EIOH Resident Spotlight – Dr. Ruqaya Lilo
Originally from Baghdad, Iraq, Dr. Ruqaya Lilo (OFP ’24, MS ’24) has many great memories from her time at Eastman Institute, including meeting expert speakers, sharing cultural and religious traditions and honoring successes.

Q: Why did you choose Eastman?
A: Eastman Institute for Oral Health is well known for its excellence in dental education, diversity, research, and patient care. This attracted me to apply as a resident looking for high quality training.
Q: Best advice you ever received?
A: On the professional level, the best advice I have received was from my mentor Dr. Khan – “Establish authentic and respectful professional networking. Recognize your progress and successes along the way and take time to appreciate your efforts and accomplishments no matter how small”.
On the personal level, the best advice is “Accept who you are, including your strengths, weaknesses, flaws, and quirks”.
Q: In what way did your Eastman experience allow you to grow?
A: My residency at Eastman has been a transformative time of growth, both professionally and personally.
I have been exposed to an extensive clinical experience, which allowed me to refine my skills in various procedures under the supervision of experienced and friendly faculty.

I strongly believe that the Orofacial Pain program at Eastman is one of the best Orofacial Pain programs in the U.S. It is a structured and interactive learning experience that provides residents with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to diagnose and manage complex orofacial pain conditions effectively, collaborate with professionals from various disciplines, such as neurology, otolaryngology, physical therapy, and psychology. It also provides the opportunity to work on various general dental procedures in the urgent care clinic, and the specialty care clinic where patients have medically challenging conditions.
This is helping me to grow in many ways including comprehensive education, clinical experience, communication skills, multidisciplinary collaboration, research, and professional development that is necessary for establishing relationships with patients and collaborating effectively with colleagues.
Any papers published while you were at EIOH?
“Effectiveness of Cold application on pain sensation following Botulinum type A injections in Orofacial region, A Systematic Review” published in December 2023.

The second paper which is a Narrative review is under reviewing status - " Synovial Chondromatosis in TMJ: Narrative review".
Currently I’m working with my mentors on my third paper which is a systematic review.
Q: Next steps after graduation?
A: After graduation, I plan to work as an associate dentist while preparing to establish a private practice where I can use my OFP specialty, to provide the community with a variety of treatment options for TMJ disorders. This specialty is still underrepresented in many dental practices and areas.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
A: I wish to have a multi-language ability, to be able to understand and communicate in any language with everyone around the world. It would be an extremely powerful and helpful superpower.
Q: Favorite part of Rochester?
A: Highland Park, especially during lilac festival season.
Q: Other than dentist, what career would you choose?
A: Maybe an architect or fashion designer

Q: Last time you were in awe?
A: Witnessing the total solar eclipse in April 2024
Q: The one thing you can’t live without?
A: My family
Q: One thing few people know about you?
A: I have an animal phobia
Q: Favorite place you’ve traveled?
A: Historical and ancient cultural places in the Middle East.
Q: Favorite game to watch or play?
A: I enjoy playing Badminton and table tennis sometimes.
Q: If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Chocolate! (chocolate protein shake for surviving).