Today marked the official end of my oral radiology residency at the University of Washington. I want to take a moment to thank everyone who made this program exceptional. It was a privilege to train in an environment that blended a warm, lively spirit—sometimes even a little boisterous—with an unmatched depth of radiological expertise.
The experience was shaped by remarkable mentors. Dr. Lars Hollender, who I’d argue is the top oral radiologist in the world, brought every radiograph to life. He’d say each one tells a story, then prove it with insights that never ceased to impress. His knowledge was a constant source of inspiration. Dr. Peggy Lee, my research advisor and friend, kept everything on track—handling paperwork, navigating red tape, and nudging Dr. Hollender forward when needed. Dr. Curtis Chen, the program director, matched that expertise step-for-step, steering us with skill. Dr. Johan Aps, our clinic director and dual-specialist in pedodontics and radiology, took on the bulk of clinical challenges, freeing us to focus on learning. I’m grateful for that, even if I feel a twinge of guilt for the headaches he managed.
No residency is flawless, but I can’t imagine a better fit. As I head to Utah, I’ll stay connected to UW as affiliate faculty, joining oral radiology conferences and occasionally lecturing residents via online sessions. Looking ahead, my focus is private practice oral radiology. This website, oralradiologists.com, is primed with HIPAA-compliant file transfers (thanks, Justin!) and custom blogging tools. I see it growing into a hub where radiologists can collaborate, discuss cases, and share resources. Expect more frequent updates and educational content soon—online courses are in the works, so stay tuned. Tomorrow, I’m recording a podcast with Dr. Howard Farran of Dentaltown.com; I’ll share the link once it’s live. Watch the podcast here
This next chapter feels thrilling, if a bit daunting given the specialty’s emerging role. I’m ready to see where it leads.
For continuing education courses by Dr. Mecham on CBCT interpretation from Dentaltown, click here.