El Kholy is Named a Tarrson Fellow

On November 1, 2024, Karim El Kholy, DDS, MS, DMSc, an associate professor of dental medicine at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, was presented with the Bud and Linda Tarrson Fellowship by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation at the Academy’s annual meeting, held in San Diego.

The fellowship recognizes a mid-career faculty member for teaching and research in periodontology. The award is named for Bud Tarrson, the former chairman and chief executive officer of the John O. Butler Company, the Chicago-based maker of dental products, and Linda Tarrson, who has served on numerous dental industry and education boards.

El Kholy is the first CDM faculty member to receive the Tarrson Fellowship, which has been awarded since 1998 to recognize outstanding dental educators. The award, $30,000 over three years, is meant to support career development.

El Kholy, whose recent research includes an investigation into the link between oral infections and cardiovascular disease and an assessment of differing dental implant placement protocols, says that Tarrson Fellows are  immediately appointed as ambassadors for the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation. “It is a humbling recognition that comes with a responsibility of representing the academic side of the profession and tackling current challenges we face,” he says.

El Kholy says that the fellowship award is very helpful, and the impact of the professional endorsement is enormous.

He says that it’s especially meaningful to be recognized for teaching, which he loves. “It’s a great way to spend your career – providing encouragement and empowerment. It’s what gets me out of bed in the morning,” he says.