The Mirror, December 2019 The Mirror December 9, Rev Dec 9 | Page 17

Dr. Anita Gärtner Cont’d
Why is Whistler a great location for the Annual Conference?
Whistler has been touted as Canada’s premier 4-season mountain destination. It
is a short distance from Vancouver and offers a pedestrian village, restaurants,
skiing, biking, hiking, bars and spas to mention only a few activities.
Why should members who have never attended an Annual Conference come
to Whistler?
The most obvious is that Whistler is a beautiful destination. But the most important
reason is to connect with your colleagues. Since I was educated in the U.S. I did
not have any strong connection to CAPD/ACDP. However I have grown to see the
value of a national organization that is not too big, where I can meet almost all its
members and where I can make a difference.
In general, why do you volunteer?
My biggest mentor for volunteerism was my dad – he was an active Lion’s Club member. I began my
volunteerism in dentistry as a way to give back to the profession. As a result I have fostered many relationships
will colleagues of many walks of life. In a small way I can make a difference and be held accountable instead
of sitting on the side-lines.
Are you involved in other volunteer positions other than those with the
CAPD/ACDP?
Yes I am. I have been involved in pediatric study clubs both in Canada and
Washington. I am on the board of directors at the BCDA and I’ve been on College
committees. In the past I have taught at both UBC and UW.
What is your message to Pediatric Dentists about the value of
volunteering?
I think many of us begin volunteering because someone asked. In a humble way
it’s an honour to think you can add value to something. But what really happens is
that you receive so much more value back from listening, learning and working with
your colleagues- in essence it enriches your life. It is not the practice, house, car
or any other possession that can enrich your life as much as the quality of
relationships that you foster.
Promoting Whistler with Dr.
Wendy Tang at the Annual
Conference in Ottawa