Farewell
Daril Atkins
never experienced a dull moment. The way in which this profession has
snowballed into a recognized clinical alternative has amazed even me.
But I have, like a few of my colleagues, the advantage of a long
perspective, and it is truely something to be proud of. It has been a
long journey from the days when we used to received regular bulletins
from Silas Brayley of Dow Corning of the simply most interesting
things that were being made from the various Medical Silicone
Polymers. Way back in 1969 onward we were already experiementing with
RTV 382, a most difficult material if you ask me. If you weren't
careful, the material would set before you had a fair chance of
loading your mold. Anyway we did get control of it finally and
produced some fair results. And the MDX 4 4515 for making implantable
surgical implants, gave us a wide scope for design and fabrication of
facial implants and even finger joints.
It was indeed an excitement of new frontiers. Of possibilities. Among
my heroes, let me not forget to mention Carl Dame Clarke and
Tenenbaum, both early experimenters with materials and techniques.
They inspired me to experiment with the hand glove, which I eventually
learned to fabricate in poly vinyl chloride. But what they really
taught me was that our profession was in dire need of innovation. I
was surprised when I mentioned their names to some American
colleagues, only to see blank incomprehension. It is my own opinion,
that a sense of history is essential for inspiration from those who
have tred the same path before, and to have the similar curiosity and
wonder.
That said; the last 41 years have been full of challenges, and quite
often very complex technical situations. But then, therein lies the
excitement. It is in stark contrast to repeating mundane tasks which
become easy and dull. However since the 80's and 90's the scenario
began changing in large part due to the organizational abilities of
the American Anaplastology Association and eventually the BCCA. More
recently with the eventual advent of the digital technologies the role
of hands on artists with exceptional skills is debateable.
If any of us have the illusion that we have reached the state of the
art, a second look is necessary. We are in my humble opinion, just on
the threshold and will yet go a long way if we adapt to the ever
changing scenarios. But then, that's a personal decision.
In my case, I've decided that its time to quit. By next year this time
I will officially end my long career as an Anaplastologist. We must
give the young blood a fair chance after we've done our bit. In a
similar note, I will be shutting down this silent forum where there
was initial excitement. In a parting note, let it be said that many of
us may be confused about our turf (as some prefer to call it). Many
prefer to be unconcerned, others totally disinterested. As for myself,
I have issues with the foundation of our profession and believe quite
firmly that we need to earn that respect from related professions who
see no harm in doing your job.
It has been a pleasure knowing so many Anaplastologists and having the
opportunity to converse with them. Finally let me show you what
scenarios I see coming your way. One is the emergence of
Anaplastologist from the Orient who are highly skilled. Another is the
creation of full fledged bachelor courses in Anaplastology, with the
Masters leading to specialization. Given the populations in the
Orient, the workloads are heavier and will lead to more research and
development in this field.
I am doing this a year in advance because am winding up my activities
all around in a gradual phase. I don't believe we will be
communicating further as I end my career with great regret and
reluctantly. I had many dreams and yet have them, but then I hope to
continue being active as a full time Sculptor devoted to art for art's
sake.
Goodbye and may all of you have a wonderful and prosperous New Year.
Verma, Suzanne
I am sure I am not alone in expressing my gratitude for all you have brought to our field... For helping us all communicate more effectively in this new age, for showcasing our historical roots, and continually inspire us challenge ourselves. I wish you the best in your future endeavors.
Thank you.
Suzanne Verma
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Kuldeep Raizada, Ocularist
Sincerely,
Kuldeep Raizada, Ph D,Clinical Ocularist & Anaplastologist
Director
INTERNATIONAL PROSTHETIC EYE CENTER
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