Today we’d like to introduce you to Faiyaaz Kalimullah.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My practice partner, Dr. Kevin Cavanaugh, and I started the Center for Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine in January of this year. We are both board-certified dermatologists, and we initially met in training. We were both interns together at the University of Chicago. After completing my internship, I moved to Tucson, Arizona for my dermatology residency at the University of Arizona, after which I joined one of the busiest cosmetic dermatology practices in the US. Kevin actually stayed in Chicago to complete a full internal medicine residency, and then headed to the University of Arizona for a second residency in dermatology.
As residents, we had always joked about eventually opening a practice together, but as we both started thinking about moving back to Chicago nearly 20 months ago, it started to seem like an increasingly realistic option. Opening a new medical office is a daunting task, so we initially considered purchasing an existing practice. However, we eventually realized that if we were going to go down this route, we really wanted to create something new for our patients. We didn’t want our clinic to look or feel like a standard doctor’s office, so we worked closely with our architect and contractor to design our clinic from the ground up. Our goal was to create a luxurious but tranquil space where our patients could feel comfortable from the moment they walk in through our front door.
Most of 2016 was spent in planning and construction, and we officially opened on January 23, 2017. Although it hasn’t been the easiest path, I think we’re both really glad that we did it, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past year, it’s that virtually every aspect of opening a new business will be late and over-budget! When Kevin and I first started planning our business, we had aimed to open doors in September of last year. Unfortunately, almost everything, from lease negotiations, to permitting, to construction itself, was delayed by months. To give you an example, our projected buildout completion date was December 23, but when the date rolled around, the project was still nowhere near done. In fact, even when we opened doors a month later, we were working around a full construction crew, who were still installing lights, cabinetry, and countertops. As a business owner, you really have to learn to adjust to whatever obstacles come your way and make the best of it.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the The Center for Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine story. Tell us more about the business.
At the Center for Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine, our goal is to provide a truly holistic approach to skin health. As dermatologists, we’re obviously trained to focus on the skin, but our philosophy also incorporates a host of other factors, such as nutrition and exercise, to help our patient’s look and feel their best. We understand the importance of skin appearance in our self-perception, and our goal is to ensure that every one of our patients leaves our clinic feeling more comfortable and confident. Kevin is board-certified in both internal medicine and dermatology, giving him a unique insight into skin health as a part of global wellness.
In addition to medical dermatology, we also offer a full-range of minimally-invasive rejuvenation treatments, including neuromodulators (Botox® & Dysport®), dermal fillers (Voluma, Juvéderm, Sculptra, Restylane, etc.), Kybella (a FDA-approved injectable for permanent fat reduction), laser treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and more. My primary focus within the field of dermatology is facial aesthetics. I love that my job affords me the opportunity to use cutting-edge science and technology in a creative and artistic manner every day, helping my patients take the best possible care of their skin, as well as their overall health.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m not sure I’m a big believer in good or bad luck. Sure, sometimes random happenstance can make things go in your favor, but ultimately I think hard work, determination, and having the right knowledge base and skill set will get you a lot farther than luck ever will.
Contact Info:
- Address: 755 North Wells Street, Suite 201
Chicago, Illinois 60654 - Website: www.chicagodermmd.com
- Phone: 312-380-6747
- Email: info@chicagodermmd.com
- Instagram: @chicagodermmd
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/chicagodermmd
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/the-center-for-dermatology-and-aesthetic-medicine-chicago
- Other: Center for Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine
