AAE Member Dr. Brian McCormack Appears on Hit TLC Show ‘I Am Shauna Rae’
Our very own AAE member Dr. Brian McCormack was featured on an episode of the hit TLC show I Am Shauna Rae, with the show’s star herself as his patient. View a portion of the appearance here.
Prior to the air date, Dr. McCormack reached out to the AAE’s Marketing and Communications Department, and we helped him leverage his appearance and spread the word on social media.
AAE Integrated Communications Manager Elisabeth Lisican also interviewed him about his experience:
Elisabeth Lisican: Please describe how you were approached by the show I Am Shauna Rae to be featured on the show and treat Shauna.
Dr. Brian McCormack: Shauna was referred by a local oral surgeon. There were several teeth that would either require extraction or endodontic therapy. The referring surgeon felt that we could save Shauna’s maxillary first molar which was an important tooth to help maintain for her. The tooth presented some clinical challenges, but we were able to complete the endodontic therapy and Shauna is set up for regular recall visits.
Lisican: In the episode, we see Shauna’s consultation, and, to our delight, audiences are reminded that the ideal scenario is Shauna getting to save her problematic natural tooth. Can you confirm if you went on to treat Shauna and if so, do you know if we will get any follow up on how the tooth is doing in a future episode?
Dr. McCormack: I treated tooth #14 with Endodontic Therapy in a single visit. All the treatment went very well, and on our usual follow-up calls she noted she was feeling well. We will have a one-year recall with the patient. They did record the entire treatment appointment, but I’m not sure if they will be using it in future episodes. I hoped they would, so the public can get a sense of how a treatment visit would go with an Endodontist.
Lisican: How did you prepare your practice for Shauna and the show’s arrival?
Dr. McCormack: Our office has great protocols in place for evaluation and treatment visits with all patients. Therefore, there was not a lot of preparing that was necessary. I treated it as a typical day and kept a full schedule of patients after both of her appointments.
Lisican: How long did the entire shoot last?
Dr. McCormack: They came on two separated visits: the first visit I allocated two hours for them, and I believe it was completed in approximately 90 minutes. For the treatment visit, we left a little more time in case there was an issue with the treatment. Ultimately that visit was about two hours.
Lisican: What was it like working with the crew and stars of a major national TV show?
Dr. McCormack: The crew for the shoot were timely, professional, and had it down to a science. Everyone else involved was great and very easy work with and treat.
Lisican: Why do you feel it’s a good idea to inform the AAE of opportunities like these?
Dr. McCormack: I feel it’s always great to get the word out to the public about what we as Endodontists do to help patients save their natural teeth.
Lisican: Any other thoughts on the experience?
Dr. McCormack: Overall, it was a great experience. It was interesting to see how much work goes into the show to produce just one segment. The ability to make the public aware of the treatment Endodontists provide to help save their teeth is a positive thing.
Note: If you are approached by the media or a television program, please be sure to share your experience with the AAE! Our MarCom team can help you promote your appearance! Email pr@aae.org.