I hold a PhD in Medical Genetics with specialty in Cranio-facial genetics. As a geneticist, I saw many children with facial defects involving cleft lip/palate, facial and craniofacial malformations/deficiencies, and my role was to refer them for care. I wanted to be involved in their treatment rather than being a passive observer, Oral Maxillofacial surgery allows me to be directly involved in their treatment.
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons; American College of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons; International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Illinois Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Association of Military Surgeons, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, American Society of Dental Anesthesiology, American Academy of Oral Medicine, American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Illini District Dental Society.