Why She Was Nominated:

Dr. Barunas, a foodie, former Division I varsity college athlete and expectant mother of twins, has been providing stellar patient care at four offices since 2018. In late March 2021, she became a partner in her practice.

Inspiration:

“My inspiration is not a person; it’s a feeling. It’s the feeling of fulfillment that drives me every day to accomplish my goals.”

Most Memorable Patient:

“I was a third-year dental student, rotating through the oral-surgery clinic at Penn Dental Medicine. As students, we cared for medically complex and HIV-positive patients. The patient I examined that day was nervous. I talked through the procedure with her, we established a rapport and I was able to extract her teeth. While suturing the incision site, I sustained a needle stick. I was frightened—but more than anything, I was worried about my patient and completing her care. I finished the procedure and alerted my instructor to initiate the needle-stick protocol. That night, I decided I would apply to oral and maxillofacial surgery residency programs. I knew that caring for patients in this way was what I was meant to do.”

Something People Don’t Know:

“Before attending dental school and becoming an oral surgeon I worked as a personal trainer and a registered dietitian.”