Eastern Duo Pursue Daring Endeavor for U.S. Success
International Dentists Overcome Obstacles to Succeed in U.S. Career
Drs. Mohammed Almirza and Furqan Alwaely, two dedicated dentists from the Middle East, have triumphed over numerous challenges to establish successful careers in the United States. Their journey, marked by determination and resilience, is a testament to the power of perseverance and the value of high-quality training.
Initially trained and practiced abroad, the couple faced rejections when applying for residency training programs in the U.S. This is a common hurdle for internationally trained dentists due to the highly competitive nature of these programs. However, they refused to be disheartened.
In 2016, they made a bold move, relocating to Rochester, New York, to pursue training at the University of Rochester's Eastman Institute for Oral Health. Their decision was driven by a strong desire to improve their clinical skills and gain advanced education that would enable them to practice at a higher level in the U.S. dental field.
Their hard work and dedication paid off. Drs. Almirza and Alwaely became active participants in the Eastman Institute's Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program, a requirement for practicing in the U.S. They were offered a preceptorship in 2019 and, in late June 2021, they graduated from their respective programs.
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, reflecting the high regard in which they were held. Dr. Sangeeta Gajendra, clinical chief of Community Dentistry, expressed her pleasure in getting to know the couple.
Furqan Alwaely, who has a particular interest in patients with special needs, is thrilled about becoming EIOH faculty and looking forward to helping others, training others, and helping the community of people with special needs. Dr. Almirza has functioned as a teaching assistant in Oral Surgery, Endodontics, and Orthodontics. Dr. Alwaely has served as a teaching assistant in Endodontics and the treatment of patients with Special needs and complex medical conditions.
Their success story underscores the importance of persistence in the face of adversity, the value of seeking out opportunities even when not initially accepted, and the impact of choosing high-quality training to advance one’s professional goals.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Mohammed Almirza gave up his administrative time to help in all clinics. He is grateful for the people who appreciated their efforts over the last four years and is happy about the faculty appointment.
The couple researched many programs but were only interested in Eastman Institute for Oral Health. The University of Rochester's Eastman Institute for Oral Health offers specialized training for dentists, making it an ideal choice for their career advancement.
Their inspiring journey serves as a beacon for many internationally trained health professionals who face significant hurdles in continuing their education and professional development in a new country. By overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities at the University of Rochester, they have paved the way for successful dental careers in the U.S., contributing to the community and the field of oral health.
- Despite initial rejections for residency programs in home-and-garden the United States, Drs. Mohammed Almirza and Furqan Alwaely made a strategic decision to relocate and pursue advanced education in lifestyle education-and-self-development and career-development at the University of Rochester's Eastman Institute for Oral Health.
- With a focus on helping patients with special needs and a commitment to community service, Furqan Alwaely has become an EIOH faculty member. This role allows him to action sports his passion for helping others, train others, and contribute to the development of the community of people with special needs.
