An interview with Roberto Lima Filho

O. H. "Chip" RIGSBEE III, Allen H. MOFFITT, James VADEN, Andrew J. HAAS, Eustaquio ARAUJO

When I was invited to coordinate Roberto Lima’s interview, I felt extremely honored. What can I say about Roberto? A man with an impressive curriculum and who has done so much for Orthodontics in Brazil as well as in the United States of America? Definitely it becomes a hard task to try to pinpoint the highlights of his career. His résumé speaks for itself. Therefore, instead of introducing the colleague, leader and outstanding orthodontist he is, I will use this opportunity to introduce the man, his character, charisma and values. Roberto’s father was a dentist and obtained his graduate degree in Operative Dentistry from the University of Washington, Seattle, USA. That basically opened the doors for Roberto to follow the footsteps of his father. He graduated in Dentistry from Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas (PUC-Campinas), São Paulo, Brazil, and in Orthodontics at the University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA. However, Roberto was not alone: in Campinas, he met and married Baby, his great love and passion. Together they graduated in Dentistry and were the first husband/wife team to enter the same graduate program at the University of Illinois. They followed the legacy of Roberto’s father, alumnus from University of Washington, and grandfather, an alumnus from the University of Illinois. They had two children, Roberto Neto and Carolina, a lawyer and an orthodontist, respectively. Roberto no longer has the physical presence of Baby with him; however, he finds love and partnership in his children and four grandchildren. In addition to Orthodontics, Roberto loves photography, plays tennis, practices cycling and loves to take long walks. He is one of the few people I know who have walked Camino de Santiago de Compostela until the end. What an accomplishment! In the book, “Do Chão ao Coração: Uma história do Caminho,” which has just come out, he shares with everyone his experience that certainly must have been incredible. As you can see, there is much more I can say about Roberto, a devoted professional and a role model for generations to come. I am so proud to be one of his friends and colleagues. Thank you, Roberto, for bringing your leadership and charisma to our profession. Thank you for your example of dedication and professionalism. I also would like to thank Drs. O. H. “Chip” Rigsbee III, Allen Moffitt, James Vaden, and our beloved Andy Haas for their contributions to this interview. Eustaquio Araujo – interview coordinator

How to cite: Lima Filho R. An interview with Roberto Lima. Dental Press J Orthod. 2016 May-June;21(3):30-8. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2177-6709.21.3.030-038.int

Thursday, April 18, 2024 01:50