Educator Research Committee
Dr. Mark Felton
For the third year in a row, the Southwestern Society of Orthodontists has made a commitment to orthodontic educators by providing funding for various activities which promote educator enrichment and development. Through the SWSO Educator Research Committee, faculty at the four university orthodontic programs received support in three different areas. This year, a total of $31,000 was dispersed among the programs.
The first area consisted of an Educator Research Award in the amount of $6,000. This was a competitive award for the support of research endeavors. Submissions were received from all four programs. For 2005, Dr. Robert P. Lee of the University of Texas at Houston was the recipient. Dr. Lee was presented his award during the 2005 SWSO Annual Session in Austin.
The second area consisted of distribution of funds to each of the departments for faculty development. These funds could be used for research, equipment, attendance to the AAO Annual Session or other meetings related to professional enrichment. After expenses of committee activities, each department received $5,577.84.
The third and final area this past year was the holding of the first ever SWSO Educator Research Meeting. This half day session was also held during the 2005 SWSO Annual Session in Austin. Eleven educators/researchers from the four programs were in attendance along with the three Committee members. Topics included overviews of research at the programs, potential of faculty sharing and ideas for future interacting of the programs. Three academic issues-teaching, research and service were discussed. Those in attendance agreed that institutions must be flexible so faculty members have opportunities to grow academically. Responsibilities in too many areas can spread the faculty member too thin. Each full time faculty member registered for the SWSO Annual Session and in attendance at the Educator Research Meeting received a $200 award. The session ended with a group luncheon. The attendees agreed this format was very useful and have already suggested ideas for a similar program during 2006 Annual Session in Kansas City.
Response from the various faculty members and administrators of the universities have expressed their gratitude to the SWSO for its ongoing support of this program. Additionally, the SWSO continues to be recognized nationally as the only AAO Constituent to offer such a unique program supporting academics in this era of diminished funding for orthodontic educators.