In the fall of 2020, meeting people over zoom has become the norm. It can get awkward and uncomfortable, but our conversation with Dr. Pezzullo was everything but that. She entered the zoom call with warmth and radiated joy and compassion as we began to ask her questions. It was an open conversation that we both thoroughly enjoyed. We learned that her favorite holiday is Halloween, she listens to vinyl records, owns a typewriter, binge watches Grey’s Anatomy, and pre-covid, she loved hosting themed parties and bringing people together. “I also love to shop, I don’t get who doesn’t.” We all laughed and the two of us on the executive board, present for the interview, were able to relate to her so easily. She made us understand that hard work should always be accompanied by passion, positivity, and a lot of humor. For us, this was the perfect conversation to end the week.
We started with asking her about her past: If she could go back in time to when she was in dental school, what piece of advice would she have given to her past self and why? “That’s a good one,” she said. “Enjoy the moment and the space you are in, don’t rush it.” With her experience as a student at NYUCD, she knows that most of us are planners and that is how we all got into dental school. “It’s important to be on top of your studies and clinic work, but it is also important to reflect on what is going on and gain that perspective - we tend to lose that and time really flies. Before you know it, you’re a D4 preparing for graduation.” Having a network and studying with peers is a big part of what she misses. “I miss that comradery amongst my peers and I miss the late night study sessions that went on for forever.” Having a network and going through collective situations together is something she won’t experience again and she wants us to cherish these moments. “Understand that obstacles don’t define the rest of your life. One bad grade, one bad practical, and one bad day don’t define your potential. Be confident, open minded, well rounded, and don’t compare yourself to your peers. You are smart and capable and you will always be fine. Don’t forget that.”
We transitioned to ask her about her daily life and she smiled and stated, “it’s a bit all over the place, but I love it.” She found her calling later for teaching as she realized that working full time in private practice wasn’t what she wanted. As of now, on Mondays, she works at a pediatric practice, on Wednesday’s, you can find her at a regular adult private practice. On Tuesday’s (Dr. Raymond) and Thursday’s (Dr. Berkowitz), she is on the clinic floor helping D3’s and D4’s at school. “Fridays are then my admin days where I serve as Assistant Director of Community Based Programs. I also host Saturday Academy on the weekends or help my husband out in the clinic if he needs my help. I’ve learned how important it is to be flexible and to be okay with non traditional routes.”
She emphasized that the best part about working outside of private practice is engaging with students. “You guys keep me young and on trend,” she chuckled. Our interactions allow her to not become jaded, which is something she was afraid of with dentistry. “The passions my students have reminds me of the passion I had when I applied to dental school.” The best feeling is when her students are nervous with their patients, but they get through it successfully. “I feel like I contributed to the future and it makes me feel good knowing I was a part of that.” To the students who want to enter teaching after dental school, she noted how important it is to be involved both in school and with ADEA (American Dental Education Association). “Go to conferences and be around people in academics who see potential in you. For instance, if I didn’t know Dr. Wolff, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
As we entered the conversation about role models, she talked about the three strong women who have shaped her to consistently grow for the better. “My mom is my best friend (aside from my husband).” Her mom was not born in the US and learned to navigate the whole education system herself. “I respect my mom so much and admire her for giving me the work ethic I hold today.” As a kid, you don’t know the significance of writing a simple thank you note. “Now, that I’m about to become a mother, I realize how important these little acts of kindness are.” To instill these values in our loved ones is crucial and as we both sat there congratulating her on her pregnancy, we both smiled knowing that Dr. Pezzullo will become an incredible mother. “Secondly, my professional role model is Dr. Mejia. I was waitlisted at NYU College of Dentistry, but Dr. Mejia saw something in me. For that I am beyond grateful because my life would not be what it is now if it weren’t for her.” She emphasized how important it was to find one person who recognizes the potential you have - Dr. Mejia taught Dr. Pezzullo to be relentless and stick to her guns. Lastly, her peer role model is Dr. Burns. “We are very different, but we challenge each other constantly. She fills in the gaps and makes sure I am becoming better at the things that don’t come naturally to me. We always support each other. It’s really great.”
As we began to come to a close, I wanted to ask what advice she would give to D3’s and D4’s. “Push yourself, be flexible, and use your time in clinic wisely. Don’t be afraid to approach me with something that is going on. I know what it’s like to not feel ready for something. I will always be honest and will know when it’s time to not hold your hand anymore. Don’t stress about every little requirement, but work hard as a team, be nice, and learn to roll with the punches.” We all know that tests are important, but time in clinic with patients is so limited and we are paying money to get an education and to learn as much as we can before we are pushed into the real world. “Don’t be aggressive, but be helpful and active. Ask questions and throw yourself in. It’s easy to leave for lunch, but don’t do that if you see a peer who may need your help.” Dr. Pezzullo then stated a belief I always hold dear to my heart from my own parents: “The good always comes back to you and kindness is truly never wasted.” With that, we circled back with laughter and inspiration, as we saw someone who was once in our shoes growing toward her best future.
Interviewed by Yunah Caroline Chun and Samantha Kim
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