Dr. Walaa Ahmed
Dr. Walaa Ahmed, graduate prosthodontics student, placed third in the John J. Sharry Research Competition at the American College of Prosthodontists Annual Meeting, held in Baltimore, Maryland, on November 2, 2018.
Her abstract, “Marginal Discrepancies of Monolithic Zirconia Crowns Under the Influence of Different Preparation Designs and Sintering Techniques,” was one of only six chosen as finalists for the annual competition. Finalists were judged by external peer-reviewed examiners with a weighting of 60 percent on the manuscript and 40 percent on the oral presentation.
“Receiving this award was an honorable accomplishment for me, she says and adds, “Having had the opportunity to present my research, which is part of my PhD thesis, and receive wonderful feedback from different researchers and clinicians all over North America was very rewarding.”
Ahmed says that having had the chance to discuss, ask and answer questions with such brilliant minds in the same room was a phenomenal experience and learning opportunity. “This has inspired me as a clinician and researcher, towards future projects that will further expand my horizons and will hopefully continue to positively impact the field of prosthodontics and dental biomaterials,” she says.
Dr. Walaa Ahmed (R) with Dr. Geoffrey Thompson (C), ACP Research Committee Chair and Dr. Leonard Kobren (L), Chair, ACP Education Foundation.
Ahmed attributes her success and is grateful to many people including, in her words: “My great mentor and supervisor, Dr. Ricardo Carvalho, and my advisory committee, Dr. Tom Troczynski, Dr. Anthony McCullagh and Dr. Chris Wyatt for their continuous guidance throughout my research.”
Additionally she says: “I would like to commend the great contributions from my colleagues Dr. Arwa Gazzaz and Dr. Mohamed Nur Abdallah. Also, I greatly appreciate the generous financial support from King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Saudi Arabia, the American College of Prosthodontics Education Foundation award (ACPEF), USA, and the Ivoclar Vivadent company. I would also like to thank the Canadian Dental Specialities Association (CDSA) who recognized my participation in the Sharry Competition and generously awarded me with a CDSA travel award. Lastly, and most importantly, thank you to my father Dr. Magdy Eissa, my husband Dr. Khaled Fawaz and my little sweethearts at home who were the best encouragement for me to win this competition. I dedicate this award to my mother Dr. Awatif Khogeer who deserved all my success.”