Russian-Born Alumna Dr. Ekaterina Tomenko Honored for Compassionate Service in Dentistry

TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Dr. Ekaterina Tomenko, a Washington Adventist University (WAU) alumna, recently sat down with students and faculty during a WAU convocation, sharing her journey of faith, resilience, and dedication to service. Her story, from her roots in Russia to her impactful career in dentistry, exemplifies the university’s mission of compassionate outreach.

Reflecting on her upbringing as a pastor’s daughter in a secular society, Dr. Tomenko spoke about her determination to find her own path in faith. “I wanted to experience God for myself, to find my own path,” she shared, recalling her journey to the United States on a music scholarship to Columbia Union College. There, she performed extensively with the New England Youth Ensemble and the Columbia Collegiate Chorale, eventually graduating with a degree in cello and voice.

After her undergraduate studies, Dr. Tomenko felt called to healthcare and was accepted to study dentistry at Loma Linda University. “Mission work just made so much sense to me,” she explained, noting that her passion for compassionate care began with programs like Clinic with a Heart, which provides pro bono dental services to underserved communities. As a student, she also volunteered as a missionary dentist in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where she spent a month serving in a local clinic.

In 2010, Dr. Tomenko received the Award for Humanitarian Concern from the National Association of Seventh-day Adventist Dentists, recognizing her commitment to service. “If you have even a small amount of faith, as small as a mustard seed, remarkable things can happen,” she told the audience, emphasizing the importance of faith in her journey.

Alongside her professional accomplishments, Dr. Tomenko shared about her family, describing them as her “greatest support.” She and her husband, also a musician, have four children, whom she credits as a source of daily inspiration. “Spending time with family is very important to me,” she said, noting the joy she finds in beginning each day with her children and her faith.

Dr. Tomenko continues to serve her community through recent volunteer work at the Love Heals clinic, providing essential dental care to patients who expressed deep gratitude. She has also supported large-scale community events, including Your Best Pathway to Health in Beckley, West Virginia, and the AMEN Dental Clinic in Silver Spring, Maryland, as part of her mission to bring compassionate, holistic care to those in need.

Reflecting on her path and commitment to service, Dr. Tomenko encouraged students to be open to new opportunities. “When the opportunities come your way, step forward,” she advised. “Your life will be remarkably rewarded.”

Washington Adventist University is proud to honor alumni like Dr. Tomenko, who continue to embody the values of service and compassionate outreach, inspiring a new generation to follow their calling.