Purpose in Practice: How do you define the deeper impact of your work on those you treat?

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Dr. Kiran Gill | Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon | Naples, FL

As a female plastic surgeon and med spa owner, my work extends beyond physical transformation—it’s about helping patients feel confident and in control of how they present themselves to the world. Within my boutique practice, I prioritize individualized care, safety, and natural results that align with each patient’s unique goals. Whether through surgery or non-invasive treatments, the most meaningful impact comes from seeing patients leave feeling empowered, refreshed, and more like themselves. It’s not just about enhancing features: it’s about supporting self-image and well-being in a space where every patient feels heard, respected, and valued.

For more information, visit Dr. Kiran Gill's website / Instagram

Dr. Anna Chacon | Dermatologist | Miami, FL

As a dermatologist, I am witnessing a significant increase in patient interest in preventive skin health and personalized skincare regimens. Patients are increasingly aware of the importance of early intervention, sun protection, and the role of lifestyle factors in skin aging and disease. In my practice, I emphasize evidence-based recommendations, such as daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, regular skin self-examinations, and the integration of antioxidants and retinoids into skincare routines. Additionally, teledermatology has expanded access to care, allowing for timely diagnosis and management of both common and complex dermatologic conditions. I encourage patients to seek professional guidance for tailored treatment plans, especially when considering aesthetic procedures or managing chronic skin diseases. The future of dermatology lies in combining advanced technology with personalized, patient-centered care.

For more information, visit Dr. Anna Chacon’s website / instagram

Dr. Victoria A. Cirillo-Hyland | Dermatologist | Philadelphia, PA

At Cirillo Cosmetic Dermatology Spa, our work goes far beyond the surface. Through the art and science of cosmetic dermatology, including fillers, neuromodulators, and laser treatments, we help our patients rediscover confidence, restore a sense of self, and embrace their natural beauty at every stage of life. These treatments aren't just about looking refreshed; they're about feeling empowered, comfortable in your skin, and ready to face the world with assurance. Our deeper impact is measured in the smiles, the regained self-esteem, and the quiet confidence that radiates from within.

For more information, visit Dr. Victoria A. Cirillo-Hyland’s website / instagram

Dr. Dmitriy Schwarzburg | Cosmetic Surgeon | Upper East Side, NY

The deeper purpose of my work is helping people reconnect with their own sense of confidence. Many patients come to me not just because of a wrinkle, a scar, or skin laxity — but because those features make them feel older, tired, or unlike themselves. By addressing those concerns with precision and restraint, I can often give someone back the reflection they want to see in the mirror.

The impact goes far beyond surface-level improvement. A patient who feels comfortable in their own skin walks taller, smiles more freely, and engages in life with greater ease. That kind of transformation can positively influence both personal and professional relationships.

For me, practicing aesthetic medicine is not about chasing trends or striving for perfection. It’s about blending science and artistry to restore balance, preserve individuality, and help each patient feel like the best version of themselves. The greatest reward is witnessing the relief and joy on a patient’s face when they realize they still look like themselves — only fresher, more vibrant, and more confident. That moment is where the true purpose of my practice lies.

For more information, visit Dr. Dmitry Schwarzburg's website / Instagram

Irina Schwarzburg | Co-Founder & Partner | Upper East Side, NY

As a business co-founder, the purpose of my work lies in creating an environment where people feel valued, cared for, and empowered in their beauty journey. A medspa is not just about technology and treatments — it’s about the atmosphere, the trust we build, and the way a client feels from the moment they walk through the door.

For me, the deeper impact comes from shaping an experience that goes beyond the clinical. Every detail — from office design to our communication style — is chosen to make clients feel safe, inspired, and confident in the choices they make. I see my role as helping people understand that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. When they feel listened to and supported, they leave not only looking better but feeling stronger in who they are.

The most fulfilling part is watching clients return, sometimes bringing their friends or family, because they trust us with something as personal as their self-image. That trust, built over time, is a responsibility I take seriously. For me, that’s the true purpose of this work: improving confidence, not just appearances.
For more information, visit Irina Schwarzburg's website / Instagram

Heather Merlo | Nurse Practitioner | Tampa, FL

​​For me, the deeper impact of my work goes far beyond what’s visible on the surface. I specialize in women’s wellness, and I’ve seen firsthand how the natural aging process — from hormonal fluctuations to childbirth — can profoundly affect both physical and emotional well-being.

There is truly nothing more rewarding than helping a woman restore her confidence and her ability to feel comfortable and intimate again. These treatments are not just about aesthetics; they’re about restoring connection — to self, to confidence, and to life.

