Franklin Awah

Franklin Awah

D.D.S., M.D.

Education: College: University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Dental School: University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) I enjoy staying active and nurturing the mind and body. You can catch me at the Plex playing pick-up soccer or at a coffee shop getting lost in a good book. What is it about your profession that you enjoy and why? Even as a child, I knew that I enjoyed helping others — from helping my elderly neighbor with chores to volunteering at church. I feel blessed that I am able to continue that venture in my profession. Nowadays, I alleviate my patients’ dental pain, repair broken jaws and place dental implants. Each procedure is geared at alleviating a patient’s pain or restoring their smile. In addition, I work with some of the best people one could ask for. What does success mean to you? My definition of success is personal fulfillment with life, career, and family. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to be in a career of service to others and problem solving. My career interests covered a wide range, including being a priest, a fireman, a politician. Coming from a small community and seeing the impact physicians have in improving the lives of their patients was the deciding factor that persuaded me to seek a career in health care. Completing the board certification process and becoming partner in my practice has been my biggest career accomplishment thus far. The board certification process is the pinnacle of a surgeon’s training. It demonstrates dedication to learning and adherence to the highest standard of practice. My current goals are to keep up to date with new and emerging technologies, expand my procedures and bring cutting-edge health care to the community. To relax, I stay physically active (for example, soccer, running), read, travel, and engage with the community. I enjoy staying active and nurturing the mind and body. You can catch me at the Plex playing pick-up soccer or at a coffee shop getting lost in a good book.  For example, “The Motivation Manifesto” by Brendan Burchard is one of the most empowering books I have read. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to achieve greatness. Based on what you know now, what would you tell your high school self? I would say stay true to the cause. Your path is filled with greatness. Give your best in everything you do. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Take that trip!
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