Each month an ADEA Connect Ambassador will be highlighted based on their contributions to ADEA Connect. Learn more about ambassador responsibilities in the ADEA Connect Ambassador Overview.
Prof. Jamie Burgess-Flowers is the Community Ambassador for the ADEA Section on Behavioral Science. Read more about Prof. Burgess-Flowers and her professional experience below.
Say Hello to Jamie Burgess-Flowers, MSW, LCSW
High Point University Workman School of Dental Medicine
What professional tips or advice would you like to share about your profession?
I am a clinical social worker with a background in healthcare (both primary care and oral health). What I have learned about my profession is that social workers are everywhere and can do so many things! We are truly the definition of “generalists”. We have a broad range of knowledge and can fit into any team at any time when needed. We can perform assessments and interventions, and we can build programs and communities. Social workers have the special gift of using a strengths-based perspective to engage with patients, teams, and communities. We are also able to look beyond the mind and body and consider how environments and systems influence health and well-being. We bring a unique perspective on challenges everywhere we go.
What is your #1 reason for becoming an ADEA member?
When I first started working in a dental school, I felt very siloed. I was the first social worker at my institution and was very overwhelmed with understanding the ins and outs of dental education, especially as a non-dentist. Through ADEA, I was able to meet other social workers in dentistry, disseminate findings of my early work through the ADEA Annual Session, and be an active part of a Section! ADEA has helped me find community.
What has been the most rewarding experience of your career?
There have been so many rewarding moments, but one of the most impactful was watching the first group of students I taught walk across the graduation stage. Sometimes it can be difficult to see the impact of teaching when that is what you are doing day after day. However, when I watched those 100+ dental and dental hygiene students walk across the graduation stage for the first time, I realized that each one of them would take something from my educational sessions with them into patient care, no matter where they ended up. I realized that each patient my students interacted with would benefit from what I taught the students. The trickle-down effect of being a faculty member is incredibly powerful.
How has ADEA Connect been useful to you?
ADEA Connect has been another way for me to build community! As the Secretary for the Behavioral Sciences Section, I use ADEA Connect as a way to communicate with and engage our Section members. It allows me to ask questions, share surveys and solicit input, and keep our members updated with monthly newsletters.
What is your favorite hobby or place to travel?
I live in central North Carolina, so I am lucky enough to be located mid-way between the coast and the mountains. I appreciate being able to take short weekend trips to either location for a quick disconnect and refresh from work!