Annual Awards Ceremony Held at The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine to Commemorate Milestone and Recognize ‘Innovation Award’ Recipients
[New York, NY] September 19, 2022 The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, Inc. (DBA Shils Fund), a non-profit organization dedicated to innovative leadership in health care and named after the late Dr. Edward B. Shils, will hold its annual Shils Awards ceremony on October 19th. The ceremony, taking place at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine from 3:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. ET, will celebrate the Shils Fund’s 20th anniversary, and recognize individuals, organizations and programs that have made a significant impact on the oral health community and public health overall.
At this year’s event, the Shils Fund will present the Innovation Awards to the following four recipients:
- Dr. Wardah Inam, CEO, Overjet, Inc. in recognition of her “Excellence in Industry” for innovation and entrepreneurial role for advancing oral health.
- Dr. Rena D’Souza, Director, NIDCR in recognition of her “Excellence in Research” for the completion of the landmark report on Oral Health in America and leadership in advancing the movement of scientific findings to user communities.
- The Santa Fe Group, a non-profit organization, in “Special Recognition” of celebrating 25 years of advocacy to improve oral health for the public, the profession and research.
- Dr. Mark Wolff, Morton Amsterdam Dean Professor, Penn Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania in recognition of his innovative approach to re-establishing the generational relationship between Hebrew University and University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and for outstanding leadership on behalf of individuals and communities in need.
“For 20 years, the Shils Foundation has identified, and helped elevate, individuals who are making a difference in oral health,” says Steve Kess, President, Shils Fund and Vice President, Global Professional Relations, Henry Schein. “Together, we will continue to recognize, develop, and connect oral health care’s most innovative minds with the right leadership.”
Click here to view video of past Shils Innovation Award winners answer the question, “Where Are You Now?”
In addition, as part of Shil’s year-long commitment to fostering the personal and professional growth of young entrepreneurs and students in the field of oral health, the Fund has launched its inaugural Shils Partnership Awards Program. After evaluation of competing video proposals from across the globe that display innovative oral healthcare products/business ideas/community advocacy/health equity to advance oral health and its link to overall health, the program will award $5,000 to a winner in each of the following four award categories: 1) Young Entrepreneur 2) Emerging Transformational Leadership 3) Diversity and Innovation and 4) Future Developer.
Dr. Edward B. Shils’ legacy lives on in elevating the contributions of the next generation. “In its 20th year, the Shils Fund will continue to collaborate with leaders in the healthcare industry to fund innovative ideas from students, academia, community-based organizations, young clinicians, and diversity organizations,” says Keith Drayer, Vice President, Shils Fund and Consultant, Henry Schein.
Following the formal program and awards ceremony, attendees will have an opportunity to network, interact, and engage during a cocktail reception at the venue from 6:15 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
To purchase tickets and learn more about Shils and its annual awards event, visit here.
About The Shils Fund, Inc.
Friends and colleagues of Dr. Shils, who are also prominent leaders in the dental industry, founded the Dr. Edward D. Shils Entrepreneurial Education Fund in 2002 because they knew that Dr. Shils wanted to leave a legacy of entrepreneurship. In 2012, the Fund was renamed The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, Inc. (Shils Fund) and became a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Through annual awards, partnerships and other branded events, the Shils Fund honors the pioneering vision of Dr. Shils and helps foster inspiration and initiative in current and future healthcare entrepreneurs. For more information, please visit: www.ShilsFund.org.