Vice Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at the National University of La Plata (FOLP), Dr. Mercedes Medina, has received the title of “Honorary Doctor” from UNLP, the highest academic recognition bestowed by the institution on people whose professional lives leave a profound imprint. Such is the case for Medina, whom FOLP Dean Dr. Gabriel Lazo described as “a true champion of the profession.”
A doctor of dentistry, a long-time educator and member of prestigious scientific organizations – such as the International Association for Dental Research, the Argentine Society for Dental Research, and the Latin American Society of Comprehensive Dentistry – Medina has held central roles at UNLP. She has served as Secretary of Academic Affairs since 2004. She later made history when she became the first woman to hold the position of Dean of Dentistry, marking a before and after achievement at the institution.
Touched, I thanked the honoree for her excellence at an event in which Dr. Lazo recalled her stewardship as Dean of the FOLP Program. In this regard, he highlighted a gesture that, according to him, changed dental training forever: the decision to integrate the social and societal perspective as the focus of the study plan.
This change allowed students to leave the classroom, take to the streets and be directly connected to the health reality of the neighborhoods, health centers and communities in the region.
“She was a pioneer in putting the social community at the heart of curriculum reform. She made our students learn about the real country, beyond the technical. She understood that before anyone else,” Lazo said. He added: “Thanks to her, dentistry opened its doors to the most vulnerable sectors and promoted volunteer work and awareness in the field of oral health, a work that is still alive to this day.”
Medina also promoted mentoring projects that today have become an essential part of the college’s identity, leaving an imprint of close leadership, recognized by teachers, students and students.
He emphasized that this is why the honorary dean “is almost insufficient. The national and international recognition she enjoys makes her a unique figure in Argentine dentistry.” He continued, visibly moved, “The most valuable thing is that she is here, among us, working every day. Above all, she is my friend. She is the friend of the entire college.”
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