APO Officers attend “I Learn, We Learn” Leadership Training Program

By Dr. Diana Dorothy A. Lim

New Year, Fresh Goals! Last January 17, six of the newly-elected officers of the Association of Philippine Orthodontists (APO) attended the “I Learn, We Learn” Leadership Training Program organized by the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) in collaboration with United Laboratories, Inc. (Unilab).

This is the first of a series of lectures, workshops and consultations offered to all PDA Executive Board, PDA House of Delegates Officers, Chapter and Affiliate Officers, Officers of International Dental Organizations which include the Philippine Section of the International College of Dentists (ICD), the Pierre Fauchard and the Association Dentaire Internationale (ADI). This was held at the Bayanihan Center located at Pioneer St., Pasig City. It aims to give the new sets of officers a suitable training to enable them to competently handle their positions in their respective organizations.

The APO team was headed by its new term President Dr. Robert Tan, President-elect Dr. Laarni Serraon, Secretary Dr. Diana Dorothy Lim, Treasurer Dr. Rose Liobing-Sia, Auditor Dr. Katherine Ong and Director for Ways and Means Dr. Marie Vic Reyes.

The APO, which is an affiliate of the PDA being the recognized orthodontic specialty group in the country, was included in the first batch of four for the 1st session. Together with them are the PDA Executive board, ADI and ICD Officers, Pierre Fauchard Officers, PCOMS, PAFJO-TMJ, Fil-Chi, Novaliches Dental Professionals, Inc. and Kalookan Dental Chapter Officers.

Course Director and Facilitator Mr. Gerardo Plana, Executive Director of People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) ably tackled the concept of leadership; differentiated the leadership styles and practices and described the qualities of an “Inspiring Leader” adopted particularly to dental organizations which are voluntary by nature. Volunteer organizations are essentially at the service of the members of their respective groups. Work sessions include defining the vision and mission of the PDA and making inspirational speeches to effectively get their message across.

This is indeed a very commendable project of the PDA with the generous support of Unilab to uplift and enhance the leadership potentials of our future dental officers for the benefit of the dental health care sector in general.