A Pre-Carious Tale: Recent Episodes

Maysara Nassar and Allan Ahmad

Our attempt to try to catch any demineralizing memories and tales of our dental school experiences before we forget them. And re-mineralize forever in podcast form. Brought to you by Maysara Nassar and Allan Ahmad.

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In this episode, Maysara Nassar, Allan Ahmad, Ben Barfield, and Andrew Zhang reconnect after a year-long hiatus. Maysara celebrates being the only one officially board-certified, while the group shares their experiences preparing for and navigating dental school boards. The conversation takes a personal turn as they discuss their newfound passion for golf and reflect on the Palestinian conflict, offering thoughts and prayers to those affected. They also touch on how foreign aid could be better used for hurricane relief efforts in the U.S. The episode concludes with plans for an upcoming hike with Dr. Geurs and an exciting Christmas trip to Egypt, contingent on Allan’s board results.

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In this insightful episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the remarkable Lizzie, whose journey from Mobile, Alabama to the world of dentistry is nothing short of inspiring. Lizzie regales us with the pivotal moment that altered the course of her career, shifting from a law school trajectory to embracing dentistry wholeheartedly. Her mother's unwavering support and encouragement played a pivotal role in this transformative decision.As we transitioned into discussing Lizzie's experiences in clinic, it became evident that her dedication and passion for dentistry have only grown stronger. We also revisited a significant milestone in Lizzie's dental school journey - her triumphant return after overcoming an ACL tear in her second year.The conversation took a lighthearted turn as Lizzie shared her idea of creating a dental school-themed show akin to "The Office," showcasing the humorous side of the profession. PCD (Post Clinical Depression) made its appearance in the conversation, a testament to the shared experiences and camaraderie among dental students.With a twinkle in her eye, Lizzie recounted her favorite memory from gross anatomy, providing a glimpse into the bond formed within the class. The discussion further meandered into favorite movies, giving us a delightful peek into Lizzie's cinematic preferences.Join us for an episode that not only celebrates Lizzie's journey of determination and dedication but also highlights the warmth and camaraderie that defines our exceptional class.

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In this riveting episode, we're joined by none other than Cassidy, the indomitable president-elect of ASDA, and a force to be reckoned with in the dental community. With a keen eye for organizing events and a heart full of passion for dentistry, Cassidy shares her inspiring journey.We delve into the events that sparked Cassidy's interest in dentistry, a tale woven with dental traumas and a jaw-dropping childhood story that left us all in awe. The discussion takes a turn as we fondly recall Cassidy's exceptional presentation in CBE 1, a moment that left a lasting impression on us all.Cassidy's talents extend beyond the dental realm, as we learn about her impressive proficiency in crochet, showcasing her ability to create intricate masterpieces with yarn. And of course, we can't forget to mention Cassidy's epic hair, which is nothing short of legendary.Join us for an episode filled with admiration, inspiration, and a touch of nostalgia as we celebrate Cassidy's remarkable journey in dentistry and beyond.

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In this lively episode, we're joined by the dynamic Kush Patel. From his role as fraternity president to engaging in epic duels with our very own Allan and the Navy, Kush takes us on a whirlwind journey through his diverse experiences. We dive into the thrilling world of sports, reliving the exciting moment when Texas triumphed over Alabama.Stepping into the clinic, Kush shares his early experiences, giving us a glimpse into the fascinating world of hands-on dentistry. The AGD trip to Florida becomes a topic of animated discussion, offering a snapshot of his memorable adventures.We also take a moment to appreciate the uniqueness of Kush's name, which holds a special meaning in Hindi - "happy." His distinctive handle, "kushmoneyP," adds an extra dash of cool to his persona.As if that weren't enough, we learn that Kush wears the hat of our fantasy football commissioner, adding another layer to his multi-talented repertoire. Join us for a captivating episode filled with laughter, reminiscence, and the joy of catching up with a friend. Also stay tuned for Ben's incredible dental fact.

