Connected Conversations | Dimitra Lekkas

Please tell us your name and a little bit about yourself.

Hello! My name is Dimitra Lekkas (you can call me Dimi). I am a mother of two teenage boys, wife, sister, friend and life-long learner. My work persona is the Program Director for Years 1 - 3 of the University’s Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) course and just a regular dental and University academic. In my spare time, I squeeze in gardening and enjoy our wonderful outdoors. Over the past three decades, the University has been a cornerstone in my life, from starting off as a young 18-year-old BDS student to attaining a PhD, becoming a lecturer and then one of the program directors of the very course I completed. Sometimes I pinch myself!

Tell us a bit about your time at the University.

I have been a program director for a number of years and do a wide range of tasks. I still do a lot of ‘grass roots’ teaching with students in a variety of settings e.g. clinical practice, simulation, communication skill tutorials with our amazing volunteer patients and case-based learning sessions. My other work-related passion is student admissions. I work alongside a wonderful admission lead and admission team in medicine, dentistry and oral health. One of the best aspects of working in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences is working with wonderful colleagues and continual changes that help us grow. Certainly never a dull moment.

What has been your journey to get where you are today?

Being the first in my family to attend university and facing the challenges and expectations that came with it has given me a unique perspective that helps me connect with students who are in similar situations. I also was exposed to some very old school/traditional teaching methods and teachers but there was one staff member whose light shone differently and was a student advocate and trailblazer in dental education, who later became one of my amazing mentors.  He inspired me to consider a career in academia. After completing my degree, I worked with the SA Dental Service, which was a great learning experience. I have always enjoyed learning and soon after entering the workforce I did further studies and it was at that point, my mentor spoke to me about considering academia. The rest is history so to speak.  I continued to work part-time as a clinician and casual tutor, waiting for an academic position to open up. Finally, in 2000, I landed a role as a course coordinator. Along the way, I had several brilliant mentors who shaped my academic career. Eventually, I undertook my PhD at the University of Adelaide, which focused on dental student admissions. It was quite a challenge juggling work, marriage and two young children, but I completed the PhD just after my second son was born. With continuous self-reflection, learning, and support, I have progressed from a Level B to a Level D academic, taking on many roles and responsibilities. The current main challenges are maintaining a work-life balance, practising gratitude and trying putting things into perspective. When things get a bit chaotic, I retreat to gardening, hiking and testing out recipes or cakes.

What do you love most about working at the University of Adelaide?

Meeting so many wonderful students over the past 30 years. I have learnt so much from them all. From my early days as a casual tutor where a group of students introduced me to Japanese cuisine to many meetings or conversations I have had – some involving tissues and others words of encouragement. Hearing from students years after they have graduated, where they share their success stories, such as becoming dental specialists. I have been a nominated staff Patron of the Dental Students Society twice in the past and a Life member, which has been humbling. It is really because of students, that I am where I am. What drives me is wanting to make a difference to the quality of their student experience.

What is your favourite thing about living in Adelaide?

You can travel just short distances and be in the hills, the Barossa, in the city or on the beach. I recommend taking some time out to reconnect with nature by gardening, going on a hike, driving through the hills in spring, autumn and summer (and watch the change in the landscape) and walking along many of our beaches.  The Botanic Gardens, so close to the uni, is a tranquil space that feels like you are far from the busyness of work. I am also impartial to sweets and ice-cream (not so ideal when you are a dentist), and there is always some kind of shop around the corner.

What’s something that people are surprised to find out about you?

I enjoy gardening as it gives me a break from work and time to spend with family or just on my own.  I love growing vegies, herbs and roses. Gardening is so dynamic, planting from seed, nurturing, then watching some successes and some losses and then trying again if it has failed. This is not too dissimilar to being an academic or teaching dental students – they start of needing a lot of watering/support/nurturing to then becoming independent and ready to take on the world. I also like bushwalking and have done some hikes in the Flinders Ranges, Alligator Gorge, the hills and the Grampians – even managing the Pinnacle two years ago. Oh and going to the footy, I was converted to a Port Power fan by certain family members.

What do you hope to be doing in 10 years’ time?

Volunteering more and travelling – so many wonderful places to visit. I am imaging sitting on a Greek island with a sparkling beach, sipping a frappe and eating galatoboureko with not a care in the world.