Rich Green, DDS, MBA retires from The Pankey Institute
The latest issue of the Pankeygram has tribute articles to Rich by Chris Sager and others. Rich was one of a kind in his broad array of competencies. He integrated the Pankey philosophy in his dental practice from 1968 until he retired in 1991. He was on the visiting faculty prior to his full time position at the Institute. While he was in private practice he worked with Bob Barkley who was a neighbor in Macomb, Illinois. (Rich practiced in Hinsdale, Illinois.) He also worked with Selection Research (later Gallup) on the selection and hiring of dental auxiliaries. He then obtained his MBA and was on the Pankey full time faculty for 10 years. To my knowledge he is the last full time faculty member who was a student in L.D Pankey's philosophy classes (seven times). He is in the Master's Hall of the Pankey Institute. He left a tremendous legacy and will be missed. Rich said of his experience as a student of L.D. Pankey and Bob Barkley: "I began to see dentistry as a developmental experience for the dentist, patient and staff,' 'It was about excellence in restoring teeth, but also something more. Dr. Pankey said you must know your work which includes solving both the technical and behavioral riddles, and then communicating that to each patient." This is a tribute that I sent to Rich. To: Rich Green From: Lynn Carlisle April 20, 2004 We first met when we wore younger people’s clothes in 1975 at the Institute. You were a cadre member and I was a youngster of 34 attending C-1. There were a bunch of crazy Canadians in our class including Bud Sipko. I still have the manual from the course. Talk about a life-changing event and you were a part of it. I felt a connection to you at that first encounter and our paths have paralleled and intersected many times over these 30 years. I have always valued your questing and seeking nature. Here we are at a different life stage, but still climbing the ladder. I once asked you who would carry on the Pankey/Barkley tradition after their deaths. I was feeling their loss and was wondering what I would do without mentors. You answered, “We are the ones. It is up to us.” Your statement started me on a path of independence as I transitioned from a student to a mentor/teacher role. A healthy developmental step according to psychologists. I will miss you as part of the Institute, but I am glad that you will stay active in dentistry. You have kept the light of philosophy, finance, psychology, and caring burning by your work at the Institute. I look forward to continuing our friendship and seeing what you do next.
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