Champion Profile: Faison and FaisonFebruary 23, 2009 |
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 Children in Los Angeles are blessed to have the powerful duo of Alphonso Faison, DDS and his wife Jari Faison, DDS. Married in 1982, these two are partners in both professional careers and personal life. Their office is in Compton, where they have served the community for over 30 years. Passionate about providing care, the Faisons make a special effort to reach the special needs population, whose health care requirements go beyond the routine. Although Medi-Cal and other state funded programs only cover routine visits, the Faisons have secured grants to support the needed additional care. Born in South Carolina, Alphonso spent most of his formative years in Ohio. He attended the University of Toledo, receiving a bachelors degree in biology and chemistry and attended Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington D.C. He came to California to receive his pediatric dentistry postdoctoral certificates at Martin Luther King Medical Center, Charles Drew Postgraduate Medical School, and the University of California at Los Angeles. He became chief of pediatric dentistry at King/Drew. And that is where he met Jari, who was a volunteer at the time. Jari is a Los Angeles native. As a young college student, volunteering in the King/Drew Pediatric Dentistry Division she was inspired by Alphonso. With his encouragement, she also attended Howard University. Shortly after Jari graduated, the couple married. Jari then received her pediatric postdoctoral certificates from the University of Southern California and Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center. She also received her masters in cranio-facial biology from the University of Southern California. Once married, they became a professional team. Combined, their community and outreach services have included several dental and medical missions to Mexico and to California Indian reservations. They have participated in numerous health fairs in South Central Los Angeles cities and have been members of the South Central Los Angeles Regional Centers Dental Task force for many years. Their partnerships include St. Francis Medical Center, Care 1st Health Plan, UHP Healthcare and L.A. Care. Together they are members of the National Dental Association, American Dental Association, American Board of Pediatric Dentist California Dental Association, Harbor Dental Society and Angel City Dental Society. They are also co-founders and members of the Miller-Lawrence Medical & Dental Society, which focuses on scholarships, outreach, and mentoring health professional students. An inspirational and loving couple, the Faisons regard all of their patients as their children. What makes you happy? Angry? Peace, love, and justice. We may be disappointed by injustice, but never angry. Which historical figure do you admire most and why? President Barack Obama. He represents the challenges and successes of our people and the country.What is the greatest challenge the children and families of L.A. County face today? Overcoming the obstacles that limit access to healthcare. Who was your favorite teacher and why? Dr. Ronald Johnson. He taught and mentored us both through pediatric dentistry school, and he is truly a friend. What is your motto? Persevere. |
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