UCSF at ASDA’s First-Ever National Leadership Convention
By J. Eduardo Molina, DDS Candidate 2015
This past November 2nd-4th, six of our UCSF ASDA members were fortunate enough to attend the first-ever ASDA National Leadership Conference held in Chicago, IL. Nearly 400 students from all over the nation flew out to the windy city to gain invaluable skills, which often cannot be taught in a classroom or clinical setting. While the main focus was on developing “life skills” through leadership training, this conference also offered training in specific areas of dentistry such as dental ethics, business management, and policies affecting the profession.
The National Leadership Convention was comprised of more than 35 breakout sessions, allowing students of all levels to choose which sessions best met their needs. Second year dental student Naomi Kong said, “ One of the greatest things I learned from this weekend was that leadership is not about us as individuals, but rather, it is about our responsibility to do something with the gifts we have.” Niloo Farahani, another second year dental student stated, “ my favorite session was the Tips from the Podium: Public Speaking & Presenting because as I am getting ready to transition from the lecture hall and simulation laboratory onto clinic, I believe that it is essential to learn how to communicate effectively with my patients and become comfortable with my own style of presenting.”
“ASDA has truly done a great job organizing this event into tracks that tailor to the attendees interests and I have learned a lot of practical tips that will help me lead my chapter during this academic year,” said third year Shahab Parsa. Next years National Leadership Conference is anticipated to be an even greater success. If you are interested in getting involved with ASDA, contact any of our ASDA at UCSF representatives and ask for more information.