ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I have enjoyed a rich academic experience in my years at South Baylo University completing the Masters program and now the Doctoral program. I am grateful for the high quality professors and doctors that have shaped my understanding of this amazing medicine. In particular, I would like to thank Dr. Sandjaya Trikadibusana for giving me, with patience, many classroom and clinic hours of wisdom. Dr. Trikadibusana has made a tremendous impact on me both personally and professionally. I often keep him in mind as I treat patients in my own clinic.

I would like to thank Dr. Wayne Cheng for the many hours of encouragement and support given during the entire doctoral program at South Baylo University. At the end of the Masters program, he encouraged me to start the Doctoral program and remained a strong student advocate during the entire program. I have spent countless hours in his office and feel grateful for his guidance. He is the reason I kept my sanity and the reason I was able to complete the DAOM.

My greatest accomplishments are built on the greatest support. There’s nothing I do that doesn’t include a tremendous amount of care, support, encouragement, and love from my favorite person, Kelly Cassone. This work, in my pursuit of academic and professional excellence, is dedicated to her.