Aesthetic and regenerative medicine allow me to bridge science with emotion. When a patient looks in the mirror or experiences renewed confidence in her body, that’s when the true transformation happens. That’s the deeper why behind everything we do at Sei Tu Bella Aesthetics — empowering women to feel whole, confident, and beautiful from the inside out.

For more information, visit Heather Merlo’s website / Instagram

Dr. S. Manjula Jegasothy | Dermatologist | Coral Gables, FL

I give my patients the gift of timelessness. Through consistent maintenance, minimally invasive procedures, and medical-grade skincare, I help them age gracefully and confidently over time. My approach is grounded in the belief that aesthetic medicine should refine and preserve one’s natural features rather than alter them, creating results that feel both subtle and enduring. The deeper impact of my work lies in fostering long-term confidence, self-assurance, and a sense of harmony between inner vitality and outward appearance—allowing patients to feel truly radiant at every age.

For more information, visit Dr. S. Manjula Jegasothy’s website / Instagram

Relive Health | Palm Beach, FL

From Mallory Harrington (Nurse Practitioner at Relive Health Stuart): As both an aesthetic and functional medicine Nurse Practitioner, I define the impact of my work through the measurable and deeply personal transformations in my patients’ emotional, physical, and overall quality of life. Whether it’s enhancing their appearance, boosting self-confidence, restoring internal health and hormone balance, or simply helping them feel like the healthiest version of themselves, their positive transformations and testimonials are what motivate me every day at Relive Health. When patients tell me they feel seen, heard, and supported in their aesthetic or wellness journey—that’s when I know I’ve made a meaningful difference in their lives.

For more information, visit Relive Health’s website / Instagram

Eva Israilova | Nurse Practitioner | Brooklyn, NY

At Aesthetic Island NYC, my purpose goes far beyond enhancing someone’s appearance — it’s about restoring confidence and helping each person reconnect with the version of themselves they’ve been missing. When patients come to me, they’re not just seeking filler or Botox; they’re seeking balance, self-assurance, and trust in their own reflection again.

As a Family Nurse Practitioner, I approach aesthetics with both artistry and empathy. Every treatment I perform is tailored to the individual — not to chase trends, but to enhance their natural beauty and make them feel authentically themselves. Seeing a patient leave my chair standing taller, smiling wider, and truly feeling good again — that’s the deeper impact.

My work is about healing through aesthetics — empowering people to feel beautiful, worthy, and confident in every chapter of their lives. That’s the real transformation.

For more information, visit Eva Israilova's website / Instagram

Xanadu Med Spa | Fort Collins, CO

At Xanadu Med Spa, the deeper impact of our work goes far beyond physical transformation - it’s about restoring confidence, inspiring self-care, and helping our clients reconnect with the best version of themselves. We believe that when someone feels comfortable and radiant in their own skin, it changes how they show up in every part of life - from relationships and careers to their sense of overall well-being.

Every treatment we offer - whether it’s a rejuvenating facial, injectables, or a body contouring session - is guided by a philosophy of empowerment rather than perfection. Our goal is not to make people look different, but to help them see themselves differently. We measure our success not just by visible results, but by the renewed energy, self-assurance, and happiness that our clients carry out the door.

In essence, the deeper impact of what we do is helping people feel truly seen, valued, and confident - both inside and out. That ripple effect of confidence and self-worth is what inspires everything we do at Xanadu.

For more information, visit Xanadu Med Spa’s website / Instagram

Melissa Fox | Esthetician | Coral Gables, FL

In a world where skincare often focuses on surface-level results, Flawless by Melissa Fox takes a different approach:  one rooted in intention, integrity, and transformation. Each treatment is thoughtfully designed not only to deliver visible, radiant skin but also to leave a deeper imprint: renewed confidence, emotional uplift, and a profound sense of being truly cared for. The team at Flawless approaches every facial as a ritual, seamlessly blending advanced science with curated protocols and genuine human connection.

Their purpose extends far beyond perfecting complexions. It’s about empowering clients to feel flawless from the inside out;  to leave the treatment room standing a little taller, lighter, and more at ease in their skin. By leading with excellence, compassion, and authenticity, Flawless defines success not merely by the results reflected in the mirror, but by the lasting transformation felt long after clients depart.

For more information, visit Melissa Fox’s website / Instagram

Dr. Jason Bloom | Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon | Bryn Mawr, PA

As a facial plastic surgeon, I have the distinct honor and privilege of helping patients on a deeply personal level—transforming some of their greatest insecurities into newfound confidence. Helping individuals feel more comfortable and at peace in their own skin is a responsibility I hold with great care.

