Dean Feldman Recognized for Commitment to Education, Patient Care
Dean Cecile A. Feldman
RSDM Dean Cecile A. Feldman this month received a Shils Award for her commitment to training the next generation of dental care providers and her focus on access to care and clinical excellence.
She was also noted for her efforts to increase cultural competency among students and other caregivers.
The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to innovative leadership in health care, annually honors people, organizations, and programs that positively influence the dental community and the public oral health arena. There are five Shils Awards bestowed each year.
"This year's honorees represent some of the oral health field's brightest minds, boldest thinkers, and biggest hearts, and we are humbled by their talent, generosity, and dedication to Ed's values of entrepreneurship and education," said Steve W. Kess, Chairman of The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund's Board of Directors.
He said Shils, the organization’s namesake, who served as the Executive Director of the Dental Manufacturers of America and the Dental Dealers of America for almost 50 years, would be proud of the awardees’ accomplishments. “Their creativity, ambition, and compassion have expanded access to care, pursued innovation, and embraced challenges for the opportunities they offer,’’ he said.
Dr. Shils, who was a professor and Chair of the Management Department at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, was instrumental in establishing the Wharton Entrepreneurial Center, the first institute dedicated to the academic study of entrepreneurialism.
Feldman said the award was more than a recognition of her own achievements but a testament to the dedication of RSDM’s faculty, staff and students. “They work hard every day to improve the health of our patients and the communities we serve. Every day, they strive to advance the latest knowledge of dentistry and make valuable contributions to scientific research. I consider this an award for them as well,'' she said.
Other recipients were Kathleen O'Loughlin, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the American Dental Association, and the Ohio-based Children's Oral Health Network for its commitment to providing accessible and affordable oral health care to children in the Cincinnati area and Dr. Joseph McManus, an Associate Clinical Professor of Dental Medicine and the Director of Practice Management at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. McManus, recently appointed the Executive Director of Columbia's Community DentCare program, received this year's Special Recognition Award.
Dr. Amid Ismail, Dean of the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry, was recognized for being a global ambassador for oral health.