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In this uproarious episode, we are joined by the legendary John after a spirited Family Day and White Coat ceremony. With smiles and stories in abundance, we dive into the recollections of those recent events, painting a vivid picture of the vibrant moments that unfolded.Auburn takes the spotlight as we explore John's path less traveled, his decision to veer from the typical Alabama route, and the intriguing backstory that guided his educational journey. Fraternity memories resurface, sparking laughter and camaraderie as the group indulges in some lighthearted reminiscing.As the conversation unfolds, secrets are revealed – including Maysara's confession about his long-standing crush on John, leaving the group in delightful disbelief. The curious case of living nearby yet not spending ample time together takes center stage, prompting a heartfelt exploration of how life's twists and turns can sometimes lead to unexpected connections.However, the highlight of the episode is undoubtedly John's uproarious goat story. With infectious mirth, he regales us with a hilarious tale involving goats – a narrative that draws contagious laughter from all corners of the virtual studio.With Family Day, White Coat ceremonies, Auburn tales, and a side-splitting goat story, this episode encapsulates the essence of friendship, unexpected connections, and the sheer joy of shared laughter. Tune in for an unforgettable rendezvous that epitomizes the spirit of camaraderie and the joy of podcasting together.

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Join us for an engaging and entertaining episode as we welcome Bryce, the smoothest talker in our class, to the podcast. We relive the memorable moment from Communications class when Bryce wowed us all, especially Allan, with his impressive persuasive skills. Bryce shares his experiences in clinic, surprising us with his introverted nature despite his polished communication style.Get to know more about Bryce's hometown, Florence, and his aspirations to return there. As we delve into casual conversations, we discover that Bryce isn't actually from Auburn, though he's considered an honorary member of the "Auburn boys" group. Bryce turns the tables and asks us about our favorite road trip snacks, sparking a fun discussion on various topics.Despite starting the podcast feeling a bit tired, by the end, all four of us (Ben, Allan, Bryce, and myself) are brimming with energy and having a blast. Bryce wraps up the episode by popcorn-ing John to be the next guest on our podcast. Tune in for a delightful and insightful conversation that deepens our bond and leaves us looking forward to the next episode.

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Join us for an entertaining and insightful episode as we welcome Carter, the master of hilarious GroupMe messages, to the podcast. Carter shares his experiences from his first week in clinic, taking us back to the days of ethics class where he fearlessly took a stand in front of the entire class over Zoom. We dive into the ups and downs of clinic life, discussing funny anecdotes and memorable moments.Discover more about Carter's background and what led him to pursue a career in dentistry. We also receive an exciting promise from Carter to attend Mandiball, an event not to be missed. As the episode unfolds, we engage in a series of fun questions, capturing the essence of Carter's personality and providing plenty of laughs along the way.We are also grateful for Carter's good health and conclude the episode by popcorn-ing Bryce to be the next guest on our podcast. Tune in to this engaging episode filled with humor, valuable insights, and the promise of more entertaining conversations to come.

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In this dynamic episode, Mace, Allan, and Ben - the Irondale Crew - join forces as hosts to discuss their feelings on the eve of starting clinic as D3s. The trio shares their thoughts and excitement about the upcoming clinic experience, capturing the mix of nervousness and anticipation that comes with this pivotal stage of their dental education.The conversation takes an amusing turn as they dive into the breakdown of Allan's Goatee facial hair, accompanied by hilarious comments from his wife Rawan. Laughter ensues as they explore the decision to bid farewell to the Goatee before clinic begins.To add to the lively atmosphere, the hosts welcome Lucy, a special guest who was long overdue for an appearance on the podcast. They delve into Lucy's thoughts and emotions as she approaches clinic, touching on topics such as the age-old debate of brushing before or after breakfast. The A team gets a spotlight with plenty of lively commentary, and the discussion takes an enjoyable detour into the realm of fun TikToks.Join the Irondale Crew for an entertaining and insightful episode that sets the stage for their new tradition of recording fresh episodes every Tuesday. Get ready to laugh, learn, and feel the anticipation alongside this dynamic group of hosts.

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Join hosts Maysara Nassar and Allan Ahmad as they embark on an exciting new episode, recorded right after their first day of the highly anticipated third year of dental school. After a month-long hiatus, they dive into the positive energy and renewed enthusiasm that comes with transitioning beyond the grueling tests of clinical integration in the second year. Sharing stories of their eventful summer experiences, they discuss the things they are most excited about for the upcoming year.In this lively conversation, Maysara and Allan also delve into the latest changes at the school, celebrate the incredible unity and spirit of their dental class, and wrap up with Allan's signature teeth facts. They also announce a commitment to a more consistent podcasting schedule, promising to deliver new episodes every Tuesday. Join them for an engaging discussion that captures the triumphs and anticipation as they embark on the transformative journey of the third year in dental school.

