Hometown: Naperville, IL
Education: Undergraduate: Augustana College, Rock Island, IL; Dental School: Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, Alton, IL;
Describe Yourself in Three Words: motivated, focused, pragmatic
Place of Employment and Position: General Dentist at Midwest Dental – Fond du Lac East.
What do you enjoy the most about your current position?
I encounter a huge variety of cases each day. Every appointment is unique and I have the opportunity to explore creative solutions for a wide range of patients’ needs.
What is the one thing you would do if you knew you could not fail?
I’ve been passionate about coffee for a long time. If I knew that I could open a coffee shop without it interfering with my work at the dental practice, I absolutely would!
How has YPF contributed to your personal and/or professional development?
I’ve only been living and practicing in Fond du Lac for a year now, after this office recruited me out of my previous office in Naperville. I knew almost nobody in Wisconsin, so this organization has fast tracked my social networking and enabled me to develop some amazing relationships in just a short time.
Who or what is your source of professional inspiration?
My father, Dave, has always been an example of what it means to work hard and put others before yourself. My entire life I’ve heard him say “there’s an easy way and a right way to do it.” He’s always encouraged me to face the challenged in my life, personally and professionally, the “right way!”
What are some of the professional and volunteer groups you participate in?
Besides Young Professionals, I’m also a member of the Wisconsin Dental Association.
What is your favorite thing to do in the Fond du Lac area?
I love running, hiking, and biking. In warmer weather you can often find me out around the lake.
Where do you see the Fond du Lac area in 5 years?
I anticipate that I’ll remain at this dental practice for quite a while. The staff and patients have made my transition here so easy, and I enjoy the work that we do on a daily basis. I would love to continue to establish some roots here.
What words of wisdom do you have for other young professionals working in Fond du Lac?
Treat your youth like an investment. Figure out how to enrich yourself professionally while you’re young, while you have the lowest expenses you’ll ever have. Life only gets more and more expensive as time goes on. By investing in yourself early on, you’ll be able to better position yourself to accomplish your goals.
In keeping with YPF’s theme for this year, “Create Your Change,” how have you or will you create your change?
I believe that technology is improving all fields of healthcare, at an incredibly rapid rate. I strive to remain educated on new technologies, materials, and methods that are emerging in dentistry. These advances then enable my team and I to create our change at Midwest!
For more information on the Young Professionals of Fond du Lac, visit www.ypfdl.org.