My short answer is probably not, but not for the reasons you might assume.
Will I Encourage My Children to Become Physicians?
Dr. Jeffrey Harmon
I Received Contradictory Advice from Mentors When Starting the Practice
I solicited as much advice as I could from my professional network when my wife and I founded Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery. Unfortunately, much of that advice was contradictory. For example, I was advised by one mentor to initially sublet space from another physician. I was advised by another mentor to start my practice in a new, personalized space. Once I had made the decision to build out a new office I was advised both to and not to build an accredited office-based surgery suite (OBSS). I chose to build the OBSS.
Ask People Not For Advice but What They Did and Why
I realized over time, rather than asking people for advice, it is more helpful to ask them what they did and why. Everyone’s professional journey is unique and cannot be copied for many reasons. However, I have found making my own decisions easier when I understand why other people made them and, most importantly, what the consequences were. I have gained the most valuable information from the reflections of thoughtful individuals on their choices years after they were made.
I Have Had the Opportunity to Reflect on My Choices Which Led Me to Facial Plastic Surgery
I could imagine no other career for myself. It has become a vocation. However, looking back, many things needed to have gone “right” for me to reach the point at which I was able to become a fellowship trained, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. For example, I needed to score high enough on multiple rounds of standardized testing (e.g., MCAT, USMLE). I needed to consistently earn high grades in college and medical school. I needed to be invited to interviews for medical school, residency, and fellowship. I needed to interview well. I needed to build the experience necessary to achieve board certification. It was an amalgam of hard work, persistence, and luck that led me – improbably, for anyone – to my profession. Moreover, I achieved a great deal without the perspective or guidance of a parent or other relative.
I Hope to Provide My Children with Perspective, Not Necessarily Guidance
I was the first physician in my family. As a result, I navigated college, medical school, residency, and fellowship without an example or the perspective of someone who had gone through it as well. If one or both of my children pursues a career in medicine, I would be able to provide them with a perspective I never had.
I would highlight both the positive and negative aspects of a career in medicine. That is something I never fully appreciated during my education and training. I believe they need a balanced perspective to understand how their professional choices could affect their lives when they are adults because the decision to enter medicine is made when you are young.
I Hope to Model My Values for My Children
I hope the values my wife and I model will help them become grounded, kind, happy, and successful individuals who are good to others. One of the things I am cognizant of is that I do not project my own desires, regrets, and aspirations onto my children. I strive to simply be an example; to be not only the father they deserve but also the physician they deserve to be cared for by. This does not mean that I would not derive great joy to watch my son and/or daughter become a facial plastic surgeon and pass the practice on to them.
Trust Your Face to a Fellowship-Trained, Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
It is important to seek a fellowship-trained, double board-certified specialist in plastic surgery of the face and neck when you have concerns about your face or neck.
Why Choose Dr. Harmon
- The mission of Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is to help people along their journey towards self-confidence, to feel good about feeling good.
- Dr. Harmon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon
- Dr. Harmon values making patients feel welcomed, listened to, and respected.
- Dr. Harmon graduated with honors from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology.
- Dr. Harmon earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati.
- Dr. Harmon underwent five years of extensive training in head at neck surgery at the prestigious residency program at the University of Cincinnati.
- Dr. Harmon then underwent focused fellowship training in cosmetic facial plastic surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) with the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono, on Park Avenue in New York City.
Request a Consultation
Request a consultation with Dr. Harmon at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery in Cincinnati. Visit our clinic. You will learn more about Dr. Harmon’s credentials, style, and approach. Build a relationship with our dedicated team. Do not stop searching “plastic surgery near me.” Get in touch with us to learn more.
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute direct medical advice. It is essential that you have a consultation with a qualified medical provider prior to considering any treatment. This will allow you the opportunity to discuss any potential benefits, risks, and alternatives to the treatment.