January Spotlight: David Hamlar Jr, MD, DDS
Our January spotlight is David Hamlar Jr, MD, DDS. Dr. Hamlar is a speaker in the Future Physician series and has participated in numerous events hosted by the PHSRC over the years.
Major General (bvt) (RET) David Hamlar attended Dental School at Howard University in Washington DC, where he was commissioned as an officer in the Public Health Service fulfilling a three-year commitment. He returned to school at The Ohio State University College of Medicine where he also completed his residency in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. It was during medical school that he joined the Ohio National Guard 121st FW initially as an MSC officer, then dentist, and subsequently a physician.
A fellowship in Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery brought him to the University of Minnesota at which point he transferred to the Minnesota Air National Guard. His university practice includes training medical students and residents as well as administrative responsibilities on the admissions committee and as a faculty advisor. He is Chair of his Department of Otolaryngology’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and is a member of the Medical School’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. His medical memberships include local and national organizations. His military career includes commander of the 133rd AW Medical Group, State Air Surgeon, and in 2014 he was promoted and assumed the position role of Assistant Air Adjutant General. He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. He serves on several community organizations and serves as chair of the NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center Capital Campaign. Board memberships include the Minnesota Military Family Foundation, Minnesota Humanities Center, Minnesota Doctors for Health Equity, Minnesota Association of Black Physicians, and Chairs the Twin Cities Chapter of the Red Cross and the Center for Communications and Development/KMOJ Radio. He is a team physician for the Minnesota Wild, and medical consultant for the Gophers’ sports teams, Vikings and Timberwolves.
His loving and supportive family includes his wife June, daughter Jenna, son Devin and his wife Lindsay, and granddaughters Grace and Gianna.
You’ve led an incredible career, becoming both a dentist and a physician. What were some of the initial drivers of your motivation to become a health professional? And, what drove you to pursue an MD degree after earning your DDS degree?
My motivation to pursue medicine was service driven. I had role models in my father and other family, other relatives, and friends of the family who provided mentorship, and a path to follow. I discovered during high school I could do the work and help others while doing so. When I was 16, I volunteered at ECCO Family Health Center in Columbus Ohio, a neighborhood health clinic. I eventually gained employment as a phlebotomist and laboratory technician at that same facility. These positions showed me the possibilities I could have working in healthcare.
My father was a dentist and I had the opportunity to work in his office as well. Helping people became an important aspect of my career goals. In college I took both the MCAT and DAT entrance exams for medicine and dentistry. At the last minute I chose dentistry. I was able to pay for dental school by way of the National Health Service Corp which obligated me to three years of service, initially in the Public Health Service followed by the military.
After completing my obligation I practiced another two years, but had decided to return to school to pursue medicine. That decision was based on a need to provide a greater depth of medical care for my patients. But I always hear my father pleading for us (my sisters and me) to never say, "could have, would have, should have.'' In other words do not regret any choices you did not pursue.
Are there any moments in your career, or patient interactions, that have been especially meaningful or fulfilling to you? Why were they so meaningful?
One moment in particular was a time I operated on someone who I knew I would not relate to, at least initially. He was a "skinhead" who was involved in a tremendous motor vehicle accident. After waking up and discovering I was his surgeon he refused my care. But, I mentioned that we were a TEAM and I was committed to his best outcome. After a few difficult months of following him on the mend he eventually warmed up to the idea, and I can say I earned his respect, at least personally. I was pretty sure he was not going to remove any of the tattoos he bore. I considered it a win anyway.
You have led a career of remarkable service extending far beyond healthcare, serving in the Ohio National Guard, the Minnesota Air National Guard's 133rd Airlift Wing, supporting Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, deploying in Operation Enduring Freedom, and being named brigadier general of the Minnesota National Guard in 2018. What impact has your military experience had on your life and career?
I will always cherish my military experience and fellow Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines for whom I served. My wife always told me that would be my legacy. I feel that I was in the right place, at the right time, with the specific skill set that allowed me to lead and care for them both at home and while deployed. I regard both careers as having enriched one another. Even though I am now retired, I am still involved in the workings of our Minnesota National Guard as much as possible. The job is one aspect, but the people are the most valued. Again, it all returns to providing service to others.
Have there been any moments in your career when you’ve doubted yourself, or your ability to accomplish your goals and dreams? How were you able to keep pushing forward?
We all have moments such as mile 21 of a marathon! You are cramming for an exam that you put off studying for! Your wife is all ready to go out for the evening and you are stuck at the hospital! I could go on and on. But one of my high school coaches put things in perspective, saying, "You elected to come out here (to practice and play), so don't feel sorry for yourself!"
Is there anything else you’d like to share with pre-health students?
Seek and accept mentorship, prepare well and pursue excellence, look for opportunities, and be confident in your decisions.
Dr. Hamlar, thank you for your continuous support of the PHSRC, and for sharing your stories and wisdom with Pulse readers.