The process of mentoring and teaching comes organically to Dr. Hogden. “I always enjoyed school; even when others did not. The opportunity to learn and apply new information, particularly in mathematics and science, has been enjoyable since I began my formal education,” explained Hogden. This natural inclination led him to begin his role as an educator early; as a high school student, he tutored his peers, and he found joy in sharing in the success of others. Although his interest in teaching was always prevalent, he had a strong interest in business, and for many years aspired to own a dental practice. These interests mixed in with engagement in basic/translational research, led Dr. Hogden on an exploratory mission to uncover the best career opportunity for himself. It was during his dental school training, when he continued tutoring his peers, that he recognized that his strong interest in research and the gift of conveying knowledge would ultimately lead to a career in academia. Between his predoctoral and endodontic training, both at the University of Iowa, Dr. Hogden accepted an opportunity in the Medical Research Scholars Program (MRSP) at the National Institutes of Health. His time in the MRSP in Bethesda allowed him to fully invest in several research projects while continuing to explore the dental specialties. When he was admitted to the Advanced Program at Iowa, he also became a Fellow Associate within the Department following completion of his certificate. The fellowship allowed him to cover the clinic for the predoctoral students and residents multiple
times per week, lecture in both the predoctoral and resident courses, and perform research. Following the conclusion of the fellowship, he joined the faculty as a tenure-track Assistant Professor.
The Foundation looks forward to Dr. Hogden's contributions to endodontics and the academic triad: patient care, research, and education.
“ I hope to instill in my students that failure is not only inevitable, but also desirable. For when we fail, we can find the ways in which we can improve, the ways in which we can grow, and the information we would otherwise not know we didn’t know. Understanding the setbacks we experience through this lens can help students develop a sense of resilience, an important attribute for the practicing dentist. When they are faced with a challenge, they can respond appropriately, knowing what is in their control and focusing their effort on whatever that may be. ” Dr. Christopher Hogden Assistant Professor, University of Iowa Department of Endodontics
FOCUS 2024
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