Page 16 - GP FALL 2010

Hope for Haiti - Making a Difference One Tooth at a Time

Interview with Fabiola Milord, DDS, FAGD

On January 12, 2010 at 4:53 p.m., a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the small Caribbean nation of Haiti on the island
of Hispaniola. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Léogâne, which is approximately 16 miles west of Port-au-Prince,
the capital of Haiti. The earthquake and its subsequent aftershocks (at least 52 measuring 4.5 or greater in the 12 days following the
earthquake), completely devastated Port-au-Prince and areas surrounding the epicenter, affecting an estimated 3 million people.
Recorded as the 6th deadliest earthquake, its casualties include 230,000 dead and over 300,000 injured. An estimated 250,000 homes
and 30,000 commercial buildings were also destroyed.

Humanitarian aid poured in from all over the world in the aftermath. But with severe damages in communications, transportation,
and electrical systems from the earthquake, the rescue and relief efforts are severely hindered. Tens of thousands had to be buried in
mass graves and over a million people were left homeless and without resources. Rescue efforts, medical care, sanitation, and sup-
plies for the millions remain a priority.

Many from around the globe answered Haiti’s call for help. One of our own, Dr. Fabiola Milord, a grass-roots member of the
NYSAGD, who practices in Freeport, Long Island, NY heard the call and gave a helping hand. This past June, Dr. Milord was a mem-
ber of a medical mission that went down to Haiti. GP had a chance to talk to Dr. Milord after her mission.

GP: Dr. Milord, thank you for taking the time to speak to GP. Currently, I am the Dental Director for Catholic Charities
Could you tell us some background information regarding your Health Systems, Inc., Diocese of Rockville Centre on Long
mission to Haiti? Island, NY. I also sit on the New York State Dental
FM: Thank you for giving me the opportunity. Our mission Association’s Task Force on Public Health Dentistry and
was from June 18 – June 26, 2010. It was a medical mission Access whereby various strategies are employed to improve
to Port-au-Prince, Haiti with NOAH (National Organization for access to oral health care services for the state’s most vulnera-
the Advancement of Haitians) NY’s Stanley Barbot Medical ble residents.
Mission. Our team members included a pediatrician from
Howard University in Washington DC, five students from I am present-
Howard University Medical School, four public health profes- ly pursuing
sionals, a photographer/videographer, and me as the lone den- a Master’s
tist of the group. Another group EMPACT/DRNW (Disaster degree in
Response Northwest) from Tacoma, Washington joined us later Global
at one of the mission sites. Public
Health at
GP: Could you tell us a little about yourself? New York
FM: Both my parents were Haitian (now deceased) but I was University.
born in the Republic of Congo in Africa. I lived in NY since I I travel
was a month old. I am a product of the NYC public school sys- extensively
tem – I attended P.S. 9, I.S. 44, and Washington Irving High and see that
School. I received my Bachelor of Science degree from St. there is a
John’s University, followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery world-wide
from New York University College of Dentistry. I completed need to Sleeping tents for volunteers from
emphasize Tacoma, Washington.
oral heath
as a basic
human
right. I look
forward to
obtaining
my Master’s
with the
hopes of
influencing
policy,
whether
within the
United
Tents visible from the airplane. States or on AIMER-HAITI Hospital.
an international level. I am an active member of organized
my General Practice Residency at Metropolitan Hospital dentistry – ADA, NYSDA, and the Long Island Academy of
Center and a Dental Oncology Fellowship at Memorial Sloan- Odontology. I am also a Fellow of the Academy of General
Kettering Cancer Center.

www.nysagd.org | Fall 2010 | GP 16