CHICAGO — Dr. Louis E. Rossman of Philadelphia, Pa., was elected president of the American Association of Endodontists during its 2008 Annual Session, held April 9 – 12 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Dr. Rossman has been actively involved in the activities of the Association for years, serving as president-elect from 2007-2008, vice president from 2006-2007, secretary from 2005-2006, treasurer from 2004-2005, and District I director from 2000-2003, while also participating in the work of numerous committees including Research and Scientific Affairs, Workforce Assessment, Public and Professional Affairs, and Strategic Planning. He also has played an integral role in planning numerous annual sessions, serving as general chair of the meeting in 2002.
“Dr. Rossman has a unique blend of leadership, drive and endodontic acumen that will aid him as he leads the Association during his presidency,” said AAE Immediate Past President Shepard S. Goldstein. “I am certain he is the right leader at the right time to deal with the challenges the Association faces.”
Dr. Rossman is looking to place an emphasis on three different areas during his tenure—education/science, clinical practice and spirit. Education and science will be addressed through many initiatives, including a consensus conference on diagnostic terminology that will take place in October.
“We are at several crossroads in endodontics and are approaching them from a position of strength,” said Dr. Rossman. “I hope to enhance this great advantage and carry out the traditions set forth by my mentors and teachers, Drs. I.B. Bender, D. Walter, Mort Amsterdam and my father Samuel Rossman.”
Additionally, he hopes to address the topic of implants for future generations of endodontists. The AAE will drive this initiative at the 2008 Fall Conference, to be held this November in San Francisco, Calif.
“The AAE should be a driving force in education of its members. This course is designed to educate our members.” Dr. Rossman said.
In addition to his leadership in the AAE, Dr. Rossman has been a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics since 1981. He has provided guidance and support to the specialty’s certifying board as president (1994-1995) and director (1989-1995). His professional activity extends to several other dental organizations as well, including the American Dental Association, Louis I. Grossman Endodontic Study Club (president, 1986-1987), Eastern Dental Society (president, 1988-1989), Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity and the Philadelphia County Dental Society.
Dr. Rossman maintains a full-time practice limited to endodontics in center city Philadelphia and is a clinical professor of endodontics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He is chair emeritus of the I.B. Bender Division of Endodontics at the Albert Einstein Medical Center, and works as a clinical associate professor of surgery and medicine at both Drexel University College of Medicine and Thomas Jefferson University. He also serves as a consultant in endodontics for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Rossman is an accomplished author, writing numerous research papers on endodontic topics and contributing to many endodontic textbooks. He has lectured extensively throughout the world.
He received his D.M.D. degree in 1975 and his certificate in endodontics in 1977 from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He and his wife Val reside in Bala Cynwyd, Pa., with their two children.
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The American Association of Endodontists, headquartered in Chicago, represents more than 6,900 members worldwide, including approximately 95 percent of all eligible endodontists in the United States. The Association, founded in 1943, is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care. The Association inspires its members to pursue professional advancement and personal fulfillment through education, research, advocacy, leadership, communication and service.