Several years ago I spent three grueling days lecturing at dental schools in India. It was a true ego trip. When you are introduced by the President of the University, it is special. When he spells it out to the students in the clearest King’s English that we are all here to listen, to learn, and use this knowledge and leave school "to make our people healthier," it is scary, and refreshing, especially. when you notice his wife is in the front row, pen in hand, for the day. One day three dental school Directors (Deans) were there. Now that’s class!
Nearly exhausted by the end of the final lecture, Dr. Yusuf pushed me toward the door, toward the car, to catch the train to Mumbai (Bombay), to board the plane to Amsterdam bound for Atlanta, then to home in Omaha. But a young dentist stepped forward to stop us in the school hallway. He asked for a moment, and proceeded to explain his research on calcium materials.
My host, Dr. Yusuf, begged. "I will be telling you, Dr. Manhart, we will miss the train! Please come now,"
"Yusuf, can’t we listen for a minute." I begged.
The young Periodontist continued, "You will see, doctor, my results are exactly what you predicted, 9.5 to 9.7."I dared him to answer. "And they hold there for three days?"
"Ah yes, it will be certainly so." he smiled.
I gathered his hand, his arm, and wanted to hug him, but that would not do in the crowd.
"Doctor, you should have been lecturing with me all this time." I said. "Now, you must publish it."
That was all the we had time for rushing down the steps into the tropical heat.
I don’t remember much of the trip back home until Amsterdam when I could hardly figure out how to find my flight across the Pond to Atlanta. However, in that short encounter the young Periodontist had detailed one of the most difficult concepts we struggled with for years. Someday I will meet that Dr. Ka ……… ??? I hope the Internet can do that so we can thank him.
However one says THANK YOU in Hindi (
), that dentist deserves more. – Dr. Manhart