Published in the Fall 2016 UCLA Orthodontics Newsletter
Harmony, balance and rhythm. Author Daniel James Brown observed that the oarsman obtains these qualities from rowing and carries them throughout his life. These traits provide the oarsman with the ability to take on life’s challenges with ease. A rich legacy of friendship, loyalty and consistency is what Dr. Eric Loberg leaves behind. For decades, the residents at UCLA had the opportunity to observe the habits and qualities of Dr. Loberg, an eight-time US National Champion oarsman.
Harmony, balance, and rhythm- those were his greatest lessons which he so aptly applied on dry land and incorporated into his artful craft as a teacher. He mentored and played a pivotal role in the development of hundreds of UCLA Orthodontic Alumni during his career as a member of the faculty of the UCLA Section of Orthodontics. The impact on the lives of the residents he mentored is truly incalculable.
Residents remember a father-figure who was a personal and professional role model. Members of the Bruin orthodontic alumni family share in the same fond feeling that to know him was to love him. Dr. Loberg had a unique way of approaching life with a compelling combination of kindness, levity, strength, intellectual curiosity and grace. Although we have lost an extraordinary teacher and friend, we were fortunate to have all been touched by such a wonderful human being. We now have the honor and privilege of bearing the bright torch of his rich legacy, always remembering the personal and professional lessons he instilled.
He taught us to strongly follow our convictions, to defy the status quo, and to be true to our own cadence as individuals and as professionals. In a commencement address to Stanford University of 2005, Steve Jobs said the following:
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma—which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
This quote sums up Dr. Loberg’s profound impact perfectly. We will miss him, and we will NEVER forget him. Harmony, balance and rhythm.
