New Practitioner Spotlight: Dr. Rachel Kurcz Anderson
Compiled by Dr. Austyn Grissom
From treating Marines at a field exercise at 29 Palms to running a dental clinic at the home of Top Gun, Dr. Rachel Kurcz Anderson has had a remarkable journey to becoming an Endodontist. In today’s New Practitioner Spotlight, Dr. Anderson will reflect on some of the experiences that have shaped her, and share more about what life has been like since completing her residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio this past summer.
The Paper Point: I really appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us, Dr. Anderson. I must start by congratulating you on your recent news that you conquered the ABE Oral Examination! That is such a huge feat, and I know that you are glad to have that one behind you… only one step to go! Tell everyone a little bit about yourself.
Dr. Anderson: Thank you! Congratulations to everyone who challenged the Oral Board this fall – it was not an easy feat whatsoever. I am a native of Detroit, Michigan and grew up skiing on a small local hill and dreaming of any time I could ski in the mountains.
The Paper Point: At what point did you decide to pursue dentistry, and what influenced that decision?
Dr. Anderson: I was in braces myself when I decided I wanted to become a dentist. My own orthodontist was inspiring to me, as she was a practice owner who also spent time teaching at two programs. She let me shadow even as a high school student, and helped me find other specialists to shadow. Her influence and encouragement really secured my interest in dentistry.
The Paper Point: During your time as a dentist in the Navy, you had some cool assignments. Share with our readers a little bit about some of these experiences, and how these experiences shaped you as a clinician.
Dr. Anderson: I started off at Camp Pendleton, which is a Marine Corps base in North San Diego County. I was fortunate to be in an AEGD program where I learned more about all specialties, especially prosthodontics, orofacial pain, and orthodontics. In my second year there, I was selected to be the dentist for a Marine Corps field exercise called ITX. I was sleeping on a cot in my camouflage dental tent and doing dental readiness for 2 months to kick off the year 2020! During my time at ITX, I frequently saw endodontic emergencies. It was a turning point for me to select endodontics as a specialty because I saw how important it was to military dental readiness.
The Paper Point: For future endodontic residents who are reading, do you have any advice to share that you wish you had known a few years ago?
Dr. Anderson: I initially felt frustrated that I could not specialize straight out of dental school due to my scholarship commitment. Now that I have finished residency and am in practice, I could not be more grateful for the 5 years I spent as a General Dentist. I would say that it is a strength to have experience like that.
The Paper Point: When you were looking for where you and your husband would settle after you finished your residency, what factored into that decision?
Dr. Anderson: Well, my second duty station in the Navy ended up being Remote Duty station in Fallon, Nevada. This is in the Reno-Tahoe region and we were able to ski 25-30 days per season. This became a large factor for us in selecting a home where we could enjoy our outdoor hobbies without having to take a flight! Ultimately, I was no longer in the military, so we selected Denver for the outdoors access combined with the many friends and family we already have in the area.
The Paper Point: Do you have any insight on searching for a job that might be helpful to residents who are about to begin that process?
Dr. Anderson: Looking from long-distance was difficult – If you can, consider moving and then starting the search. This was advice a coresident gave me, and I should have listened! Remember that you are looking for the position that is perfect for you, and everybody has different needs, desires, and motivations. Take your time, listen to your gut, and never settle.
The Paper Point: What has the transition been like from residency into the real world?
Dr. Anderson: I did take some time off after residency which was much-needed for me! I’ve been enjoying it – I am blessed to work at a comfortable pace and look forward to continuing to gain more experience.
The Paper Point: After a long week of saving teeth, what do you like to do for fun?
Dr. Anderson: I’ve been riding my gravel bike, hiking, training for a 10k, and waiting around for ski season to start! I’ve also been to NHL, NFL, and MLS games since arriving in Denver and that has been great fun as well.
The Paper Point: Before we part, share an inspirational quote that has kept you going on your incredible journey through life and dentistry.
Dr. Anderson: Former Notre Dame Football Coach Lou Holtz said, “I can’t believe that God put us on this earth to be ordinary!” Go Irish!