UM-HSC Buoy Newsletter
An authentic community newsletter aiming to positively encourage students across our health science schools by highlighting exceptionally bold leaders and peers with humbling experiences!

"We are excited to introduce the U of M Buoy MLK HSC Newsletter today! Since 2018 the Michigan School of Dentistry has partnered with Buoy Inspirations LLC to produce a monthly inspirational newsletter highlighting exceptionally bold and diverse UMSD students, faculty, and staff. These unique newsletters allow UMSD community members to share honest stories centered around overcoming setbacks and practicing resilience.

Over the next few months we will feature students represented across all seven UM HSC programs for the first time. Along the way we will also highlight some of the diverse student organizations that have helped fuel these individuals as they have navigated their respective programs." - Dr. Todd Ester

bu·oy | ˈbo͞oē,boi/ | Verb. to cause to become cheerful or more confident; to inspire

Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) are some of the most common and devastating sports injuries that exist. Ask Augusta, GA native Aaron Johnson (4th Yr PharmD) about his injury that came at just the "wrong" time and he will be honest about what he learned during the recovery journey.

"The day before my first day of pharmacy school I tore my ACL playing basketball with my roommates. I didn't originally know it was torn. So I spent 4 days on crutches struggling to get to class and figuring out how to do simple things like get in/out of the shower. One of the first surgeons I met suggested that I take the semester off and start school after my knee was repaired (which would set me back 1 entire year). I was determined to stay in school and finish out the year with my original class.

During that year I went back & forth with my insurance company back from GA who didn't want to pay Michigan doctors for the surgery. After talking to one of my friends whose sister had a similar injury, she suggested I just wait until the summer for surgery instead of having it during Christmas break so I didn't have to do more rehab when school resumed in the winter semester. She was the only person who gave me that advice and it honestly saved me." 

If you haven't suffered a serious injury, consider yourself lucky. What's especially impressive about Aaron's recovery was the valuable life lesson he learned about not being afraid to ask for help.

"During that semester I battled imposter syndrome and some of the lowest moments of my life as I had to rely on so many other people to get around to doctors appointments and doing things like grocery shopping. I eventually had surgery in the summer transitioning into P2 year and was able to rehab at home while being with my family. Overall the situation taught me that its okay to need help when you are dealing with adversity and that sometimes a negative mindset is a bigger hurdle than the actual situation you are working to overcome. I was really proud of myself for sticking through school and not reclassing because of the injury. I was super appreciative of all of my friends, family, and school administrators who supported me during one of the hardest times of my life."

Congrats Aaron! Keep Going.

Lansing, MI native Dr. Carla Jones (Pediatric Dentistry Grad) has had a great deal of success on her journey in dentistry thus far but she will be honest about some of the humbling experiences along the way. 

"My first job was working the cash register at McDonald's at age 16. Working at McDonald's was truly a humbling experience. Many people downplay working at fast-food restaurants, but I can attest that it takes skills to manage multiple duties at once while providing good customer service. I attribute some of my ability to tolerate tough to manage clinical scenarios from working there."

Dr. Jone's ability to learn from life's tougher situations is one skill that sets her apart. This was especially evident in a dental school experience that made a significant impact on her pursuit of purpose.

"One of the most rewarding dental school experiences was serving through the Global Initiatives in Oral and Craniofacial Health program in Jamaica and Kenya. In Jamaica, the primary treatment was extractions. However, this was not your typical extraction set up. Imagine going to school or church to set up ‘the clinic’. We had no high-speed suction, dental chairs, or x-ray machines. Our high-speed suction was spit cups and our dental chairs were our thighs elevated in a 90 deg position atop a desk or bench. In Kenya, the treatment we provided was preventative. It felt great to connect with the children we served despite differences in language and culture. I truly loved my experience providing dental care."

What's great is how these experiences continue to fuel this Pediatric Resident and previous PFS facilitator's dreams.

"I aspire to shape the oral health trajectory of children as a pediatric dentist. I would like to have my own dental practice and be involved in global public health initiatives. I want to inspire my patients to accomplish their dreams!"

Congrats, Dr. Carla Jones! Keep Going.