penn dental - University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

ALUMNI PROFILE:
Dr. Ronald Gutman (D’74)
By Alandress Gardner
As Penn Dental Medicine’s newest
Alumni Society Executive Committee
President, Dr. Ronald Gutman (D’74)
believes that the key to fostering support
and involvement among alumni
is to create personal connections and
encourage graduates to reflect on how
their education has had an affect on
their lives. He not only endorses this
philosophy—he lives by it.
Dr. Gutman has been giving back
to Penn Dental Medicine with both his
time and financial resources, grateful
for the knowledge and experience that
has enabled him to build a successful
private practice in New York City. In
partnership with his wife, Dr. Ellen
Heuman, their 34-year practice focuses
on cosmetic, restorative, and implant
dentistry. The couple met as undergraduates
at George Washington
University, building a family and
practice together; they have two sons,
Spencer and Drew Heuman-Gutman,
ages 21 and 17, respectively.
“I believe that when a School has
given you so much, alumni have
an obligation to give something
back to the School for the next
generation of dentists.”
“The reason we have these lives
and enjoy our profession is because
of the fine education we received,”
reflects Dr. Gutman. “I believe that
when a School has given you so much,
alumni have an obligation to give
something back to the School for the
next generation of dentists.”
34 alumni: news
Dr. Ronald Gutman (D’74)
Along with Dr. Gutman’s personal
commitment to engaging alumni
support for the School, he also brings
a strong record of fundraising to the
Executive Committee presidency, previously
serving as Chair of the development
committee at one
of his son’s schools and
helping to lead a capital
campaign over two
years. An active member
of the Executive
Committee since 2004,
Dr. Gutman has served
two years as Chair of
the Annual Giving
Committee. “Being part
of the Executive Committee has been
a unique experience,” he says. “In
addition to gaining some special insight
into the operation of the School, I have
had an opportunity to develop personal
relationships with esteemed colleagues
and other leaders in the dental community
that have prepared me for this
new role at Penn Dental Medicine.”
Dr. Gutman has also been actively
involved with Penn Dental Medicine
students. In 2007, he established a
shadowing program to help enhance
students’ academic experience,
providing opportunities for those in
their third- or fourth-year to spend a
day or two at a practice in New York.
“This program presents a wonderful
opportunity for students to have a
hands-on experience in a practice
environment with the ability to ask
questions about specific specialties.
The students have learned a tremendous
amount by spending time in
these practices,” Dr. Gutman says.
Nearly a dozen students have participated
in the program and as the
program gains more exposure
Dr. Gutman hopes for greater
involvement. This fall, he is implementing
the program in Philadelphia
and New Jersey. In addition to
arranging shadowing placements,
Dr. Gutman is available as a mentor,
offering professional advice.
To encourage an active Alumni
Society, Dr. Gutman’s goal is to
increase the number of and involvement
in alumni events. In addition
to the popular Alumni Weekend, an
annual opportunity for graduates to
reestablish relationships, he envisions
organizing more events in the tri-state
area, where Penn Dental Medicine
alumni are most numerous. “It’s
important to engage each other more
often while staying closely connected
to the School,” he says.
Under Dr. Gutman’s leadership,
student input from those who attend
Executive Committee meetings will
continue to be a source of inspiration.
“Their involvement in advances in
dental medicine keeps Penn on the
cutting edge of dental research and
education.” He also emphasizes that
student relationships with alumni
strengthens their connection with the
School. “It’s important for them to
have great experiences here at Penn
Dental Medicine, graduating with a
positive attitude and remaining engaged
throughout their career.”