The Globe Less Traveled: A Journey with Robert E Morris, DDS ’69, MPH, FICD

Send us Fan MailUniversity of Maryland School of Dentistry alumnus Robert E. Morris, DDS ’69, MPH, FICD, shares his extraordinary life story that spans continents, including his experiences treating villagers in Vietnam, building public health systems in Kuwait, and training oral health leaders in the Caribbean.The recipient of a University of Maryland, Baltimore honorary Doctor of Public Service degree recounts his harrowing survival during the invasion of Kuwait, detailed in his book “120 Days in Deep Hiding: Outwitting the Iraqis in Occupied Kuwait.” He also discusses his philanthropic efforts with the Mai Tam House of Hope in Vietnam, which serves mothers and children affected by HIV/AIDS, and reflects on the Jesuit values that have guided his career. Morris also wrote an autobiography, "The Life of My Choice: Tales of a Traveling Man."00:00 Introduction to Dr. Robert E. Morris02:27 Early Life and Education05:39 Career Beginnings and Vietnam Experience08:39 Global Health Leadership and Public Health14:49 The Kuwait Invasion and Survival26:59 Saddam Hussein's Announcement and Hostage Situation27:30 Near-Plane Crash and Journey to Safety28:52 Movie Offer and General Schwartzkoff's Invasion29:17 Reunion at Andrews Air Force Base31:33 Founding the Mai Tam House in Vietnam34:50 Impact and Success of the Orphanage41:29 Encouraging Future Generations in Dentistry45:36 Lifelong Learning and Irish Studies48:29 Publishing Books and Final ThoughtsListen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at [email protected].