Today we’d like to introduce you to Leonard Tachmes.
Hi leonard, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey has always been driven by reinvention and the pursuit of emotional truth across disciplines. I’ve carried a dual passion for science and storytelling since the beginning, which led me to earn degrees in history and biology from Duke University before completing my medical training at Jefferson Medical College. I went on to specialize in plastic surgery through residencies and fellowships at the University of Chicago and Memorial Sloan Kettering. For over three decades, I practiced in Miami Beach, where I became known not just for surgical precision, but for my deep empathy and commitment to transformation—helping patients reclaim their sense of self through aesthetic and reconstructive care.
But my creative instincts extended far beyond the operating room. In 2001, I founded the Leonard Tachmes Gallery in the emerging Wynwood Art District, curating over 50 exhibitions that championed contemporary and Latin American artists. The gallery became a cultural beacon during the formative years of Art Basel Miami Beach, and I saw firsthand how art—like surgery—could heal, provoke, and preserve identity.
In 2014, I turned to screenwriting to dramatize the rituals of healing, memory, and legacy that had shaped my life. Drawing from lived experience, I’ve written nine feature-length screenplays that merge visceral storytelling with symbolic architecture. My debut script, based on my own journey to becoming a surgeon, won top honors at multiple international festivals and helped me find my voice in the industry. Two of my screenplays were acquired by Call Sheet Media, and my work continues to attract producers looking for emotionally resonant, visually rich, and culturally layered narratives.
Today, I stand at the intersection of medicine, art, and cinema—a storyteller shaped by transformation, now telling stories that aim to transform others.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s never been a smooth road for me. My journey has been full of twists, challenges, and hard-earned lessons. Becoming a plastic surgeon was just the beginning—I had to mature into the role, learn how to run a private practice, and develop true expertise in my craft. That took years of dedication, precision, and emotional resilience.
Then I dove headfirst into the art world, founding a gallery in Miami during the early stirrings of its now-famous art scene. I was managing exhibitions, collaborating with artists, and building cultural momentum—all while still practicing surgery full time. It was exhilarating and exhausting, and I often felt like I was living two lives at once.
In 2014, I took on a third challenge: screenwriting. I was completely self-taught and spent over a decade learning the craft, writing and rewriting, facing rejection, and navigating the unpredictable terrain of Hollywood. There were moments of deep frustration and disappointment, but I kept going. Eventually, two of my original scripts were acquired by a Hollywood management company—a breakthrough that felt both surreal and deeply earned.
Every chapter of my life has come with its own hurdles, but those struggles have shaped me. They’ve deepened my storytelling, sharpened my empathy, and taught me that transformation—whether in surgery, art, or film—is never easy, but always worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m Dr. Leonard Tachmes, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over three decades of experience specializing in aesthetic surgery of the face and body. Since opening my practice in Miami in 1994, I’ve remained deeply committed to providing exceptional care in a professional, respectful, and welcoming environment. My philosophy is simple: every patient deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported throughout their transformation.
Over the years, I’ve developed expertise in a range of procedures, including facelifts, Mommy Makeovers, and breast augmentations. I also have a particular interest in complex breast implant revision surgery, helping patients navigate challenging cases with precision and compassion.
I currently offer consultations and injectable treatments at two locations—my Miami Beach office and the Laufer Institute of Plastic Surgery in Dunedin. If you’d like to connect or schedule a visit, feel free to reach out:
📍 Miami Beach 960 West 41st Street, Suite 410 Miami Beach, FL 33140 📱 Text: (786) 603-9074 📧 Email: hello@tachmesmd.com
📍 Dunedin Laufer Institute of Plastic Surgery 3129 US-19 ALT Dunedin, FL 34698 📞 Phone: (727) 400-4768
I look forward to helping you feel confident, empowered, and beautifully yourself.
How do you think about luck?
Luck, fate, destiny—I’ve always seen those words as interchangeable. To me, they’re just different names for the same mysterious force that occasionally opens a door. But I don’t believe in relying on them. What truly matters is hard work, persistence, dedication, and a deep attention to one’s craft. Those are the principles that position someone to succeed—not overnight, and not without setbacks, but eventually and meaningfully.
I’ve found that when you commit fully to your work, luck tends to show up in the form of opportunity. But opportunity means nothing if you’re not ready. You have to be prepared, aware, and willing to act when the moment comes. That’s when fate becomes something you shape, not something you wait for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TachmesMD.com
- Instagram: @LTachmes
