Connected by EIOH: Two Canadian Residents Join a Global Alumni Community
Both hailing from Ontario, Canada, Dr. Shivani Shah and Dr. Victoria Thorburn arrived at Eastman Institute for Oral Health already familiar with its reputation in Pediatric Dentistry.
“Lots of pediatric dentists in Toronto are EIOH alumni,” said Shah. “I heard many good things about the clinical training here, and I’m glad I followed those recommendations.”
For Shah, specializing in pediatric dentistry always felt like the right fit.
“I love working with kids,” she said. “If I hadn’t chosen dentistry, I’d probably be a pediatrician because healthcare is so important to me.”
The depth of specialized training at EIOH and its mission dedicated to patient care were among the appeals of the program. “It was a great opportunity to explore and refine my values as a clinician while receiving advanced and diverse clinical training,” said Thornburn.
At Eastman, Pediatric Dentistry residents treat children with a wide range of medical, behavioral, and social needs, learning how to support patients experiencing everything from dental anxiety to complex medical conditions. Working closely with families, social workers, and specialists was an eye-opening experience for both residents.
“It taught me to think more deeply about the barriers many patients face in accessing and following through with care,” said Shah. “This has helped me grow to be a more empathetic, adaptable, and patient-centered provider.”
With more than 50 patients seen daily in the Pediatric Dentistry clinic, the residency offered constant opportunities to strengthen clinical skills, manage complex cases, and build confidence in a fast-paced setting. The training was demanding at times, but worth it.
“You have to trust that the challenges are part of the process,” said Shah. “There were difficult moments, but they pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t always expect. By the end of my residency, I was not only a stronger clinician, but I understood myself better too.
They learned to adapt in other aspects of their lives as well. Shah, an avid reader, discovered that audiobooks became the perfect compromise during long and busy days.
For Thorburn, one of the best lessons was to be kind to herself.
“It’s hard work, and there’s always room for improvement,” she said. “That’s why we’re here – to improve our skills.”
Amid the demands of residency, both formed valuable friendships that made the journey lighter and more fun. “My co-residents were the best part of my residency,” Thorburn said.
Shah recalled filming a motivational video with her co-residents as one of the highlights of the program. “I don’t think I had laughed that much in a long time,” she said.
As graduation approaches, both are preparing for their next chapters in private practice while looking forward to rediscovering hobbies and interests outside the clinic. Shah hopes to spend more time reading, while Thorburn is excited to travel more.
Asked what they will miss most about Rochester, both quickly agreed on one answer: Vern’s – along with the friendships, mentorship, and connections they built at Eastman along the way.
And with Eastman alumni practicing around the world, they know those connections are unlikely to end at graduation.
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