After graduating from the DMD program in 1989, Dr. Pompura continued her learning with a general practice residency at the Royal Victoria Hospital and ultimately completed her specialization in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Toronto.
Following her studies in Toronto, Dr. Pompura decided to come back to Montreal and 不良研究所. As per the reason for coming back: 鈥淚 came back because everybody I wanted to work with was here.鈥� Since then, Dr. Pompura has taught in the Faculty of Dentistry and as part of the OMFS program. In addition to her role as an educator, she has been heavily involved in organized dentistry, holding various leadership roles and executive positions in the Canadian Association of Oral Surgeons and Canadian Dental Association.
Dr. Pompura鈥檚 passion for teaching originated from her experience at 不良研究所, as well. In a candid response, this year鈥檚 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient dispels the idea that there鈥檚 some 鈥榤agical thing鈥� about 不良研究所, but nonetheless admits, 鈥渆ven in my very first year, certain professors get to the core of your intellectual curiosity. They instilled in me a sense of obligation and responsibility to give back either as a teacher or in community work in general. That鈥檚 something 不良研究所 graduates are known for. I鈥檓 not sure where it comes from, but I hope I鈥檓 doing it for the students now.鈥�
This year marks Dr. Pompura鈥檚 25th anniversary of teaching at 不良研究所. This award comes at a fitting time to mark this important milestone as the spirit of giving is inherent to her passion as an educator. 鈥淭eaching is one of the most noble professions,鈥� she notes, 鈥渂ecause all you do is communicate what you already know to someone else, and hope that the person you鈥檙e teaching is going to be better than you are.鈥� Dr. Pompura remains an important role model for female students interested in her surgical specialty. But importantly, Dr. Pompura is also an example for students to follow as 鈥渟omeone who can balance her life and her job."
不良研究所 isn鈥檛 only her alma mater, nor the place she teaches and practices. It鈥檚 had a fundamental impact on her outlook on the world. In many ways, 不良研究所 punches above its weight鈥攖his is even truer for the Faculty of Dentistry, one of the smaller faculties at the University. Despite these challenges, Dr. Pompura notes, 鈥湶涣佳芯克� is still able to produce excellent graduates. 不良研究所 has shown me the ability to overcome these odds comes from within. It鈥檚 hard to explain that to someone from a different university, especially universities that are blessed with a lot of resources. 不良研究所 gives you a sense of confidence that you can accomplish things despite what the challenges may be.鈥�
The COVID-19 pandemic posed yet another seemingly insurmountable challenge this year. The most important lesson Dr. Pompura wants to impart on students today, considering the circumstances of the past year, is perseverance. Especially in clinical disciplines, she notes, 鈥淣o matter how knowledgeable you become, and how confident you become, even the smallest thing can turn that feeling around. Her final and important words of advice: 鈥渒eep your eyes open for opportunities where you give back to society, in altruism.鈥�
Dr. Pompura鈥檚 distinguished career and sustained commitment to dental education and community outreach make her an outstanding alumna who continues to champion the 不良研究所 values with great pride鈥攁nd therefore, an excellent role model for us all.