DR . STEVE MORICONI hoNorED wiTh PDA PubLic sErvicE AwArD
Dr . Jay Freedman ( left ) presented the PDA Public Service Award to Dr . E . Steven Moriconi on April 27 during the Second Meeting of the House of Delegates .
Mr . President , esteemed past presidents , trustees , honored guests , fellow delegates , ladies and gentleman , it is my distinct privilege and honor to introduce the 2013 PDA Public Service Award Recipient , Dr . E . Steven Moriconi .
Steve and I first became acquainted over 25 years ago as he was transitioning to take over the practice of our local Hospital ’ s principle oral surgeon and subsequently the Directorship of Abington Memorial Hospital ’ s ADA General Practice Residency .
Steve ’ s CV is impressive to say the least . His undergraduate schooling was primarily at Fordham University . He attended dental school at the University of Pennsylvania where he was among the 100 th graduating class in 1978 . He served in our armed forces as a member of the Navy Dental Corps and did his advanced specialty training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania , finally leading him to our community in Abington , Montgomery County .
Steve has been a member of more hospital committees than I knew ever existed . He has numerous scientific affiliations , has lectured extensively , and returned to the University of Pennsylvania for over 10 years as an assistant professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery . He ’ s published , won Top Doc and Top Dentist recognition in Philadelphia Magazine several times and has molded , created and crafted a top shelf ADA General Practice Residency that at its last ADA site visit received two commendations .
What makes Steve unique in my eyes and why he so richly deserves this recognition from the PDA and our dental family is that not only does he have a big heart , but mighty hands guided by that heart !
When disaster struck in Haiti in 2010 , just like the runners at this year ’ s Boston Marathon , Steve ran into the chaos to make a difference using his healing hands . His first trip lead to a second and then to a third and I know there are many more to come !
Steve and his wife Kristina created a non-profit foundation named Men Anpil , which in Creole means “ many hands ,” to provide scholarships for Haitian students to attend medical and
dental school and then return to their native Haiti where they will have true and significant impact . If that wasn ' t enough , Steve and Kristina are personally paying for a young man , the translator on his first trip , to attend medical school !
At home , Steve does a tremendous amount of pro bono treatment in his private practice and in partnership with Abington Memorial Hospital . He helps in crafting newly minted colleagues in our ADA General Practice Residency . He has fostered an ideal learning environment , where our residents perform treatment without regard to a patient ’ s finances . Steve ’ s hard work , daily interaction and deep commitment to the hospital community with our assistant director Dr . Joanne Burrell , who ’ s here as a delegate from 2 nd District , has insured that even in this extremely challenging economic climate , our hospital continues to provide funding so that we can continue to treat those at greatest risk in our community . Finally , in recognition of his leadership and commitment to diversity and service at Abington Hospital , Steve was presented with the Management Leadership Award for 2010 by the Martin Luther King Diversity Awards Committee .
Dr . Dishler ’ s theme for this annual session is Tikkun Olam which in Hebrew means “ Repairing the World .” My brother in arms , colleague and friend , you are Tikkun Olam personified ! I give you the 2013 PDA Public Service Award Recipient , Dr . E Steven Moriconi .
Dr . Moriconi ’ s remarks :
Thanks , Jay , for a very nice introduction . I appreciate your kind words , and you know how much I value our personal and professional relationship .
President Dishler , members of the House of Delegates , the awards committee , colleagues , friends and family , ladies and gentlemen .
I am both humbled and honored to accept this award today . Humbled because I did not seek it , nor feel I am deserving of it . Somehow I think there are so many others who have done more than I in the public sector , and in service to others .
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