Events - President's Message The President’s Letter In
1984, some 23 years ago, then president Carl Rieder invited me to
attend my first PCSP meeting at the Biltmore in Santa Barbara. While I
was impressed by the astounding quality of the program, the remarkable
high-tech AV of that era, and all the famous dentists in attendance,
what impressed me most was that the secretary-treasurer, David
Eggleston, brought along his computer and set it up at the registration
desk to check in the members and guests. This was 1984 – no laptops, no
compact desktops. Computers were large monsters that took up the entire
backseat of a Suburban, and most people didn’t understand what
computers did, much less own one. Thus, my first impression of
PCSP? Wow – what an amazing group! These folks are really at the
forefront. I like these guys.
Fast-forward 24 years, to the
Big Island of Hawaii, the site of the the 73rd Annual Meeting, June 18
through 21, 2008. The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa is an
incredible property. Following a multimillion dollar renovation, all of
the rooms are brand new, the majority have an ocean view, and the hotel
has the most spectacular grounds of any hotel on the island. Local
Arrangements Chair Joe Cooney has been diligently planning the best
events for our society, including a genuine luau, a fabulous catamaran
cruise plus snorkeling and a picnic, a historic tour and luncheon, and
a room rate that is so attractive you will definitely want to come
early and stay late!
Program Chair Bob Dent has assembled a
stellar group of speakers, the best in their fields, each of whom have
been charged to teach us something – not just show and tell. After all,
members of the PCSP are lifelong learners.
The Editorial Council
for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry (ECJPD) has continued to
support the PCSP, one of its three founding organizations, in many
ways. The Undergraduate Prosthodontic Awards Program, administered by
the committee chaired by Sheila Brear, is entirely funded by the ECJPD.
Scholarships for the Graduate Students' Competition are provided by the
ECJPD. This program has been expertly managed by Steven Sadowsky for
the past few years, and Steve has kindly agreed to continue in his role
of chair of that committee. And last but not least, our website, which
continues to improve by leaps and bounds every year, is provided to us
entirely free of charge by the ECJPD. We are fortunate to have
Christine Wyatt always available to provide us with assistance and
support for the website. Arun Sharma has accepted the positions of
webmaster and chair of the Internet Committee. He has begun with a goal
of achieving 100% on-line membership renewal and 100% on-line
registration by our next annual meeting.
Speaking of Arun, he
has turned over the coffers to Chris Travis. Chris has big shoes to
fill, as Arun was one of the best and most meticulous
secretary-treasurers to serve the PCSP. Thank you, Arun! However, Chris
is enthusiastic and has done a remarkable job thus far. I am confident
that our affairs are in great hands.
This year promises to be an
exciting one as we seek to galvanize all of our committees into action.
Each committee was scrutinized to evaluate its purpose. Those that
appeared to be no longer functional or necessary were dissolved. All
other committees will be expected to either meet in person or by
conference call and complete their charges. New committees were formed,
such as the committee charged with investigating the reorganization of
the regional structure of the society, chaired by Baron Barnett.
Another committee was assigned the task of developing a position paper
on the state of prosthodontic education in our west coast dental
schools, and is chaired by Mark Cruz.
It is a great honor and
privilege to serve as the president of the PCSP during this 2007-2008
term. I thank all of the members, committees and committee chairs for
their continuous support, service and dedication to the society. I look
forward to serving the PCSP this year and working with you, and
encourage all of you to take a proactive role by getting involved and
providing your feedback and suggestions for the betterment of the
society. I wish you a happy and prosperous year.
Baldwin W. Marchack, DDS, MBA
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