BOSTON – Rachel (Misuraca) Lewin, an outfielder for the Suffolk softball team from 2006-09, took the road less traveled route into the world of dentistry. The Biochemistry major worked her way along the unbeaten path towards her dream through the Army. Ram Nation caught up with Lewin to see what she's up to now.
Since Suffolk, you’ve moved into the work field. Could you describe your current occupation, what company you work for and the role you have?
Currently, I am a General Dentist and a Major in the US Army. I am starting a residency this year and will graduate in 2022 as an Orthodontist.
How did you land your job?
While at Suffolk, I was accepted into Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. I contacted an Army Healthcare recruiter and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army’s Individual Ready Reserve. I received a scholarship where the Army paid for my dental school in exchange for four years of active duty service as a dentist when I graduated. I’m now in my second contract with the Army and have lived and practiced Army dentistry in Europe, Oklahoma, Kentucky, and now Texas.
Is this your dream job?
I knew I was going to be an Orthodontist when I was 16 years old, but I never planned on joining the military in order to achieve that, and somehow, this is even better than my dreams.
Describe your typical work day.
My typical workday is mostly that of any other dentist, with a few exceptions. I treat patients for eight hours a day, but I am not limited by finances (all military dental care is free) and my patients are some of the most deserving and extraordinary people I’ve ever known (nearly all my patients are military Servicemembers .
What’s the most surprising part of your job?
I think most would be surprised at the opportunities that are available for an Army dentist. In Europe, I was assigned to an Army field unit in Germany where I was the sole dentist responsible for area support dental coverage of Europe and Africa worked out of a tent. In the US, I served as a Liaison for recruiting for two years traveling across the country for speaking engagements and consulting on Army Dentistry and I only practiced dentistry part-time. I have also had many opportunities for continuing education and additional schools and training.
What’s the biggest perk of your job?
The travel is definitely a big perk. When I graduated from Suffolk, I had been to seven states and Mexico. Since, I have lived in four states, traveled to 40 states, and have visited 40 countries!
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud to be an American Soldier. Very few people get the privilege to say that and I am honored to be one. Being part of the Army Medical Department, it is easy to shy away from the more “military” side of the job and take assignments that are strictly clinic based. But for me, I wanted a challenge and an adventure, so I embraced the Army culture and volunteered for deployments and things that were outside of my comfort zone. Because of that spirit, I’ve earned many awards and badges, been selected for unique assignments, and have learned so much along the way.
What is your favorite memory at work?
My time in the Army has given me so many favorite memories; I love treating patients and changing their minds about going to the dentist. I also really enjoy days where I don’t treat patients and instead, we go to the shooting range or train on military tasks. I get to meet a lot of likeminded people and friendships form fast because we, as Soldiers, move regularly, so I cherish the memories and lifelong friendships I’ve made working alongside many colleagues and other nations’ Servicemembers.
How did Suffolk prepare you for your role?
Serving in the military is very much like playing a team sport. Playing softball at Suffolk gave me confidence that the Army was the best branch for me to join. I was fit, determined, and not afraid to get a little dirt on my clothes.I believe being well-rounded by playing a sport in college also helped my application and enabled my acceptance into dental school. At Suffolk, I was invited to a small course called the Leadership Institute. It was my first exposure to defining and refining myself as a leader, which prepared me to be a successful military Officer.
What’s your favorite Suffolk memory?
My favorite memories at Suffolk are certainly the times I spent with my team. I majored in Biochemistry so the opportunity to get out and play softball with my friends was often the highlight of my day.
What advice do you have for current students?
To current students, take initiative. I am so grateful for advisors and my professors in the science department, but in general, my career choice was rare for Suffolk so I had to do a lot of research on my own to make sure I was on track. Realizing the need, I created the Dental Careers Club, ultimately helping two other students with the process of applying and getting accepted into dental school. Suffolk has so many great resources for you so make the most of it while you’re there and dream big.
What made you choose Suffolk?
The location and small class sizes. I wanted to be far enough away from home (Gloucester, Mass.) to get a college experience, but close enough to go home if needed. I spoke with an advisor at Suffolk to see if they offered the classes required to get into dental school and when he told me they did, I applied. After taking the tour at Suffolk, I found out about the low student to professor ratios and knew it was the perfect fit for me and my learning style.
Outside of work, what is your life like? I.E. family, kids, what do you do for fun, etc?
I am married and we have a sixth month old baby girl so our lives have changed recently. We used to travel a lot, especially to Europe, since my husband is from England and we lived in Germany. Though we don’t travel nearly as much these days, we are still very active and enjoy challenging each other with fitness goals and spending time outside playing ball in the yard or walking the stroller through the neighborhood. I also love to cook (and eat) and since we move every 2-3 years, we never run out of new restaurants to try!
Ram Nation has the chance to stay in touch with Rachel (Miscuraca) Lewin by adding her as a friend on Facebook.
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