Each month an active member of our AAE Connection Community will be highlighted.
Position:
I am retired from clinical endodontics after 41 years in private practice. I now live in the foothills of Golden, Colorado and spend my time as a practice transition consultant for Phase II Dental Transitions and I coach and write for Line of Sight Coaching, LLC; both of which I cofounded.
Career Highlights:
- Cofounder of North Texas Endodontic Associates in Plano, Texas
- MBA from Texas The University Rawls School of Business, with an emphasis in healthcare management
- Professional Executive Coaching Certification from the University of Texas at Dallas, Jindal School of Management. Board Certified executive Leadership Coach.
- Cofounder of Phase II Dental Transitions and Line of Sight Coaching, LLC
Why Endodontics:
As a dental student at the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston, I was befriended by two wonderful mentors, Dr. Frank Trice and Dr. Steve Schwartz, both of whom were endodontists. They influenced my decision to pursue a career in endodontics; a decision that I have never regretted.
Best Piece of Career Advice:
Live a life based on a philosophy of abundance. Make those around you successful because it is in your best interest that they succeed. You will benefit greatly from their success.
Endo Challenge:
There was a point in my career, after twenty plus years in practice, when I felt lost and disillusioned. Through my continued education, and my work with professional coaches, I discovered that my disillusionment was caused by a leadership developmental gap. I realized that I was leading with the same outdated and ineffective leadership skills that I possessed when I first entered practice. As my practice grew, it outpaced my ability to effectively lead it.
While studying for my MBA, I was introduced to modern leadership principles that have served me well ever since. I also realized that we must be able to scale our leadership in this world of ever-increasing volatility. Imagine if you still practiced endodontics with an outdated skill set from twenty plus years ago. Just like our clinical competencies, our leadership competencies must keep pace with the demands we face.
Reason for Becoming an AAE member:
I have always believed that we function best as a group. I have never seen other endodontists as my competition. I see them as colleagues. I learn from my colleagues and enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with them. The AAE provides opportunities for us to focus our collective efforts for the good and betterment of our profession. I truly believe that are stronger and better together.
Fun Fact:
I love living in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains where I can spend my free time fly fishing in pristine mountain streams. There is something spiritual about immersing myself in this beautiful environment.
Community Question:
What are the blind spots and self-limiting beliefs that are preventing you from reaching your goals? Carl Jung, the noted psychologist made this profound statement:
“Until we make the unconscious conscious, it will direct our lives and we will call it fate.”
If you have a member you would like to recommend, please email your submission to communityadmin@aae.org