Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Summer 2022 - 36

2022 PCSO Honorees
Force on Affiliation Agreements; Council on Membership,
Ethical, Judicial Concerns (chair 2015-2017); and
the AAO Task Force on Global Strategic Planning.
The PCSO has greatly benefited from the time,
expertise, and devotion that Dr. Wolk has given to the
specialty of orthodontics. We all congratulate him for
his accomplishments and for receiving this special
honor.
Comments From Dr. Ron Wolk on Receiving the
2022 PCSO Award of Merit
It is most humbling, yet no less an honor, to be selected
as the recipient of the 2022 PCSO Award of Merit.
When I read the defining parameters of this award, I
asked myself, " Is this me? " and " Should I be included
within this group of dedicated professionals? "
Looking back over 40-plus years of being involved in
organized orthodontics, I see a young new graduate
who simply wanted to be an active member in his
professional association. Sitting in the same rooms
with those who preceded me gave me more and
more inspiration to become involved with issues
that contributed to the advancement and profile
of my chosen profession. Along with improving the
experiences of other orthodontists-the members
we serve-I realized we were able to improve the
profession as a whole. That desire set a path into leadership
from which one position rolled into another. I
have served on the boards and the executives of the
Canadian Association of Orthodontists, the Canadian
Foundation for the Advancement of Orthodontics, and
ultimately the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists. I
spent eight years on the AAO Council on Membership,
Judicial, and Ethical Concerns, two of which I served
as chair. I have also spent 14 years as a delegate to the
AAO, six of which as chair of the PCSO Delegation.
During those years, there were multiple committees
and delegations, all representing the members we
served. I'm so grateful for all the fellow colleagues who
stood beside me, encouraged me, and directed me to
aspire to realize a dream was evolving. The time I spent
within the CAO, PCSO, and AAO provided a vision to
me that the future of the orthodontic profession can
be influenced by the deep dedication of the volunteers
who serve these organizations. How fortunate I
am to have been part of that dream.
The PCSO has been home for my decades of service.
Over that time, I was guided by devoted executive
directors who serve as the backbone of any
high-functioning organization. Namely, I thank Phil
Rollins, the 1999 PCSO Award of Merit recipient, who
encouraged and demonstrated ultimate professionalism
and dedication in how we serve as volunteers.
It was in my presidential year where PCSO underwent
a change in the ED position with Jill Nowak, a PCSO
Award of Merit honoree herself in 2017, guiding the
PCSO leadership. For me, Jill exemplified leadership,
support, wise tutelage, and friendship. Jill, in her
years, wove a team of PCSO leaders and created
a succession of volunteers, making a tapestry of
friendship. In my most recent years, I have benefited
from the experience and guidance of PCSO's current
ED, Callie Castro. Callie has brought her own touch
from her association experience in the medical field
and has become an influencer for the new PCSO
leadership. I have always been proud to be a member
of the PCSO. There is a rich history of individuals in
the PCSO who have given so much to orthodontics.
How fortunate I am to have connected with these
wonderful people who were mentors and now
lifelong friends?
I must express my gratitude to my supportive practice
partner, Dr. Barry Hoffman at Hoffman-Wolk Orthodontics,
for being there when I wasn't. To my loving
wife, Maureen, who continues to encourage my
involvement while being the wind beneath my wings,
and to my children, Jared, Carly, and Michael, who are
constant reminders of the importance of life-I am so
grateful. And not to go without mentioning the many
professional and lifelong friends I have met through
the PCSO who have given me a set of broad shoulders
to stand on. How fortunate am I to be able to live
this dream through volunteering and giving back to
my own profession?
To answer my own question, " Is this me? " when I
pinch myself and look around me, I see all those
who mentored me, supported me, and gave me the
wonderful opportunities I've had. I wake up and say
I am very fortunate. So I graciously accept this most
treasured honor. Thank you to the PCSO Nominating
Committee and the PCSO Board of Directors for
naming me this year's recipient of the PCSO Award
of Merit.
36
PCSO Bulletin Summer 2022
Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Summer 2022

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