Tribute to a Mentor
Meet Dr. Louis Mandel, Columbia Faculty Member for close to 70 Years
By: Jennifer O’Rourke
“In dentistry and in medicine, you're doing something for mankind, while simultaneously giving yourself a sense of accomplishment,” said Louis Mandel, DDS '46, one of the longest-serving employees at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “There's no question in my mind that medicine, dentistry, PhD research, anything in the field of medical science, is the holy grail because there is nothing more important than health.”
Mandel has been a faculty member in the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for 68 years. He has also served as associate dean of extramural hospital programs in the College of Dental Medicine and director of the Salivary Gland Center.
“When I learn something new, it gives me a tremendous high,” said Mandel. “I love teaching and am very academically oriented. I take pleasure in writing because writing helps me to learn.”
Mandel has published more than 250 papers on oral and maxillofacial surgery and salivary gland disorders in dental and medical publications, though he has more recently stepped aside to allow his students to be first author on published studies. He emphasizes the importance of writing and publishing case studies to his students to not only learn about a particular case, but also to practice their writing skills to positively impact the school, the profession, and their own careers.
“He mentors faculty, as well, including myself,” said Sidney Eisig, DDS, the George Gutmann Professor of Craniofacial Surgery at CUMC. “He has been teaching 68 years and going strong, so he has a very different perspective on the little things. He is really good about reminding us what is important. He is highly valued by his peers.”
Dr. Mandel has redefined the classroom by taking the vital student-teacher relationship beyond the curriculum to help his students achieve their potential. His approach is caring and laborious, but ultimately very rewarding. Students have expressed their gratitude by renaming one of their student-run organizations to Mandel Oral and Maxillofacial Study Club. “There are many students that he is still in touch with over the years,” said Eisig.
“When you have the motivation and interest to build upon a basic science background, you can do anything,” said Mandel. “I always tell students that you must continue to learn. Learning is a lifelong job.”