Dr. Raj Desai receive the “Dr. Kalpesh Shah and Dr. Ami K. Shah Scholarship” for 2021
Dr. Raj Desai, resident in the UIC Orthodontic Graduate Program, was selected to receive the “Dr. Kalpesh Shah and Dr. Ami K. Shah Scholarship” for the year of 2021. This scholarship is awarded to outstanding Orthodontics and Periodontics residents in alternate years. Congratulations to Dr. Desai for this exciting achievement!
"Being selected as the recipient for this scholarship makes me feel very honored. The orthodontics program is a challenging and arduous journey and to be recognized for the hard work and effort put into the educational process is a priceless feeling. The distinction makes me feel that I am on the right path and to continue pushing myself to make the most out of residency." said Dr. Desai. "Receiving this scholarship helps to reduce my student loan repayment which is critical as the combined burden between dental school and specialty education programs is amongst the steepest out of any career opportunity in the country." Dr. Desai added.
Dr. Desai remarked, "Having worked with Habitat for Humanity previously, I am looking to increase my community presence and to that end I have started my involvement with Youth for a Better Future and the Lakeview Pantry in order to give back to those in need and increase awareness about the profession. In addition, I would like to pay it forward by continuing to make myself available to help junior residents with some of the same obstacles that I faced when I was in their shoes and to guide predoctoral students through the orthodontic application process."
Dr. Desai plans to enter private practice and become ABO certified post graduation. At some point, he hopes to give back to the profession through university affiliated teaching and organizational advocacy.