Alumni Spotlight: Class of 2008
Article 2 of 3
For the second of our two articles on the doctors from our hockey program in 2008, we present Min Kim and Preston Dekker, a dentist and oral maxillofacial surgeon, respectively. Coincidentally, both Preston and Min applied to the same Illinois hospital’s residency program where Preston and his friend Rich LaVeau, one of the subjects of last week’s alumni focus, now work. Min ultimately chose a program in New Jersey. We again appreciate the guys taking time from their hectic schedules to contribute to this series. – Stephen Reed, Director of Alumni Relations
Min Kim
What undergraduate college did you attend, and what was your year of graduation?
Stonehill College, Class of 2013
What medical/dental/graduate school did you attend, and what was your year of graduation?
The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Class of 2018
What is your medical/dental/research specialty?
I finished residency training in Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) in June 2021.
At what point did you decide to pursue your career and why?
I wanted to become a dentist ever since I was in middle school. I was on an adult hockey team back in Korea, and I had a teammate with who I had a close relationship. I wanted to become an adult just like him, and then I realized that he was a dentist. Ever since that point, I have wanted to become a dentist.
Did any experiences at Northwood contribute to that decision?
As you can see from my answer to the previous question, I did not have a profound understanding nor any true interest in dentistry when I made that decision. The only reason and motivation I had was my friend who was a dentist. When I grow up, I just wanted to become an adult like him who was friendly, humorous, athletic, and enjoying what he does in life.
Academically, I have nothing but great memories at Northwood. I had an advisor, Mrs. Walker, who was also my Biology and AP Biology teacher. It did not take too long to connect and build a close relationship with her in and out of the classroom because of Northwood’s unique campus life structure: low student-to-faculty ratio, small class sizes, and 24/7 care/supervision by faculty.
She knew me very well, and she helped me push myself to become a better student throughout my years at Northwood. She trusted me and encouraged me whenever I needed help. Because of the relationship I had built with her, I really wanted to do well in her classes, not to disappoint her. It was a great motivation for me to get good grades, but I also realized how much I enjoyed the subject. Also, I loved Mrs. Walker’s teaching style, which helped me appreciate the class even more. When I had much fun in the class, good grades naturally came along. I still did not have a good understanding of dentistry at this time. Still, my interest in science grew exponentially at Northwood, and it helped me stay even more motivated to pursue my career in the medical field or science.
In what ways, if any, did your experiences as an athlete contribute to your current success and/or approach to your work?
Everything! I think my work ethic and lifestyle have been built based on my experience as an athlete. Being a student-athlete (e.g., pulling all-nighters then attending morning practices and enduring 3-4 hour-long classes or lab followed by team workout, etc.) is very physically and mentally demanding. To stay healthy and maintain good physical and mental strength, a proper, well-balanced diet and regular exercise are necessary. Fortunately, at Northwood, I was educated on a healthy diet and proper fitness training at an early age because I was an athlete. Additionally, being an athlete shaped and helped me to:
- Stay motivated, positive, discipline
- Overcome challenges and obstacles with tenacity
- Become hardworking
- Endure difficulties
- Be a team player and a leader
- Manage time and be responsible
Also, playing many sports has helped me develop hand-and-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and manual dexterity, which are all very important in dentistry.
What was the most challenging element in the pursuit of your career goals?
Being a student-athlete in college was very challenging. I had to leave 15-20 minutes early from hockey practice every morning yet still missing some attendance quizzes due to being late to class, missed a few away game trips and team workouts due to labs, etc. However, my coaches and teammates were very supportive and respectful of my academic life. Unfortunately, I had to make a very difficult decision to stop playing hockey in my senior year to solely focus on academics to pursue my dream of becoming a dentist.
What have been the most satisfying aspects of your practice thus far?
Educating patients and improving their understanding of the importance of at-home dental care and oral hygiene. Dentistry is very much like a team sport. I do my part, and patients need to do their part to get a successful outcome. Of course, giving patients a healthier smile is also always rewarding.
What advice do you have for Northwood students considering a career in medicine?
Enjoy every moment at Northwood. Do your best and try many science courses at Northwood to see whether you truly enjoy the subject or not. Use the resources and what Northwood offers, such as meeting with an advisor, STEM projects, alumni mentorship, etc., to have a clear vision for yourself after Northwood.
You do not have to major in Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry in college to apply for graduate school in medicine. You only have to fulfill pre-requisite subjects for medical school. Thus, you can take this as a great opportunity to explore yourself and study something you are interested in other than science.
Preston Dekker
What undergraduate college did you attend, and what was your year of graduation?
Arizona State University, Bachelor’s Degree of Biological Sciences, Graduated in 2013
What medical/dental/graduate school did you attend, and what was your year of graduation?
University of Washington School of Dentistry, Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Graduated in 2018
What is your medical/dental/research specialty?
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Chief Resident, the University of Illinois at Chicago/UI Health Hospital
At what point did you decide to pursue your career and why?
I decided to be an oral & maxillofacial surgeon about 12 years ago when I was working part-time in a private practice oral and maxillofacial surgery office while attending Arizona State University. I was having difficulty choosing between a career in medicine and dentistry; I quickly realized that a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery was the bridge between both disciplines. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries, and defects involving the face, mouth, and jaw. From taking out wisdom teeth while also providing anesthesia, performing orthognathic surgery (jaw) surgery, facial trauma, to resection and reconstructive surgery of head and neck cancer. This specialty has allowed me to challenge myself while also changing the quality of life of others.
Did any experiences at Northwood contribute to that decision?
Northwood instilled within me the determination necessary to succeed in a surgical career. Northwood was academically challenging. Having to balance my studies and hockey helped me prepare for the rigor necessary to succeed. I always had a special interest in biology while at Northwood. Jill Walker’s Biology class was one in which I looked forward to the most while at Northwood. Chemistry with Mike McCabe was also a class I looked forward to with one of my hockey coaches.
In what ways, if any, did your experiences as an athlete contribute to your current success and/or approach to your work?
It wasn’t until a short stint of playing junior hockey, a couple of chipped teeth, and lip lacerations later, I realized I could combine my passions of hockey and surgery. It has always been my dream to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for an NHL team – a dream that now has the potential to become a reality. Both athletics and a career in surgery require perseverance, commitment, and dedication. Hockey is a game of reading and reacting. Surgery is similar in that you can prepare all you want, but there are times when things go sideways, and the way you respond is what matters most. This specialty allows me to read and react to unforeseen circumstances requiring me to think on my feet and with my hands. Hockey is a game of grit; surgical residency is just the same. It is important to surround yourself with a team that supports you. Two of my fellow Northwood doctors will be standing beside me on my wedding day. Northwood provided not only the academic means necessary to succeed but lifelong friends.
What was the most challenging element in the pursuit of your career goals?
Sacrifice. Working over 100 hours/week or scrubbed into a 20-hour surgery may make you think twice before committing to any surgical career. Sacrificing time with friends, family, or even for myself has been the most challenging element in pursuing my career goals. However, I can honestly say without a doubt that it has been a rewarding decision thus far and will continue into the future.
What have been the most satisfying aspects of your practice thus far?
This specialty has allowed me to challenge myself while also improving the quality of life of others.
What advice do you have for Northwood students considering a career in medicine?
Nothing worth having comes easy. If you enjoy an intellectual challenge and using your hands to make a difference in people’s lives, then a career in dentistry or surgery may be the right fit for you.