His Success is More than Skin Deep
Aug 2008By now, most of us understand the importance of nourishing and protecting our skin. We’ve read the science, have invested in sunscreen and know to keep skin hydrated. But beyond that, it can sometimes be confusing to keep up with the latest skin-care trends as well as discern what is best for our skin type.
Dr. David H. McDaniel has dedicated more than two decades of his life to the study of skin and how to take care of it. Selected by his peers for the past 14 years to be included in “The Best Doctors in America” (an annual report provided to 30 U.S. magazines), McDaniel lectures throughout the world on cosmetic laser surgery and anti-aging techniques. He serves as director of the Institute of Anti-Aging Research in Virginia Beach and runs a private dermatology and laser practice. He is also a regular consultant to pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies, including Elizabeth Arden, regarding skin-care products. McDaniel was featured in the March 2008 edition of Allure magazine, and most recently, he accepted the position of co-director of the Hampton University Skin of Color Research Institute, which is now under construction (turn to page five for more information) and projected to open in early 2009.
McDaniel took a few moments out of his busy schedule to share with Health Journal readers his personal and professional values as well as tips on staying healthy.
HJ: What led you to your current profession?
DM: I originally wanted to get both a medical degree and a Ph.D. and do a combination of patient care and research. I was undecided about which to pursue first but had applied to medical school at a time when it was extremely difficult to get a position. I received a letter with an early acceptance and scholarship offer; however, I was given a very short deadline to reply or the offer would be revoked. A few hours after I received the letter, I learned that my brother’s wife had been diagnosed with cancer and that it was probably going to be fatal—leaving my brother alone with his two young children. I decided that same day to accept the offer to medical school.
HJ: What career did you envision as a child?
DM: I was always fascinated by science and nature. I loved the outdoors and at one time considered becoming a biologist or a nature and wildlife photographer. However, the science and medicine part won over despite the indoor environment. My older brother was a research scientist and professor/educator, and I always admired his career as well as that of my father, who was an accountant.
HJ: Finish this sentence: If I knew then what I know now…
DM: That is a very difficult question. In general, I try to not dwell on past mistakes but rather learn from them and move forward, trying to not repeat them if possible. So with that mindset—that the past is what it is—I do wish I had spent more time with friends and family and balanced my career better. But, it is very difficult to do that in our contemporary culture and with a medical career.
HJ: What is the biggest decision you ever made?
DM: Going to medical school and getting married to Sheila were two of the three biggest decisions of my life. But, the most critical life-changing decision was to put my trust in Jesus Christ and try, albeit imperfectly, to follow His direction for my life.
HJ: What are the qualities you value most in others?
DM: I value honesty, integrity and compassion very highly. A strong work ethic and a passion for what you do are also very important—the task isn’t as important as doing it with excellence. Unselfishness, respect and tolerance for others are also important traits.
HJ: What more do you hope to accomplish in your life?
DM: This is something I have been thinking about a lot recently. I am a person who sees things that could be, and I like to help realize these visions—new medical treatments, new cosmetic procedures, new skin-care products and new basic science discoveries related to aging and longevity. But I also love to teach and mentor individuals. I would like to write a book or two someday and also work with telemedicine. I want to spend more time with my family. One of my passions is medical relief domestically and overseas—particularly for children—so I would like to work more in these areas. It is also my wife Sheila’s passion to work with children to bring hope and healing.
