Highlight on EIOH Resident: Dr. Ruqaya Lilo's Journey and Achievements
Dr. Ruqaya Lilo, a resident at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health, has had an extraordinary journey during her time at the esteemed institution. Known for its excellence in dental education, diversity, research, and patient care, Eastman has been a transformative place for Dr. Lilo, offering high-quality training that attracted her in the first place.
Dr. Lilo's residency at Eastman has been a period of growth, both professionally and personally. She has been working on a narrative review titled "Synovial Chondromatosis in TMJ: Narrative review", which is currently under reviewing status. In addition, she has published a paper titled "Effectiveness of Cold application on pain sensation following Botulinum type A injections in Orofacial region, A Systematic Review" in December 2023. The Orofacial Pain program at Eastman, one of the best in the U.S., has equipped Dr. Lilo with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to diagnose and manage complex orofacial pain conditions effectively.
Outside of her academic pursuits, Dr. Lilo has developed a passion for Badminton and table tennis, enjoying the camaraderie and competition these activities provide. She also cherishes the cultural and religious traditions shared among her peers, as well as the honouring of successes that take place at Eastman.
Dr. Lilo's personal life is as vibrant as her professional one. She has an animal phobia, but the total solar eclipse in April 2024 left her in awe. Historical and ancient cultural places in the Middle East are her favourite places she has travelled, and her family is the one thing she cannot live without.
Looking towards the future, Dr. Lilo plans to work as an associate dentist after graduation while preparing to establish a private practice where she can utilise her OFP specialty. She wishes to have a multi-language ability as a superpower and, if she could choose another career, she might become an architect or fashion designer.
Dr. Lilo's life at Eastman has been filled with memorable moments, from meeting expert speakers to enjoying the lilac festival season in Highland Park, her favourite part of Rochester. The best professional advice she received was from her mentor Dr. Khan - "Establish authentic and respectful professional networking. Recognise your progress and successes along the way and take time to appreciate your efforts and accomplishments no matter how small". The best personal advice she received was "Accept who you are, including your strengths, weaknesses, flaws, and quirks". This advice has undoubtedly shaped Dr. Lilo's journey at Eastman and will continue to guide her in her future endeavours.
Dr. Lilo's journey at Eastman has not only provided her with top-tier education in health-and-wellness, particularly in the field of orofacial pain, but also fostered her personal growth through science and learning. She is driven to integrate these knowledge gained in her future patient care, aiming to pursue education-and-self-development opportunities to further enhance her skills and confidence in delivering quality care.
