Donna Bilu Martin MD shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Donna, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that has been bringing me joy lately is traveling to new places with my husband and two daughters. We recently traveled to Banff and Lake Louise in Canada, which were stunning. We also spent spring break in Snowmass, Colorado. The mountains were beautiful! It’s so fun to explore and get a feel for somewhere different- to try new foods and experience activites we can’t do at home in Miami, like hikes in the mountains or snowshoeing!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Donna Bilu Martin, MD. I’m a board certfied dermatologist. I started my practice, Premier Dermatology, MD in Aventura 10 years ago. It’s been an amazing experience create a place where we provide top medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services in a personalized, boutique setting. I think pdmd is a unique practice because unlike larger practices, our patients receive a lot of personalized attention. One of our friendly front staff members answers the phone, not a call center or virtual assistant. I see every patient personally and perform all procedures. My medical assistants are knowlegable, efficient, and kind. Patients are seen on time. Our office feels like a family, not a factory.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents, who immigrated to the United States when I was a baby, taught me about hard work. They started their photogrammetry company when I was nine years old. They worked hard, treated their employees kindly and fairly, and truly embodied the “American Dream.” I learned from them that anything is possible if you’re willing to put the work in.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self not to listen to those who may try to discourage me from following my dreams. When I was in high school, shadowing a physician, he tried to talk me out of pursuing medicine, as insurance companies were playing more of a role in regulation and cutting reimbursements. When I was in medical school, I was told about how competitive it was to get into Dermatology. And when I was planning to open a practice, some said it was too hard for a solo physician to survive and succeed. I wish I hadn’t given weight to the opinions of nay-sayers. Anything is possible with determination and grit!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends know I value authenticity. I appreciate when people are honest and direct. I value the important things in life: family, good friends, health, and not taking opportunities for granted.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will say that I tried hard at all my roles– as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and physician. I hope I will be remembered as a kind, honest, and hard-working human being.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.premierdermatologymd.com
- Instagram: @premierdermatologymd
- Facebook: Premier Dermatology MD
Image Credits
The team photo and my headshot were taken by Lilibean Photography.
