Student leaders from the Student Professionalism & Ethics Association recognized at annual meetings
Students recently had the opportunity to represent Schulich Dentistry at regional and international meetings as part of their work with the Student Professionalism & Ethics Association. The student-driven organization aims to provide resources that support students’ commitment to ethics in the profession and promote education and awareness regarding issues of ethics and professionalism relevant to dentistry.
In early September, incoming SPEA Schulich president Xue Er Hong (DDS Class of 2021) attended the 9th Annual SPEA Session in San Francisco. Student representatives from dental schools across Canada and the United States met at the conference, receiving leadership training and participating in in-depth discussions on ethics and professionalism in dentistry.
“This truly has been an exciting time in the development of dental ethics at the level of education,” said Xue Er. “SPEA aims to lay a foundation of ethics that will build the framework for integrity among dental professionals. The conference was a great opportunity to discuss the future path of the organization.”
At the annual awards ceremony, SPEA Schulich was selected from among all chapters to receive the Best Regent Communication Award. “We are grateful for the solid foundation that previous executive teams have laid down for us,” said Xue Er, who now feels ready to take on her new role and work with the SPEA Schulich executive team to serve our student body.
SPEA Schulich leaders also attended the Annual General Meeting for the Ontario section of the American College of Dentists. Vice president Caitlin Loo (DDS Class of 2022) and outgoing president Jason Gopaul (DDS Class of 2020) were invited to meet with the ACD fellows and gave a presentation on SPEA initiatives from the past year, as well as goals for the future of SPEA Schulich.
“It was such a pleasure to meet the ACD fellows,” said Caitlin. “They have made so many valuable contributions to the profession of dentistry and to society. It was inspiring to hear about their accomplishments and see how you can continue to volunteer and serve as a leader in the community throughout your career.”
Jason and outgoing co-president Yoon Chi (DDS Class of 2020) were recognized for their leadership and contributions towards promoting ethics and professionalism among students.
To learn more about SPEA Schulich, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/SPEASchulich/
