Last month, I did an interview for Allergan about my career and why I chose it. As I reflected on my career path I came to realize that without the experiences I have had over the past 12+ years, I would not have enjoyed aesthetic medicine quite as much as I do.
I got into this field because of my passion for helping others and for my love for all things beauty. Aesthetic medicine is the perfect blend of those two worlds for me. What I have come to love most about my career is the ability to interact with so many amazing people. It is through the endless interactions and communication with people that my career has given me the opportunity to learn a lot, not only about my patients but also about myself!
why I love my patients and the lessons they have taught me
- They have taught me to be a good listener.
The treatment room is where I’ve learned to sharpen my listening skills. I see a lot of patients in a given day and my days go FAST moving from room to room, so it has taken years to really master my ability to just stop and be in the moment. It is in those still moments of listening that I am able to connect with people and help them to my best ability. My patient’s have helped me learn to stop and listen.
- They have taught me patience.
Taking time to sit, interact and dialogue with my patients has taught me tremendous patience. Whether I am learning about them as a person, assessing their face, or creating a treatment plan, I have learned to take my time and help the patient work the issue at hand. When I give my patient 100% of my attention, they can tell, and there is a deep appreciation that comes along with that. My patient’s are the ones who have pointed out to me that this undivided attention makes them feel very cared for. I have learned to always give the person in front of me my full undivided attention and I try to apply that into all aspects of my life.
- They have taught me to trust.
This is what an effective provider/patient relationship is built upon. When my patients sign up to see me, they are telling me that they trust my knowledge, judgment, experience and ability to manage their care effectively. Patients share the deepest parts of their lives with me. I appreciate that and it is something I do not take lightly. As they trust me and as we build the relationship, the trust becomes reciprocal and we become an unbreakable team.
- They have taught me that we’re all so different yet we’re the same.
No two patients are alike. Not at all. There is no one size fits all. Each and everyone of my patients is unique, yet every patient who sits in my chair shares the same goals. Everyone wants to look their best and FEEL amazing. No matter what race, religion, gender, sexual orientation a patient may be….we all still share the same desire to feel good. At the end of the day we are all human and we all want to feel good and to love and be loved. I love being able to help people of all walks of life. It is truly special.
- They have taught me to be a role model.
I am a firm believer of leading by example. Not only do I instruct and educate my patients but I have to also do what I instruct and educate them on. This goes for taking care of my skin, but it also goes much deeper into taking care of myself as a whole. Diet, exercise, self care, etc. As time goes on, the sort of provider I am begins to show in the sort of patients I attract. I need my patient’s to see my taking care of myself and I need to inspire and set the example for them to do the same. You gotta walk the walk!
- They have taught me to be a positive light.
People can feel your energy. I am very intentional with keeping a positive mindset and attitude especially when I am with my patients. I want them to leave my office feeling amazing. My job is to help bring out the best in people. Even when a patient might not see the same beauty I see, I try my best to point that out to them and to help them feel great. The law of attraction is real and I feel that what you put out into the world is what you get back. The more positive I am, the more positive people come into my life.
- They have taught me to put in extra effort.
This is what really sets you apart. If you are willing to go the extra mile for people that makes you special. I truly, truly care about my patients and I make sure they know that. The reason I love doing what I do is because I love helping people.
- They have taught me about being teachable.
I never want to stop learning. I love to continue to refine my techniques and skills as I learn from other providers. I also love to learn about life from my patients. Each and every patient has something unique that they teach me. I believe the day you stop learning is the day you stop growing.
- They have taught me about being appreciative.
As much as they appreciate me, I appreciate them! I could never thank my patients enough for choosing ME to help them on their journey to feeling amazing. For trusting their beautiful face in my hands. For giving me the opportunity to help change their life. This is my passion.
Being an aesthetic provider can be hard as there is a big emotional component and a lot of pressure to deliver results, but it is also one of the most rewarding and gratifying. So, THANK YOU to all of my patients near and far for choosing me, trusting me, and teaching me so much about YOU and ME! I love you all!
XO
Racquel
