A surprising recognition by international colleagues

We Irish are not good at taking compliments, I think it might be some sort of innate trait. So you can imagine my horror when I was notified that I was being recognised by the American dental education Association for my contribution to our transatlantic collaboration and other joint efforts.

The thoughts of being presented in front of 2000+ delegates, and having various attributes of my character discussed in this public forum sent shivers down my spine. I don’t want to sound ungrateful but I am simply not that big fan of being front and centre, I’m happy being at the back working away and getting the occasional thank you. Not sure if it’s the catholic Irish guilt of the past, but all the pomp and circumstance of citations and recognition seems somewhat arrogant and contrary to what I believe.

However, as time went on I came round to the idea, or should I say my friends and colleagues told me to cop on and be a little bit grateful!

Yes, indeed this was an honour. I should be grateful and gracious to be recognised by colleagues, particularly by those who are international and have much wider influence and spread than I do.

Looking back on this it was interesting that I actually feel my partner and fellow work colleagues were more proud of this recognition than I was.

Hiding in the crowd......

It was really only as I walked with intent across the state on Saint Patrick's Day that the meaning of this actually set it. I should be proud of what we achieve and I should be proud of the role I play n in.

The text of the Chair’s citation read as follows:

Our next citation goes to one of ADEA’s principal associates in the international realm. As a leader of ADEA’s sister organization in Europe, the awardee has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for three international dental education meetings—one in Barcelona, a second in London, and a third taking place next month in Brescia, Italy. From his office in the Dublin Dental University Hospital at Trinity College in Ireland, he has been a willing partner and tireless collaborator as our two organizations have sought new and more meaningful ways for dental educators to connect “across the pond” and around the globe. Please join us in congratulating the Chief Administrative Officer of the Association for Dental Education in Europe, Mr. Denis Murphy.

It now has pride of place in the living room

I had never considered myself as ‘principal associate’, nor do I view myself as being ‘instrumental’ or a ‘tireless collaborator’, but now that I know others (at least some see me this way) do, perhaps I need to be more open to recognition. What I view as just doing my job, is viewed by others as a genuine collaborative approach to working. Something they value and appreciate and do not take for granted.

So be appreciative, be gracious and be thankful Denis!