Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Adelola Tinubu | 180918-N-IG466-0272 NORTH ATLANTIC (Sept. 20, 2018) Lt. Cmdr. Wilfredo Palau, right,...... read more read more
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ATLANTIC OCEAN –It was at a high school football game. A hard plastic helmet harshly connected with the bottom of the teenager’s chin, fracturing a molar and sending crippling waves of excruciating pain. Every dental clinic in the area was closed, and the emergency room was the only option. Without experience or training in handling trauma in the mouth, nurses and staff in the hospital were stumped with how to treat the injury. The only choice was to call an oral surgeon. Thirty minutes later, the tooth was removed along with all of the discomfort, and this teenager was inspired to pursue a career in oral surgery.
USS Harry S. Truman’s (CVN 75) dental department works long hours to serve a crew of over 5,500 Sailors. As part of this team, oral surgeon Lt. Cmdr. Fred Palau treats the more serious cases, evaluating Sailors or performing a surgery every day.
“One of the aspects of my job I enjoy the most is that I can do what was done for me to other Sailors,” said Palau. “Sailors with dental issues may come in here with pain, and I am usually able to relieve them. It’s extremely satisfying.”
The satisfaction Palau receives from his job aboard Harry S. Truman was hard earned. After high school, Palau attended Penn State University and Virginia Tech. In his third year at Virginia Tech, he was accepted into the Navy’s Health Profession Scholarship Program and began dental school.
The Navy’s Health Profession Scholarship Program can provide tuition assistance for candidates who have been accepted into accredited medical schools for up to four years. During this time, candidates attend Officer Development School and upon graduation enter into the Navy as commissioned officers.
By 2007, he had a Bachelor’s Degree in microbiology and chemistry, and a doctorate in Dental Surgery.
“The training was demanding,” said Palau. “From day one of the residency, you work closely with physicians. The expectation is that your knowledge base reaches their level.”
The training prepped him to be able to service what can seem like a never-ending line of patients. Palau diligently sees approximately six cases, seven days a week, which include evaluations and surgical procedures. Palau added that evaluations before a surgery are critical so patients can understand what will happen and feel more relaxed.
“It’s never good to treat a stranger if you can help it,” said Palau. “People are a lot more comfortable if they understand why they are coming in, what they’re having done and more importantly, why the procedure is important.”
In rare cases of an active infection or a substantial amount of pain, surgery is immediately performed. It’s during these moments that Palau is glad to have a dependable surgery team.
“I’ve always felt that oral surgery was a team sport. None of this would be possible without my surgical technicians,” said Palau.
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class James Gresl, one of Harry S. Truman’s surgical technicians, has been working with Dr. Palau for four months and said he is a wonderful leader.
“The first day I met him, I was about thirty minutes late to work,” said Gresl. “I expected the scolding of a lifetime, but instead received a free breakfast,” he said with a look of lingering disbelief. “He was very forgiving, understanding and sympathetic - I’ve never had a doctor buy me breakfast after I screwed up.”
In addition to record keeping, scheduling and checking patient’s vitals, Gresl acts as an extra set of hands for Palau by retrieving tools during surgery and catering to patient’s needs.
Under the tutelage of Palau, Gresl said he saw a willingness to teach and work with others, as well as impeccable professionalism with patients and coworkers alike. If Gresl needed surgery, there would be no one else to whom he would turn.
“Unfortunately, that ship has already sailed,” said Gresl with a grin. “But, if I were going to have oral surgery, I would have it done by Palau.”
Currently operating in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, Harry S. Truman will continue to foster cooperation with regional allies and partners, strengthen regional stability, and remain vigilant, agile and dynamic.
For more information about Truman, visit www.facebook.com/USSTruman or www.navy.mil/local/cvn75/.
| Date Taken: | 09.23.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 09.23.2018 06:26 |
| Story ID: | 294079 |
| Location: | U.S. 6TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY |
| Hometown: | NORFOLK, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 607 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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