Specific to our residency training program, which included training at MD Anderson, Hermann Hospital, St. Lukes Hospital, these were rigorous rotations, with in house on call every 3rd or 4th night of the rotation.  Broadly, my work ethic certainly is a by-product of my training program.

Additionally, rotations like pediatrics ICU, neonatology (NICU)  and MD Anderson all helped my communication skills, esp listening, and trying to place myself in the patient’s or family’s situation to show empathy and real heartfelt care.  While trying to maintain a certain emotional distance so that delivery of care is not affected, I also the saw value of showing my emotions, both sadness and happiness, so that patients felt I was real and empathetic.

Interestingly enough, having the opportunity to train practices all across the country, I get a first-hard view of what technology other practices are having success. So, I suppose just exposure to other markets and other practices.

Also, we have relationships with what I consider the 3 best laser companies on the market, all of which are technology forward and tend to be on the forefront of laser technology.
Maintaining reading of clinical literature.

I was fortunate to be doing some locums work in a dermatology practice while going to law school. This was back in 2003 and Medicis was launching Restylane to the U.S. market. The Woodlands practice in Houston, where I had been working, just happen to have had the attention of the Medicis’s national trainer. I was provided an opportunity to part of a practice that was one of the first launch practices to use a hyaluronic acid (HA) filler

I think this career found me rather than me seeking this career out. I was lucky enough to be working at a derm clinic that was one of the first in the country to launch the first hyaluronic acid dermal filler on the marker (Restylane), so I was able to be an early injector of the product. My mom was actually my first patient and we focused on nasolabial folds and improving her Marionette lines. For me, the process seemed super natural and comfortable.. that was the start!

One deeply moving moment, a 45 year old patient with asymmetry in her thinning lips along with an old dog bit scar(age 15) that was contributing to the lip asymmetry. I was able to relax some of the scar tissue and then rebuild her cupid’s bow. After completing the procedure and handing her the mirror, she began crying, stating that this was the first time in over 30 years that she felt confident about her appearance. Deeply profound moment when you impact someone’s life like that

Thankfully, my entire career, my approach in the aesthetics arena has been a more conservative approach. I think about enhancing someone’s appearance rather than trying to over-do… always to the right approach. :I like to think about “creating a better version of the existing canvas.” – not overdone.

I believe a lot of apprehension in the cosmetic world comes from lack of knowledge/misguided knowledge about a procedure or product. Also, there is a great fear about “being overdone” We spend a lot of time discussing treatment option and walking patient through the expectations of a procedure so that we limit anxiety and create trust.

The biggest advice … but is the probably the most forgotten by all of us.  While in-office procedures are valuable and impactful, the single best treatment for anti-aging is the what we do to our skin on daily basis, particularly as it relates to skin care products.  Im a huge believer in growth factors, retinols and sunscreen daily… no matter what.

Work-life is challenging for me, no doubt. Le Beau Visage has been my “baby” for the last 20 years, but over the last couple of years, I have really released most of the day-to-day operations to my very capable leadership team.  This has allowed to have more time to engage in activities I love, particularly travel and entertaining.

I love entertaining…. hosting an event with all the bells and whistles.  I love a wow-factor.  I love creating an “experience”.  It’s invigorating to see people feel a lot of emotion.

Travel is rejuvenating for me, helps refill my motivation cup. Time away from the office seems to increase my motivation for success. This is a challenging industry, with changes in laser and new products and services occurring on a daily basis, so a motivation to keep up with changes is paramount.

Interestingly enough, I cannot say that any music or particular inspires my aesthetically. I will say that I have a love for country music, particularly late 90’s and early 2000’s (Tim McGraw, Dixie Chicks, Martina McBride, Reba, George Straight, Garth Brooks, Tricia Yearwood, Kenny Chesney, etc) I think the “realness” of country music and the familial environment of the industry is very appealing. We talk a lot about culture in our office; Im very protective about that culture. We focus on creating a positive work environment that is uplifting and familial – the familial environment is a huge component of the Le Beau Visage “experience”.

In general, Im not really a star-struck individual, but I do find myself having a lot of admiration for some celebrities.  So, Im not certain all of these individuals would mix a dinner party, but here they are and I have given some reasons why id be interested in having them at a dinner party

Also, there may be a theme with many of these individuals, particularly as it relates to their work ethic or struggle to reach success that required a lot internal drive.

My Parents – my parents were 17 when my brother and I were born and they faced a lot of financial hardship and struggles as they raised us, but were consistently involved and present for  us and showed my brother and me what dedication and perseverance could provide.

My Brother, John- watching him raise two of the most “exquisite” children in a era where child-rearing seems to be so challenging.  Inspirational

Lady Gaga – multi-talented and rose to stardom in her own way (challenged the status-quo)

Oprah Winfrey – Iconic and started her career against all the odds with perseverance and determination

Mark Cuban – self made billionaire – again drive and perseverance

Taylor Swift – cutting edge in the music industry, highly involved in her marketing success, particularly being a pioneer in using social media to advance her career

George Bush, Sr. &  George Bush, Jr. – just always wanted to meet the late president and his son (and wives to be honest)

When I first started my practice Frisco, Texas, had a population of about 70K and currently is about 240K.  So, Id like to think we both “grew up” together.  I still remember the farm land north of the clinic on Preston Road—that’s all gone now with business and retail for miles.

Giving back to the community and philanthropy have actually been a big part of the Le Beau Visage culture for the last decade.   Quarterly, the entire team contributes their time to some philanthropic organization, include local church drives, the Frisco Food Pantry and Feeding Starving Children, to name a few.

Mufasa in the Lion King –  personally I think have a soft heart but am courageous at the same time.  Im intensely loyal, and value the quality of being a nurturing individual.

For me, a life acknowledgement occurred when I turned forty and it has a lot of application in my aesthetic journey.  Two simple words.. “Everything changes”  Learning to adapt and be agile (one of the pillars in our organization) not in only in our personal lives but professionally as well.  This industry is growing at an exponential pace and also changing more rapidly. New technology, new lasers, new products continuously adjust this aesthetic market—whatever is the gold standard is today will likely change in the upcoming year.  For example, the filler market had seen a downward shift over the last year, likely because patients are concerned about being overdone.  Also, there are new products in the market that may minimize some of the need for filler modulation—like dermal threads and radiofrequency lasers like EMFACE and MORPHEUS.  (hyperlinks back to thewebsite for these pages)

The reason I shared this story on Instagram was two-fold

#1: I think it’s humorous, because the expectations placed on residents during my residency time were a bit over-the-top, but showing my vulnerability through this experience also allows for relatability and we all have had to overcome challenges.

#2: On the flip side, the story demonstrates some of the necessary qualities that need to be developed to be a good physician—thoughtful evaluation of disease process; thick skin to handle critique; ability to make sound decisions in all kinds of personal emotional states.