On 28 May, our very own Dr Ramini Shankumar, Unit Director of Monash Health Dental Services, was inducted into the Pierre Fauchard Academy (PFA), in recognition of her outstanding leadership in oral health.
The PFA, who recognise and develop outstanding leadership internationally, has acknowledged Ramini’s exceptional contribution to the dental profession, including (but not limited to):
- Bringing together world-renowned speakers at Melbourne conferences for over 15 years
- Chairing the Public Sector Dentists Committee on the Australian Dental Association Victorian branch to negotiate a pay increase for public sector dentists in 2016/2017
- Forming the International Association of Dental Research Southern Metro Victoria section and chairing the section to bring together clinicians to research and promote evidence-based practice
Dr Ramini Shankumar, front row, third from right
Dr Shankumar was honoured to receive this fellowship and acknowledges that without her family, it wouldn’t have been possible.
“This award is dedicated to my family, especially my husband, for allowing me to work on these activities outside of normal working hours. The sacrifices were enormous and without my family’s support and encouragement, I could not have achieved this career growth,” she said.
Within Monash Health Dental Services, Dr Shankumar has been providing outstanding leadership to clinicians, contributing to innovative thinking, and improving the way our services are delivered to vulnerable populations in our community.
She has also led research activities at Monash Health, collaborating with various key stakeholders and presenting research at various international conferences, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.
“I am also thankful to Monash Health for supporting me continuously in my career growth. I started as a junior clinician 30 years ago and to receive a fellowship status from PFA is very rewarding and fulfilling,” she said.
Well done on your incredible achievement Ramini.
Main image (L-R): Dr Gitika Sanghvi (Chair Vic/Tas Section), Dr Ramini Shankumar and Dr Deborah Cockrell (President Australasian Region).
Approved by: Anjali Dhulia