Healthcare Leadership Awards – 2010

Recipient of Leadership Award for Providing Exemplary Healthcare Services to People with Developmental Disabilities

Wayne Lipschitz, DDS, Associate Professor of Clinical Dentistry for the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Eastman Institute for Oral Health

Dr. Vincent Graniero, an optometrist who works as an Independent Doctor of Optometry at LensCrafters, received his bachelor's degree from St. John Fisher College and his graduate degree at Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia.

Working with developmentally disabled patients is rewarding on many levels for Dr. Wayne Lipschitz, including having a key role in improving the quality of life for his patients, who are often in significant pain resulting from years of limited access to dental care. Dr. Lipschitz and his team offer a wide range of services from preventive care to complex surgical procedures performed in the operating room. Thank you cards adorn his office from grateful patients and their families, who often travel several hours to see Dr. Lipschitz.

An associate professor of Clinical Dentistry at the University of Rochester Medical Center's Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Dr. Lipschitz has treated some 2,000 developmentally disabled patients over the last 15 years. His teaching, dedication and leadership have helped enlighten many other dentists and residents to better understand the unique needs of this population, and the importance of effective communication and compassionate care.

Dr. Lipschitz also serves as Director of the University Dental Faculty Group, overseeing administrative management of this busy practice. He serves on the University Faculty Senate and the Eastman Institute Leadership Team. He is a member of the American Dental Education Association, 7th District Dental Society, and belongs to both the American Dental Association and the South African Dental Association. After he earned his dental degree at the University of Stellenbosch in his native Capetown, South Africa, he served as a military dentist and then completed his Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Eastman Dental Center. He joined URMC full time in 1997.

He and his wife Jacqueline have two children, Gabriella and Matthew.