Daring Steps Taken by a Middle Eastern Duo Pursuing the American Dream
Drs. Mohammed Almirza and Furqan Alwaely, two internationally trained dentists, moved to the United States in 2016 with a shared ambition to further their education and expertise at one of the nation's top oral health programs. Originally from the Middle East, the couple settled in the U.S. to provide a stable life for their two sons, aged 11 and 13.
Their journey was not easy. They faced initial challenges common to internationally trained professionals, such as credential evaluations, passing U.S. dental licensing exams, and competing for limited residency spots. However, they persisted and did not give up on their dream.
In 2019, they were both accepted to a 6-month Preceptorship at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH) at the University of Rochester. This was a significant milestone in their journey, marking their first step towards achieving their goal.
During their Preceptorship, Dr. Furqan Alwaely shared her passion for treating patients with special needs. She demonstrated her dedication to this field, which is reflected in EIOH's two departments dedicated to patients with special needs. Dr. Mohammed Almirza, on the other hand, demonstrated his strong work ethic and willingness to help wherever needed. His gentle demeanor, ability to get along with everyone, and desire to make things right helped him excel in his role as ombudsman.
Their persistence and dedication led to their acceptance into the EIOH's AEGD program the following year. This advanced education in general dentistry was crucial for them to practice in the U.S. During their time in the program, both Drs. Almirza and Alwaely were active participants and functioned as teaching assistants in various specialties, including Oral Surgery, Endodontics, Orthodontics, and the treatment of patients with Special needs and complex medical conditions.
Their hard work and commitment did not go unnoticed. Dr. Furqan Alwaely was recognized with the Christine Burns Ideal Project Award for her advocacy of patient rights and improving medical and dental services for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dr. Almirza was chosen to be the ombudsmen for the biggest department during the Covid-19 pandemic, giving up his admin time to help in all clinics.
Their journey at EIOH not only honed their clinical skills but also integrated them into the U.S. dental professional community. This experience allowed them to expand their career opportunities, contributing significantly to their professional growth. In 2021, they graduated from their respective programs and were invited to join the EIOH faculty.
Dr. Sangeeta Gajendra, clinical chief of Community Dentistry, expressed her pleasure in getting to know Drs. Almirza and Alwaely. Dr. Adela Planerova, dental site director at the Complex Care Center, encouraged Dr. Alwaely to apply for a fellowship with the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program. Both Drs. Almirza and Alwaely are grateful for the support they received along their journey and express excitement about joining the EIOH faculty.
Their story is often highlighted as an example of resilience and determination, demonstrating how internationally educated dentists can achieve their professional goals in the U.S. through commitment to excellence and persistence in the face of obstacles.
Their dedication to education-and-self-development, as evidenced by their pursuit of advanced learning opportunities, played a crucial role in their journey. The acceptance into the Eastman Institute for Oral Health's AEGD program and subsequent faculty appointment marked significant steps towards personal-growth, both professionally and personally.