Each transformation extends far beyond the physical; it’s an emotional and psychological journey that reshapes how patients see themselves and engage with the world around them. Witnessing this renewed sense of self-assurance—seeing someone’s light return—is what defines the true purpose and fulfillment of my work.

For more information, visit Dr. Jason Bloom’s website / Instagram

Dr. Sam S. Rizk | Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon | Upper East Side, NY

I’ve always believed that the most meaningful results aren’t just what you see in the mirror after surgery, they’re what you feel. My work is about restoration, yes, but not just of youth or symmetry. It’s about helping people reconnect with themselves. Sometimes, it’s about helping them discover a version of themselves they’ve never truly seen reflected back.

Every patient who walks through my door has their own story. One person may be recovering from an accident and wants to feel whole again, while another might simply want their appearance to better match how they feel inside. What they all share is a desire for harmony between their inner and outer selves. And my job is simply to honor that, to use my skill and artistry to create results that feel natural, undetectable, and deeply personal.

A large part of what I do is corrective and reconstructive. Whether I’m repairing trauma, addressing a prior surgery that didn’t go as planned, or restoring form and function after skin cancer, these are deeply personal cases. They’re not about chasing perfection, they’re about helping someone feel whole again. The emotional weight of that work stays with me. It’s a reminder that every millimeter matters, not for vanity’s sake, but for identity, confidence, and quality of life.

Beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all, it’s a dialogue between artistry, anatomy, and identity. My role as a sculptor and a surgeon is to carry that dialogue with honesty, empathy, and precision. It’s about helping someone show up in the world as their most confident, authentic self.

For more information, visit Dr. Sam S. Rizk's website / Instagram

Dr. Victoria Veytsman | Cosmetic Dentist | Beverly Hills, CA & Manhattan, NY

We just launched ROSE CODE, a brand that redefines oral beauty and wellness through innovation and intention. After nearly two decades of purpose-driven practice, this new chapter allows me to amplify that purpose—helping people feel empowered and confident through a holistic approach to oral care.

“The primary drive and motivation for starting a new business venture came from the intention to have a greater purpose and the belief that businesses in the private sector can and should be used as a vehicle for good and drive meaningful change. My primary interest has always been empowerment for women. But how do you measure empowerment? The best indicator to quantitatively measure empowerment seems to be education.

Supporting women and education is not being a feminist, it's being a humanist—it elevates whole communities, breaks generational cycles, and supports sustainable growth and resilience. Our theory of change involves focusing on UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is at the nexus of sustainable sourcing and the transformative power of education. Transformation is a key theme for this company, on both a micro and macro level, from the transformative power of the products to creating change on a larger scale.

Success to me here means a thriving business with a significant positive social impact, empowering communities and giving them agency. When the idea for this brand came about, I knew I wanted to bake social impact into the DNA of the company. Doing well and doing good are not mutually exclusive and I’m excited to be part of all the possibilities.” - Dr. Veytsman

For more information, visit Dr. Victoria Veytsman’s website / Instagram

Dr. Purvi Parikh | Allergist and Immunologist | New York, NY 

I define impact in two ways: lives saved and lives improved. Within my specialty, there are countless opportunities to enhance quality of life by accurately diagnosing and managing allergies and asthma, allowing patients to breathe, sleep, and function with greater ease. As an immunologist, I also diagnose and treat primary immune deficiency, a condition in which individuals are born without a functioning immune system. Many of these patients are misdiagnosed, often enduring a decade-long delay before receiving appropriate care. Initiating the correct treatment can truly be life-saving.

The same holds true for asthma, which causes approximately 11 deaths each day in this country, most of which are largely preventable. By ensuring patients are placed on the right treatment regimen, we can directly save lives. Impact also comes through education and empowerment, as increasing public understanding of disease has profound effects, whether in the exam room, through mainstream media, or across social platforms. By helping to dispel misinformation and share accurate medical knowledge, I can reach patients worldwide and, in some cases, save lives beyond those I see in person.

For more information, visit Dr. Purvi Parikh’s website / Instagram

Marissa Dalla Rizza | Aesthetician | Miami, FL

Touch is powerful, allowing us to connect beyond the surface. Many of my clients struggle with acne, so helping them learn to manage it while embracing their skin through every stage is truly rewarding. In my treatment room, clients can de-stress, share their thoughts, or simply rest in silence. My purpose is to create that safe space while helping them feel confident and radiant in their own natural skin, without the need for makeup.

For more information, visit Marissa Dalla Rizza’s website / Instagram