Sep
01

CareerFab: Super Dentist Amira Ogunleye!

Have you ever considered straightening your teeth to improve your smile?  Are you thinking about applying to dental school?  Well we have Dr. A to the rescue!  Dr.  Amira Ogunleye is the co-owner of Beautiful Smiles in Florida.  Read on to read her philosophy behind a beautiful smile and how to be successful in the dentistry field!

www.beautifulsmilesfl.com

Instagram:  @beautifulsmilesfl

1) Why did you choose your profession? 

I grew up in a very strict household when it came to my studies. My father was all about education so my options were Medical School, Law School, or Dental School.  I had a horrible smile when I was young, I mean very crooked teeth.  I was very insecure about my smile.  I begged my dad for braces and when I got them finally I felt comfortable smiling. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a dentist. The difference it had on my self-confidence was HUGE.  I knew I wanted to do that for people.

2) What is the favorite part of your job?

Definitely the difference I can make in one’s life. It’s amazing how much a new smile can influence a person’s self-esteem and confidence. That feeling at the end of a case when a patient is overwhelmed with emotional joy.  That’s the BEST.

3) What is the most difficult part of your job?

The importance of details in dentistry is the most difficult part. Something as small as 1mm off is SO significant. You have to be extremely precise. Additionally, I have OCD so I can never accept good; it has to be great and that can be challenging.

4) Who is your mentor (if any)?

My older sister.  She is also a Dentist and I have always admired and looked up to her.  I was blessed to have her guidance along my journey. Everything I am is because of that woman!

5) Best piece of advice for someone pursuing your field?

Stay focused on the end goal because the road will be very tiring, rough and really test your mental stamina. The rainbow after the storm is so BEAUTIFUL and rewarding.

6) If you have not chosen this profession would have you chosen instead?
I would have been a surgeon. I love working with my hands and that’s another profession where you really change lives.

7) Favorite designer?

I wouldn’t say I have a favorite.  It depends on my mood and vibe I’m going for. I have really been into Fe Noel lately. I own so many of her wide leg pants.

8) Favorite makeup brand?

Bobbi Brown

9) Favorite hair care?

I love Shea Moisture products.

10) Favorite skin brand?

There is this amazing face wash I absolutely love called Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser.

11) If you could only choose 5 items to put in your purse everyday, what would they be?

Pink lipstick, Mascara, Hair Tie, and Tooth Brush and Toothpaste of course ?

12) Free plug:)– Anything you would like our readers to know that you are supporting, selling or creating?

The name of my dental practice that I co-own with my sister is called Beautiful Smiles.  We continue to strive to achieve a practice that aims to change lives…one smile at a time.  This year we will be hosting our Summer Children’s Event where we provide free cleanings and dental screenings to those less fortunate individuals who can use a fresh new smile!

Education (Schools Attended)
-Attended Howard University where I completed the BS/DDS program which is an accelerated program where you complete the traditional 8 year degree to become a dentist in 6 years. At the time I was the youngest student to graduate Dental School (I was 23 years old).

-Bachelor of Science Degree Majoring in Biology

-Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree

Certifications or Licenses?

-Certified in Six Month Smiles

-Certified in Invisalign

-Primary Focus on Cosmetic Dentistry

Awards?

-2011  America’s Top Dentists: Cosmetic Dentistry

-2015  America’s Top Dentists: Cosmetic Dentistry and Orthodontics

-2016 Patient’s Choice Award

-2017 America’s Top Dentists: Cosmetic Dentistry

-2017 America’s Top Dentists: Orthodontics and Family Dentistry

 

Nov
15

CareerFab: Team USA’s Dr. Kamali

What do you get when you combine a Olympic Athlete and Stethoscope?  You get Dr. Kamali! Kamali Thompson is currently a MD/MBA Candidate at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and is on the road to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo as a Team USA Sabre Fencing champion!  Kamali is also studying to become a orthopedic sports medicine surgeon.  Read below on tips on surviving the medical professional and the athletic world.

1) Why did you choose your profession?

I have wanted to become a doctor since I was a child going to the pediatrician. There was a certain satisfaction I received after visiting my doctor and knowing I was healthy and going to be okay. After completing my surgery rotation in medical school, I decided to become an orthopedic surgeon. I discovered I loved being in the operating room and would still be able to spend time with my patients during office hours.

2) What is the favorite part of your job?

This year I am doing research in the sports medicine division of orthopedic surgery. As a medical student, this is one of the most exciting years because I have finally found a specialty I am passionate about and I am spending 100% of my time learning about orthopedic surgery.

3) What is the most difficult part of your job?

As a medical student, the biggest challenge is maintaining a work life balance. It’s important that I learn everything possible both inside and outside the hospital, but it’s also important I have enough quality time with friends, family, and myself. Many students and doctors allow their work to fully consume their lives, but after my first two years of medical school I learned I needed emotional support to prevent burn out.

4) Who is your mentor (if any)?

I’m very lucky because I have several mentors. They all have been trailblazers in their careers, especially as African-American women.

5) Best piece of advice for someone pursuing your field?

The medical career path is an extremely long road. I would strongly suggest make sure you have a hobby to ensure you don’t lose yourself in all of your studying. I am also a competitor for the USA fencing team and am I constantly traveling all of over the world. This actually helps me with my studying because my schedule forces me to be more efficient and I stay in shape.

6) If you have not chosen this profession would have you chosen instead?

I would have just focused on my fencing career and been a full-time athlete.

7) Favorite designer?
 Zara, Laquan Smith

8) Favorite makeup brand?
 Fenty

9) Favorite hair care?
 The Mane Choice

10) Favorite skin brand?
 Nivea

11) If you could only choose 5 items to put in your purse everyday, what would they be?

Blistex, Colour Pop Matte Lipstick, NYC Metrocard, phone charger, Nivea hand lotion

12) Free plug:)– Anything you would like our readers to know that you are selling or creating or philanthropic organizations you are apart of?

I would love for readers to check out my education, fitness, and travel blog, Saber & A Stethoscope and follow my journey as a dual degree student on the road to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Education: Rutgers Robert Wood Medical School – MD Candidate, Rutgers Business School, MBA

Awards: Graduated Temple University, B.S. with honors

Fencing Accomplishments

➢ Division I Women’s Saber National Champion (2016)

➢ World University Games Team Member (2013)

➢ PNC Student Athlete of the Year (2011, 2012)

➢ Second Team All-American (2012)

➢ 4-Time NCAA qualifier (2008 – 2012)

Blog: Saber & A Stethoscope  www.kamalithompson.com

IG: @dr.mali.mallz

Twitter: @Kamali_Thompson

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