Dr. Gary Foshay, while known well amongst many of his peers in Nova Scotia, wasn’t always on the path to dentistry.
“I was late coming to dentistry, having worked in several jobs. I worked cruising timber, went to sea on ice-breaker tankers as a deck hand, and then worked with Air Canada for four years before attending university in my mid twenties,” said Dr. Foshay.
He had intended to become a wild life biologist and had training under his belt with a BSc, Honours, from Mount Allison when he was offered a fellowship to continue his studies and complete his Ph.D. in Australia. Before committing to life down under, Dr. Foshay explained, “I decided to also apply for dentistry at DAL and was fortunate enough to be accepted, so I had the opportunity to delay my graduate studies for a year to see if dentistry was the right choice. I found I was fascinated by dentistry and the rest is history!”
And a dentist was born.
Throughout his studies, he shared that he was influenced by Dr. Gordon Pentz and encouraged to consider periodontics, and after 2 years of general practice in Lunenburg, he was accepted in Perio at the University of Pennsylvania under Dr. Walter Cohen and Dr. Jay Siebert. After graduation, the east coast was calling and he decided to return to his home, Halifax, where he had a part time teaching appointment at Dalhousie Dentistry and also a practice opportunity with Dr. Ed Hannigan and Dr. Noel Andrews. Teaching was a passion, and he taught at Dal for 25+ years of the 37 years he maintained a periodontal practice in Halifax.
Throughout his career, Dr. Foshay believed giving back to the profession through volunteerism was important, serving on both provincial and national committees, running the scientific programs for three national conventions, lecturing locally and internationally and held the role of President with the Canadian Academy of Periodontology.
Since his retirement, you can largely find Dr. Foshay on the water or enjoying nature! He enjoys sailing, skiing, and hiking as well as spending time with his amazing spouse Mary Steckle, friends and family. Of course, all the better when over a glass of wine and great food.
When speaking about the profession he ultimately chose, he said,
“I loved the spectrum of opportunity that Periodontics offered. This specialty offered challenging and dynamic changes over my career and allowed me to continuously pursue excellence in offering treatment for my patients, in teaching and lecturing widely.”
Standout milestones in his career include being an early leader in implant treatment, bone and sinus grafting, and tooth movement for periodontal reasons. Also, being invited back and honoured by the University of Pennsylvania as their guest speaker to the alumni of the Periodontal, Perio-Ortho and Periodontal Prosthesis annual meeting.
Dr. Foshay loves offshore sailing, racing and has undertaken some long distance boat deliveries, including a 32 day trip from Capetown, South Africa to Genoa, Italy to deliver a new 100 foot racer/cruiser! Skiing and heli-skiing were a passion for many years and fit nicely with his desire to travel and to experience different cultures and languages.
When asked for his advice to young and new dentists, he shared, “Dentistry is a great way to have a life, and keep work and personal life in balance. One is easily seduced into working too hard and neglecting personal needs and family commitments. Also, begin planning for retirement early…..never too early!
Being a retired dentist himself, he also shared words of wisdom with those about to embark on this next exiting chapter, “Plan well…and remember to develop hobbies and interests that will sustain you and provide satisfaction. Also…..enjoy the opportunity! A life well lived!
Thank you, Dr. Foshay, for your contributions and dedication to the people of Nova Scotia and the profession.
Are you a retired dentist embarking on your next great adventure? We would love to hear from you and share your story! Reach out to Samantha, NSDA’s Communications Manager, at communications.nsda@bellaliant.com.
