Jeff Cavanaugh Tells His Story of a Growing Commitment to AAO Foundation

When I made my first pledge to the AAO Foundation, I was a new graduate and did it at the urging of an orthodontist friend. At that time, I made a commitment because "it was the right thing to do."

A couple of years later in the spring of '99 my partner Bob Waxler received a call from Fred Garrett informing him that a group of our friends were organizing to create a memorial teaching fellowship award to honor our late partner Mike Matlof. Mike passed away in June 1998 after a long battle with cancer. He had long been a part-time instructor in the orthodontic department at Washington University and had always loved the time spent in the department, sharing his experience and knowledge.

To be a part of the award, we would both have to pledge at the Regent level, which I was very hesitant to do. After all, I was a recent graduate with student loans to pay, a practice to support, and a young family with little money in the bank. Then, at the annual session that May, I met with John Pershing. He explained to me that I could redeem my pledge by having those I provide treatment for at a professional courtesy make a contribution to the AAOF in my name, with their contribution then credited against my pledge. That conversation with John was one of the best things that have happened to me in my orthodontic career. I was able to upgrade my pledge to the Regent level, making me a part of those who fund the Michael Matlof Memorial Teaching Fellowship Award.

A Growing Commitment

Mike had a profound impact on my choosing to become an orthodontist and then accepted me into his practice with Bob. Many of us can point to a particular person or a couple of people who inspired us in our careers. For me, one of those people is Mike. I can think of no better way to honor Mike than being a part of this award. Mike began teaching as a way to give back to the profession. By being a part of this award, I too can give back to my profession and continue Mike's original goal through each year's recipient of this award.

Additionally, that conversation with John was the start of a great friendship. John's enthusiasm for the AAOF and how it aids orthodontic education and research got me more interested in the mission of the Foundation. I have since had the honor of serving after John as the MSO Director on the AAOF Board of Directors. Being a member of the board has been a rewarding experience for me. I am proud to be part of a group that is actively working to resolve the crisis in orthodontic education.

One of my responsibilities on the board is to act as liaison to the Planning and Awards Review Committee. PARC is the group of educators who review the award applications and make recommendations to the board. I have seen the amount of time and thought that goes into reviewing these applications. This group does an outstanding job making sure that the money you are contributing to Foundation is well-spent on those who are serious about a career in education.

The time and money I contribute to the AAO Foundation is an investment in my future as an orthodontist. AAOF funding for orthodontic research is often used to support new projects, which can then be leveraged by researchers to obtain larger grants. Such "seed money" funding is often difficult to secure, especially for new and younger investigators. AAOF funding for faculty development takes the form of teaching fellowships. The fellowships supplement the salaries of junior faculty members. The junior faculty of today will be tomorrow's leaders in the departments, charged with keeping orthodontic education and research alive in the hearts of the students. I would like to think that my contribution will help produce research that will positively affect my practice or educate my next partner. As AAO members, we need to ensure that there will be a next generation of educators to continue our great profession.