University 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. Morris
02:27 Early Life and Education
05:39 Career Beginnings and Vietnam Experience
08:39 Global Health Leadership and Public Health
14:49 The Kuwait Invasion and Survival
26:59 Saddam Hussein's Announcement and Hostage Situation
27:30 Near-Plane Crash and Journey to Safety
28:52 Movie Offer and General Schwartzkoff's Invasion
29:17 Reunion at Andrews Air Force Base
31:33 Founding the Mai Tam House in Vietnam
34:50 Impact and Success of the Orphanage
41:29 Encouraging Future Generations in Dentistry
45:36 Lifelong Learning and Irish Studies
48:29 Publishing Books and Final Thoughts
Listen 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 umbpulse@umaryland.edu.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.