An honour

For Dr Nick Albatis, being acknowledged with an Honorary Life Membership is an honour. “I was humbled and a bit awe struck because I sometimes feel like I have imposter syndrome,” he says. “There is a very impressive list of people on that honour board and one of my first experiences of going to the old ADA House was looking at those honour boards. To think my name will be there alongside those others fills me with a great sense of pride.”

It is little surprise that there was a great turn-out of colleagues, students and peers to support Nick at the AGM – he has a long history of quietly giving back to the profession – probably best known for his work as a clinical tutor at the Dental School over a period of 36 years.

“I started tutoring my first year after graduation back in 1988,” Nick recalls.

“Up until this point in time my greatest thrill was being invited to join the faculty a year after my graduation.”

Supporting the new generations of dentists has long been a passion of Nick’s, which includes his role as Co-chair of the ADAWA Recent Graduates and Student Liaison Committee – arranging the New Practitioners Program study clubs and the Young Dentists’ Conference.But his commitment to the profession goes much beyond his work as a clinical tutor. He was a respected member on the ADAWA Council between 2000-2004, while at the same time running his practice in Leederville and giving his time as the Alumni secretary for 15 years.

When he was asked to rejoin the ADAWA Council a few years ago, he didn’t hesitate. “I thought I could use the many relationships and friendships I had established over my professional career to try and have an impact and make a positive contribution. It would have been valid to receive criticism if I was going to voice opinions from the sidelines and not be involved at the coal face.

“I have always tried to keep things simple, and I have always been willing to help and put my hand up if I thought I could be of assistance and contribute in a positive manner. Hopefully I have achieved that more often than not.”

Nick is also on the National organising committee of the Australian Dental Congress, which will be held in Perth next year. “The program is great, the sponsorship is looking good, so we just need to drum up support of the delegates,” Nick says. “It is going to be terrific, and I encourage our members to support the event.”

When asked what being ADAWA member means to him, Nick says it has always meant collegiality. "I have the utmost respect and regard for my profession and what it has given me over many years," he says. “The ADA is the backbone of that. It is a great source of support, information, fellowship, resources and a wonderful facility that belongs to us – and we should be very proud of what we have.

“As much as I carry on that there’s nothing that giving up dentistry wouldn’t fix, my life revolves around my profession, and I met my wife through my profession.

He adds that he recommends other dentists be engaged with their association. “I think you will just find it rewarding,” he says.

“You will find it a great source of achievement pride and fellowship – you will be making a difference, and you will get invested in what you spend every day doing.”

At the time of interview, Nick was about to be inducted as a fellow into the Pierre Fauchard Academy. It adds to his Fellowship with the Academy of Dentistry International (ADI), the International College of Dentists (ICD) and now as an Honorary Life Member of the ADAWA. All well-deserved acknowledgements.

Congratulations Dr Albatis.

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