#248 From Reality TV Star to Chief Medical Officer
Jan 27, 2025
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Dr. Will Kirby, a dermatologist, entrepreneur, and former reality TV star, shares his incredible journey from reality TV to Chief Medical Officer. He discusses the power of resilience after early setbacks and how his stint on Big Brother shaped his path back to medicine with a focus on aesthetics. Kirby highlights the significance of unconventional risks and reflects on balancing his passions. His experiences stress the importance of self-reliance and strategic wealth creation for physicians, all while embracing opportunities in both medicine and entertainment.
Dr. Will Kirby's unconventional journey from reality TV stardom to Chief Medical Officer illustrates the power of embracing failure and redefining personal success.
His emphasis on continuous education and personal branding underscores the importance of proactive efforts in elevating a physician's career in the aesthetic field.
Deep dives
The Journey to Medicine
Dr. Will Kirby's journey into medicine was unconventional, as he initially fell into the field rather than pursuing it from the start. His passion for science led him to medical school, but he almost veered off completely after matching with a residency in radiation oncology, which he found too morbid. Instead of pursuing this path, he decided to venture into reality TV, eventually becoming a contestant on Big Brother, where he won a substantial cash prize. This unexpected turn provided him with both fame and financial resources, although it also sparked an inner quest for fulfillment beyond monetary success.
A Shift Back to Dermatology
Following his reality TV fame, Dr. Kirby explored various business ventures including restaurant investments and reality TV production, which ultimately left him unfulfilled. His passion for aesthetics drew him back towards medicine, prompting him to complete a dermatology residency after a lengthy hiatus. During this time, he focused on establishing a laser tattoo removal clinic that grew into a multi-location business, but faced challenges with rapid expansion and partnerships. Eventually, he joined LaserAway, where his expertise led to a prominent role in a company that would grow significantly under his guidance.
The Role of Education and Branding
As the Chief Medical Officer at LaserAway, Dr. Kirby emphasized education as a cornerstone of his role, underscoring that physicians are inherently educators. He built his brand through persistent effort and visibility in the media, leveraging platforms like HARO to connect with reporters and publish articles in notable magazines. This proactive approach to branding not only enhanced his reputation in the aesthetic dermatology field but also emphasized the importance of continuous self-education and purposeful practice. Dr. Kirby's success demonstrates that deliberate effort in education and branding can significantly augment a physician's career.
Crafting an Intentional Life
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Kirby articulated the need for individuals to define their own 'wealth,' which includes various forms beyond just financial gain, such as emotional well-being and personal fulfillment. He advocates for being the protagonist in one's own life story, advising others to embrace their uniqueness and challenge norms that may restrict their aspirations. His insights into both personal and professional growth highlight the value of mentorship and community support in achieving success. Ultimately, Dr. Kirby's journey serves as an inspiring reminder that intentional living and self-awareness are crucial components of crafting an ideal life.
In this episode, Dr. Peter Kim interviews Dr. Will Kirby, a dermatologist, entrepreneur, and former reality TV star who has carved an extraordinary path from winning Big Brother to becoming the Chief Medical Officer of one of the nation’s leading aesthetic dermatology companies. Dr. Kirby shares his journey of embracing failure, taking unconventional risks, and redefining what success truly means.
You’ll hear how his early struggles shaped his resilience, what drove him to leave a traditional medical residency for reality TV, and how he found his way back to medicine with a unique focus on aesthetics. Tune in!
Are you looking for a community to encourage you as you begin, or want to accelerate your business to the next level? Then join thousands of physicians who share the same journey of creating their ideal lives through multiple streams of income by joining us in our Facebook communities such as Passive Income Docs and Passive Income MD.
Eckard Enterprises brings this episode to you.
Eckard Enterprises, LLC, is a family-owned and operated alternative investment and asset management firm, specializing in mineral rights and the U.S. energy industry. Eckard believes that owning tangible assets is one of the safest, long-term investment strategies available in today’s investment climate.
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