b'SCIENCE & COLLABORATIONPart of international periodontics is not onlyInternational being up to date with relevant meetings andMember Spotlightnews worldwide, but also being familiar with our internationally based colleagues. Periospectives interviewed Dr. Saravanan Sampoornam Pape who is based inHow did you hear about the AAP, and what made you want to join?To become a member of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) was Bhubaneswar, India to learn more aboutan ambition of mine ever since I was in my specialization ten years ago. Through him and his experience as an internationalparticipation in the annual meetings, my primary objective was to acquire additional knowledge and to expand my network of mentors and colleagues member. Dr. Pape became a member of located on the other side of the ocean.the AAP in 2023. Tell us about your experience at the Annual Meeting last year in Austin.Last year I had a spectacular experience in Austin, and I gained a tremendous Tell us a little about yourself. amount of knowledge there. I had a wonderful time attending all of the events and the keynote addresses were just incredible. Attending lectures given by renowned I graduated from Tamil Nadu Drexperts who have made significant contributions to the field of periodontology was, MGR Medical University in Chennai,in general, an experience of a lifetime for me.India. I pursued a masters degree in periodontology at the esteemed ArmedTell us a little bit about your poster presentation at the Annual Meeting Forces Medical College in Pune, India. I amas well. How did that go?currently pursuing a PhD in periodontologyThere were two posters that I had presented, both of which were clinical trials. The from KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, India,experience of presenting posters was entrancing, and I had the opportunity to gain and am employed at Central Governmentknowledge from a wide range of other poster presenters from all around the world. Health Services, also in India. My mother isThere were a few residents and postdoctoral students from the United States that I Sampoornam, and I am married to Dr. Delfinwas able to interact with, and my recollections are still fresh.Francis. We have a young son named Rohit.As an international member, do you feel connected to the Academy?What inspired you to pursue a careerIn what ways?in periodontology? I have a strong sense of connectedness thanks to AAP Connect, which is a very Since the time I received my degree, I havehelpful tool. AAP Connect, which puts the world of periodontology closer to my been utterly captivated by the advancedheart, is another way through which I communicate with other members when I am research articles that are associated within need of assistance.periodontology. In periodontal research, there is no end to the frontiers that canHow do you stay up to date with the latest advancements in be explored. In the beginning, this wasperiodontology? something that ignited a fire within me andAs a member, I make it a point to keep up with all of the publications that the AAP motivated me to pursue a profession inhas to offer. Both my knowledge and my interest are increased as a result of this, periodontology. which allows me to advance my understanding of the subject further.29'