Host Dr. Joel Berg chats with Dr. Elise McCollum about how she turned a family hobby into a way to support community care. Dr. McCollum shares her journey as a dentist with an interest in wine to a full-fledged vineyard owner, and how her two passions have converged to support access to care and the AAPD Foundation.  

Guest Bio:  

Dr. Elise McCollum earned her DDS degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2020. Following graduation, she completed a General Practice Residency at the VA Portland Health Care System in Portland, OR, where she gained advanced clinical training in comprehensive care for medically complex patients. 

After residency, Dr. McCollum worked in an oncology clinic, further deepening her experience in interdisciplinary care and patient-centered treatment with oncology patients. In 2022, she relocated to Louisiana, where she joined the faculty at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. While she valued teaching, her passion for hands-on patient care led her back to the clinic, where she began practicing at Children’s Hospital New Orleans. 

Following the birth of her daughter, Dr. McCollum became a dentist for Thrive Kids, The New Orleans Children’s Hospital affiliated nonprofit dedicated to improving access to medical and dental care for underserved pediatric populations. In this role, she provided preventive care while also engaging in education and outreach initiatives focused on early oral health. 

Dr. McCollum recently moved to Washington, DC, and is currently in the process of obtaining dental licensure in both Washington, DC and Maryland. She is the mother of two young children, ages four and two, and remains deeply committed to pediatric care, education, and advocacy for improved access to oral health services. 

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