Souffle Night
For years, during the week of the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, I hosted an annual gathering, termed "Souffle Night." It started small, with me wanting to share a wonderful dessert with a few friends. The first year, there were four of us. By the second year, about 10 attended, and by the third year, we had increased to about 30 or 40 as the word kept spreading. I believe there were close to 300 in attendance in the last few years it was held. As the creator and organizer, I am aware of the approximate numbers because I typically covered the cost, including pre-ordering the souffles and other various desserts to ensure that there was enough for everyone. In full disclosure, as word of the success of the event got around, over the years, a few generous patrons—small dental companies, often anonymously—stepped in and sponsored the night. This, of course, was sincerely appreciated, as the true purpose of the gathering was never really about the souffle, but rather about fostering friendships and creating much needed down time for all those attending the rigorous and hectic schedule of the dental seminars and meetings.
The event attracted speakers and seminar attendees, small laboratories and dental offices as well as leaders of our industry, including some of the world's top dentists and technicians. Everyone was welcome, and part of the attraction, in addition to the fabulous desserts served, was an opportunity to meet this way, in an informal setting, sectioned off in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel. It was a unique experience that, based on the always increasing attendance, was enjoyed by all. To this day, people still ask me about it.
What perhaps stands out most in my recollection of the event was younger technicians photographing their mentors while having an opportunity to speak in a relaxed atmosphere. I know that, when I was starting out and was given the chance to have informal discussions, one on one, with leaders in our field whom I admired, the opportunity was priceless. The most surprising part, to this day, was how willing they often were to open up and share their knowledge. The souffle parties created this atmosphere, and I truly hope many were left with that same impression from them.
Today, new faces and new leaders continue to inspire us—and, perhaps, newer ways of sharing, interacting, and growing in this field. In this month's cover story, Lucas Lammott shares his personal struggles and insights about his family life and work environment, and his attempt to successfully navigate through both. I thoroughly appreciated his candid account of learning to balance a successful career with family and personal time. His words remind me of the faces during the souffle parties and the similar challenges that I believe we all share in balancing our lives. It reminded me of countless times that I spent time with various mentors, learning so much from our discussions about life, family plans, and goals—even more than from discussions about techniques. Lucas shared that with you all. I thank him for that, and I look forward to bringing you more similar accounts, as I believe these can be just as inspirational, if not more so, than some of the technical information we share. Much respect, my friend. I hope we can all talk and share more.
Peter Pizzi, MDT, CDT
Editor-in-Chief
peter.pizzi@broadcastmed.com