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In this episode, Allan and Maysara sit down with Zoe Powers to discuss her experiences in dental school and beyond. Zoe talks about her time living in China, and we delve into topics like our favorite pets, and dental school overall.The conversation then takes a lighthearted turn as they discuss their love for Minecraft and gaming. However, we reflect on the challenges of clinical integration, and the fun times PCD has afforded us.There was some reminiscing about the rivalry between optometry and dentistry, and the challenges of clinic next year, We also talk some about Disney the possibility of getting a class trip there.

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In this episode, hosts Maysara, Allan, and Ben sit down with dental student Noel Gulsby to learn about her journey from a sports star to aspiring dentist. Noel shares how a sports accident sparked her interest in dentistry, and how her big personality and small town roots have helped her navigate dental school. Along the way, they discuss Noel's love for her dog Darla, the Asian gradient group that doesn't take notes in the back of the classroom, and even some irrational fears. Ben keeps things fun and educational with his dental facts, making for a lively and engaging episode.

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Join us for a fun and lively conversation with Christina and Ethan! In this episode, we talk about their shared love of gaming, the challenges of transitioning into a science-heavy program like dental school, and Ethan's experience growing up in a family with a history of military service in the Air Force. Christina also shares her experience and tells us about her non-traditional major and how it landed her in Argentina for some time. We also hear about some memorable moments in an infamous gaming lobby with Ethan and Maysara, as well as Christina's experiences in Gross Anatomy with Allan and Maysara. Tune in for laughs and insights into the lives of two dental students who are making the most of their dental school experience!

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In this episode of A Pre-Carious Tale, Mace, Allan, and Ben talk to Jennifer and dive into her journey to dental school and the moments that have shaped her perspective on the field. But the conversation doesn't stop there - they also talk about when is the best time to brush, (before or after breakfast), the adorableness of Jennifer's dog Clyde, and the sweet Friday routine of a strawberry shake and a movie. Tune in for a fun and insightful episode, also check out Ben's dental fact of the day at the end!

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Are you ready to laugh and learn? Mace and Allan sit down with Camryn Jansen, the ultimate triple threat: a triathlete, a Hoosier, and a future dentist. Camryn's athletic achievements, her passion for dentistry, and her leadership in the SGA are just the tip of the iceberg. Join us as we delve into Camryn's journey to UAB's School of Dentistry and her experiences in the PCD lab. We also hear about her perspective on balancing her extracurricular activities with her studies, as well as her advice on how to make the most of your time at UAB. So, whether you're a triathlete, a Hoosier, or just a dental school enthusiast, tune in and get ready to be inspired by the one and only Camryn Jansen!

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In this episode of A Pre-Carious Tale, we sit down with Andrew to talk about his birthday, his passion for fitness and art, and how he's using his talents to push the boundaries of dentistry. Andrew, Allan, and Mace discuss their weekend workout routine and Andrew shares some funny stories from his time in dental school. From his background to his vision for the future of dentistry, Andrew's enthusiasm and creativity shine through in this conversation. Don't miss this episode as we get to know one of our own at UAB!

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Allan and Maysara talk about how what got them to choose dental school. There may or may not be some disorganized thoughts there where Maysara should probably prep more, but Allan saves the day with an inspiring story about his journey to dentistry. We finish off by previewing our 1st real guest for next week's episode, Andrew Zhang

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Maysara and Allan get the honor and privileges to speak to the most popular guy at UAB. We get into some College Football talk with his alma mater Georgia coming up on a big game. Some New Year Resolutions talk was in order, and Allan talks about a new addition to his family. There seems to be applications open for the A team, as the origin of this historic team comes to light. And as usual some stories about dental school and how we all came to meet. Stay tuned at the end for a surprise twist.

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Maysara and Allan talk about some of their experiences as dental school students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry. We discuss the Review of Systems course and share helpful tips for current and future students, as well as some funny stories about the Bofa nerve. Special shout out to Cassidy and Joe on their recent marriage on New Years Eve!. Overall, the episode serves as a time capsule of your experiences in dental school so far. We hope to bring on many guests in the future.