Fall 2010 - University of Rochester Medical Center

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Handelman Conference
Gen Den Camaraderie at Handelman Conference
While the outstanding educational
programs are extremely beneficial, it’s not
the main reason many of the 250 people
attended the annual Handelman Conference
— even from as far away as Mexico, Greece
and Curacao.
“The difference between hearing a good
lecturer in another setting and attending
the Handelman conference, is that
apart from the educational opportunity,
the camaraderie that has always been
characteristic of the AEGD department
— starting with Dr. Malmström and all
the faculty, staff and current residents —
makes you feel more than welcome, it
makes you feel like you’re back home,”
said Luis C. Paras F., DDS (AEGD ‘98).
Paras, who is in private practice in
Queretaro, Mexico, has many fond
memories of his residency program,
including the cultural diversity, the
willingness of instructors and residents to
make the learning experience a lot more that
a mere academic experience. “I look back at
those days with affection and nostalgia,” he
said. “The trip back to Rochester was a great
opportunity to re-live those days and get
back in touch with so many friends.”
(l to r) Drs. Tarnow, Handelman and Malmström
The annual Handelman Conference was
started 16 years ago by Hans Malmström,
DDS, chair, Advanced Education in
General Dentistry, to pay tribute to Dr.
Stanley L. Handelman and his 40-year
career as an educator, researcher, mentor
and friend. Handelman still comes to
Eastman Dental to be involved in teaching
and research and has attended almost all of
the 16 conferences.
The two-day conference provides
presentations and courses about new
technology and procedures. The featured
speaker was Dennis P. Tarnow, DDS, past
professor and chairman of the Department
of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry at
New York University College of Dentistry.
“The scientific program was very
appealing, and Dr. Tarnow’s lecture
exceeded the high expectations that I had
for a learning experience,” Paras added. The
conference offers a variety of social events,
including fine dining at Richardson’s Canal
House and a picnic, hosted by Malmström
at his home.
“The picnic was a great success and we
even had a soccer match that had players
from more countries than the World Cup!”
Paras said.
This was the fifth conference for Eric
C. deBrabander, DDS, (AEGD ‘86), of
Curacao, a southern Caribbean island, 40
miles off the coast of Venezuela. He shares
a private practice with Dr. Leo Walters,
who also attends. “Of course we come
for educational purposes, but the main
reason we come that far is social,” he said.
“I am good friends with some of the staff
members, and enjoy spending time with Dr.
Handelman, Dr. Meyerowitz and
Dr. Malmström.
“One of the good things my residency
did for me was that it taught me to think
more academically and globalized my way of
(l to r) Drs. deBrabander, Handelman
and Meyerowitz
looking at things,” he explained. “While in
Rochester, I did a study and wrote a paper
that was published in the International
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, of
which I am proud. It opened the door to
more publications and my involvement as a
coach for students of the University of
Groningen, Holland who do research in the
Caribbean under my supervision.”
(l to r) Drs. Marakigis, Paras and Kahn
Dimitrios Maragakis, DDS (AEGD ‘85)
who is in private practice in Greece, has
attended five Handelman Conferences.
“I always enjoy the conferences!” he said.
“Besides the outstanding level of dental
education provided, the conference is a great
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