Today’s guest, Dr. George Kushner, has been working full-time in academia for the past 28 years, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Every day he is making a difference in people’s lives, being mentally stimulated, and earning enough money to live a great life outside of work; what more could you ask for? George is the Chairman of the Department of OMS at the University of Louisville, and today he shares with us how he and his colleagues (in particular the late Dr. Brian Alpert) have created an environment which is defined by a caring attitude and a healthy work/life balance, or in George’s words; “the Louisville way.” In our discussion we also cover some of the technological advancements which are being driven forward by residents, George’s unusual site of choice for bone grafting, and what it means to “run your training program like a Greek tragedy” (and why you shouldn’t do that!).

Key Points From This Episode: 

• George shares what his educational and professional journey has consisted of to date. 
• The influential role that Dr. Brian Alpert played in George’s life, and the lives of many others.
• What you can expect as a student attending dental school at the University of Louisville.
• How the University of Louisville tries to make it as easy as possible for dental students to go to medical school.
• The trauma heavy nature of the OMS department at the University of Louisville.
• A broad outline of the dental school schedule at the University of Louisville.
• Challenges and benefits of working in academia. 
• How George’s department creates a healthy, balanced work environment. 
• George’s approach to teaching oral surgeons. 
• Why George is a big fan of AO North America. 
• Examples of technological advancements in the oral surgery field that George and his team are embracing. 
• George’s site of choice for bone grafting.
• Benefits of using ViviGen.  
• The importance of having “a lot of tricks in your bag” as an oral surgeon. 
• Numerous reasons that George recommends a career in academia. 
• Why George believes that playing team sport throughout his life has made him a better surgeon. 
• What it means to “run your training program like a Greek tragedy,” and why you shouldn’t do this.
• George explains what “the Louisville way” is. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. George Kushner Email — 

AO North America — https://aona.org/our-community/cmf 

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059