- LETTER
Laudation in celebration of our mentor on his 55th birthday, Professor Georgios E. Romanos
DOI: https://doi.org.10.25241/stomaeduj.2019.6(4).letter.1
Authors
Fawad Javed, Rafael Delgado-Ruiz
Professor Romanos is a fascinating personality, globally renowned for his qualifications and skills in Periodontology, Oral Surgery, Implant Dentistry, Prosthodontics and Laser dentistry. He is an example of an internationally oriented leader in clinical dental sciences and related research.
He got his DDS degree in Greece (1987); he then joined the Free University of Berlin, for advanced training in Periodontology and completion of his Doctoral degree (magna cum laude) on the distribution of collagen types in the healthy periodontal tissues of rats and monkeys (Marmoset).
After his successful training in Periodontology, Professor Romanos attended the Albert Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, (advanced training in Prosthodontics) and later the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt (training in Oral Surgery and Implant Dentistry). His extensive training and professional dedication made him a recognized and board-certified Oral Surgeon in Germany.
He completed his postdoc (Dr habil) and became an Associate Professor at the University of Frankfurt, Department of Oral Surgery and Implant Dentistry. In addition, he developed an interest for Laser Dentistry, and Laser Applications in Oral Surgery and Periodontology.
He moved to New York (2004) as a Clinical Professor at the New York University College of Dentistry where he worked and mentored national and international dentists. He also became Director of Laser Sciences for the New York University and later on Professor of Clinical Dentistry at the University of Rochester working and promoting research at the Eastman Institute of Oral Health (EIOH).
Despite his heavy schedule (patients and academic activities), Professor Romanos completed the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester, NY) and became Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.
He was hired by the Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine (2012) as an Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, and also tenured Professor. He is the Founder of the Laboratory of Periodontal-, Implant-, Phototherapy (La-PIP), promoting research on bone-implant interface, peri-implantitis, implant macro-design, and also phototherapy to improve wound healing and evaluating innovative techniques in dentistry.
He has more than 400 scientific publications and book chapters and is one of the primary authors of five scientific books. His contributions have been cited in innumerable occasions, as reference for other authors, have been verified in posterior studies, and his work is utilized in multiple predoctoral and postgraduate programs as reference study. He is an energetic source of inspiration given his love for dentistry and academia. He is recognized for his high productivity and active participation in scientific organizations and for his vision for innovative research, as he includes young clinicians and professionals without borders and distinction of gender, origin, race, religion and educational background.
He has supervised multiple Master and PhD students with original works that have significantly shaped the practice of periodontology and implant dentistry. Professor Romanos has provided worldwide mentorship, and many of his mentees are now in academia conducting active research. Not only students but also colleagues have received his guidance, like ourselves or other academics and clinicians that have received his guidance and who are now in leading positions in the dental field.
Professor Romanos is a Fellow of several renowned dental organizations, which include the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Leadership Institute, American Academy of Periodontology, American Association for Dental Research (AADR), International College of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Great of New York Academy of Prosthodontics and Academy of Osseointegration. Recently, he received the T.H. Maiman Research Award for Excellence in Clinical Research from the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD). Professor Romanos is a multifaceted professional, as well as a leader building a supportive culture of teaching and learning to educate and inspire students, help them discover their talents and explore their future in dental sciences and research.
His original ideas and unique concepts (immediate loading, one abutment at a time, laser therapy, medically compromised patients, risk factors in implant therapy) expanded the possibilities of the implant therapy. He is a team-player as shown by his vast global collaborations reflected in his lectures and scientific activities.
Learning from Professor Romanos has been a pleasure and his eagerness to further excel in academia and research will help him reach further milestones in his career.
For many of us, Professor Romanos is a model of scientific, mentorship, and commitment qualities. He is also a friend that encourages us to be better and follow the correct path.
Professor Romanos has inspired us, and we wish him all the best!