The Mirror, December 2019 The Mirror December 9, Rev Dec 9 | Page 29

Dr. Gordon Payne Cont’d
You are currently the Chief Examiner in Paediatric Dentistry for the
RCDC. What are some of the challenges of this position and what do
you hope to accomplish by the end of your term?
The RCDC is a wonderful organization and has worked hard to shake its label
as an old boys club. I have just started my second 3-year term as Chief
Examiner. Our role is changing as the regulatory authorities keep shifting the
landscape. Unfortunately, it is the candidates who suffer as a result of this
uncertainty.
If you could wave a magic wand, how would you want to better prepare
candidates who are sitting the exams?
In order to prepare for their Fellowship Exam, candidates should practice their
oral exam skills. A systematic approach to reviewing the patient’s history and
prescribing appropriate diagnostic aids will pay dividends. The Examiners
want you to do well – they are not out to get you.
Giving my acceptance speech after
receiving the Alumni of Distinction
Award from Western University
(October 2019). A career highlight!
In general, why do you volunteer?
It is only right to give back to the profession that gives us so much.
What is your message to Pediatric Dentists (Students, Graduates, Active in
the Profession) about the value of volunteering/getting involved in the
industry?
We have an amazing profession, yet we are under threat from every direction.
We all need to do what we can to protect it and improve it.
Looking at a Crystal Ball, what innovations in the profession do you foresee
(or dream about) in the years ahead?
I understand that research is being done on new local anaesthetic modalities.
It would be great to have an effective technique that is fast, efficacious, and does
not leave kids with a numb lip.
As you seem to lead a fairly busy life, what do you do to relax and unwind?
Unfortunately, I don’t have enough time to do all of the other things I love. I manage
to get to the gym three days a week, which I enjoy, but it’s a necessity at my age.
My lifelong passion is birding. My latest excursion was a boat trip looking for
seabirds about 50 miles offshore from Monterey, California. I have seen nearly 800
species of birds in Canada/U.S. and I am one of the few people who have seen
more than 400 species in Ontario.
After a long hike to see the
mountain gorillas in Rwanda
(February 2017).