Dr. Hall. A special tip of the hat to Drs. Solomon and Hall for the extra workload they endured as I became more and more active in organized dentistry, particularly within our specialty. Finally, through all these years, the love and support of my deceased parents (Sylvia and Leo) and my current nuclear family (Sandy, Greg, Matt, David), and most especially the time they allowed me to be preoccupied with my professional duties, is appreciated beyond description.

Michael A. Kahn, DDS

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA