PDJ : Following up on that , volunteer engagement is an ongoing challenge . What is your message to members about getting more involved in their local area and statewide with PDA ?
Dr . Limberakis : As social beings , we thrive and succeed when we are together and connected , and not alone . Engaging in activities with peers is fruitful not only in achieving results but in gaining friendships . It ’ s about the people ! And , I have heard from our younger members that they would like to see more face-to-face meetings so that they can interact with inter-generational peers . The return is way greater than the investment made . Also , with MOM-n-PA now a part of the Pennsylvania Dental Foundation , volunteerism has a new dimension for the PDA . What better way to put our dental skills to work in an altruistic manner than to volunteer to help those in need . It ’ s the most gratifying feeling when a patient thanks and hugs you for taking them out of pain and restoring their smile ; just ask Dr . Gary Davis , General Chair . Next year , it ’ s in Wilkes-Barre during the first weekend in June . Be there !
What do you like to do for fun ? And can you tell us a few fun facts or maybe share some things about yourself that most people don ’ t know ?
Dr . Limberakis : I feel like I ’ m an eclectic guy . I enjoy music , sports , traveling , history , quality TV series and politics . I grew up in the 60s and became a huge Beatles fan , which later manifested itself in my dental office displaying Beatles posters and album covers in every operatory ( I had no windows so that was the next best thing !)
As far as sports are concerned , my favorite is college basketball , and although I like to see my alma mater , Penn , excel , my son Jonathan and I are rabid Villanova Wildcat fans . The thrill of their winning two NCAA basketball championships can ’ t be described in words alone .
My wife , Alexis , and our children love to travel , particularly to our motherland , Greece . We are very proud of our ancestral heritage which has given so much to western civilization . My brother-in-law wears a tee shirt that exclaims The Greeks Invented Everything ! Well , maybe that ’ s an exaggeration . Last year , however , the two of us travelled to Jordan and Egypt – what a spectacular trip journeying back in time and witnessing civilization ’ s beginnings . What these ancient cultures created is incredible , and to stand there in its midst is breathtaking , whether it ’ s Egypt or Greece .
The television networks , and there is a plethora of them , actually do produce some great series : Game of Thrones , The Americans , and Ozark to name a few that have piqued my interest over the years . Now , as far as politics … I ’ m not going there !
I would be remiss if I didn ’ t put at the top of this list that being together with my family gives me the most joy . My wife , Alexis , and I have four wonderful adult children and three grandchildren who make life worth living . And , with my son , Jonathan , joining the practice nine years ago and becoming the owner , being in the office is even more fun working alongside him . It doesn ’ t get any better ! I am blessed .
PDJ : What have you learned about yourself during these early weeks of your presidential term ?
Dr . Limberakis : Probably the most notable thing that I ’ ve learned about myself as PDA ’ s president is that there is so much to learn and absorb about all the inner and outer workings of the PDA and that it might take a year to get it all in . But as your servant leader , I will do my best to do so . And in closing , I wish to express my gratitude to PDA ’ s Executive Director , Ward Blackwell , and the entire PDA staff who have assisted , guided and advised me . Thank you .
JULY / AUGUST 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 35