by Grace A. Curcuru, D.D.S.
The Michigan Dental Foundation proudly presents Catharine Cho as a recipient of the 2007-2008 Michigan Dental Foundation Robert D. Mitus Scholarship Award.
Cho is a third-year dental student at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in Ann Arbor. I had the opportunity to chat with the recipient and would like to share some of her thoughts and inspirations regarding dentistry:
1. Where do you go to school and what schools have you attended on your journey to becoming a dental professional?
I am currently a third-year dental student at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. I received my bachelor’s degree from UM, as well. I was born right here in Ann Arbor.
2. Why did you want to become a dental professional?
I wanted to become a dental professional after working at a dental office while I was an undergrad. I have always wanted to go into the health profession and found that dentistry fulfilled my desire of helping others.
3. Who inspired/mentored you along the way?
A friend of my father, Dr. Don Heys, has inspired me along the way to make dentistry my career.
4. What is the best advice you have been given while in the pursuit of your career?
I think the best advice I was given was to "work hard, play hard." I truly think that hard work pays off as long as you find time to enjoy yourself at the same time.
5. What advice can you give to students thinking about pursuing a career in dentistry?
Definitely seek it out and explore dentistry as much as you can. The more you immerse yourself in something, the more you will be able to know if it is right for you.
6. What do you enjoy the most about dentistry?
I enjoy interacting with patients and find intrinsic satisfaction from knowing that I helped someone.
7. Can you share a story about dental school that made you realize that dentistry was the right profession for you?
I knew dentistry was the right field for me when I realized that I did not like dealing with deaths when I volunteered at the hospital as an undergrad.
8. Is there one procedure you enjoy the most?
I do not think that I can say that there is "one procedure" that I enjoy the most just yet. It is too soon in my career to say that I have a favorite procedure.
9. How has winning the Michigan Dental Foundation Scholarship helped you?
Winning the Michigan Dental Foundation Scholarship has helped me immensely in reducing my loans and I am so grateful for such an opportunity.
10. Where do you see yourself in six months after graduation? And then in three to 10 years?
I think that right now I would like to pursue higher education post graduation like a residency. Then in three to 10 years, I would like to settle down and practice.
11. Have you attended any local, state or national dental meetings? If so, what did you enjoy about attending the meeting?
I have not attended any major dental meetings (yet!), but hope to do so in the future. I did attend last year’s annual MDA dinner and seminar which I found very interesting and informative. I liked learning about the "real life" situations that occur outside of the school.
12. Do you see yourself participating in organized dentistry, serving on a committee?
I do see myself participating in organized dentistry or a committee, especially the ones that I have been exposed to thus far from the MDA and ADA.
13. What do you like to do beyond dentistry? Any hobbies, talents, etc.?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends traveling and shopping. Thank you for a glimpse into the life of a Michigan Dental Foundation Robert D. Mitus Scholarship recipient. Your hard work and efforts are clearly demonstrated. You will be an asset to the dental profession.
The Michigan Dental Foundation awards scholarships annually to dental, dental hygiene and dental assisting students. We believe that the people of Michigan deserve exceptional oral health professionals. All scholarships are given to Michigan residents attending Michigan universities and colleges. The Michigan Dental Foundation is devoted to becoming the philanthropic leader of the oral health community in order to fund student scholarships, provide oral health initiatives and access to care.
Smiling future start here!