Hire slow, fire fast. This is 100% true in my experience. I think you have to suffer the consequences to understand. Finally in my 10th year, I’ve managed to figure this out. It took me most of a year to find my latest hire, but the wait was worth it.
As part of my series about “authors who are making an important social impact,” I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Kate Dee.
Dr. Kate Dee (drkatedee.com) is the author of the aesthetics industry exposé “Medspa Mayhem” and the founder of Glow Medispa, where she performs all aspects of medical aesthetics, from injectables and skin care to lasers and body sculpting. A graduate of Yale, she earned a BS in biology in 1989 and her MD there in 1994. In addition to her medical practice, Dr. Dee has a special interest in business ethics and the medicolegal aspects of practicing aesthetic medicine.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
I grew up in New York City, but left there at 17 for college. In between college and med school, I took time off for a cross-country camping trip and fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. I moved to Seattle for my residency and I’ve loved it ever since (and no– it wasn’t like “Grey’s Anatomy,” except for the crazy long hours in the hospital).
When you were younger, was there a book that you read that inspired you to take action or changed your life? Can you share a story about that?
When I was in med school I read “One-L” (by Scott Turow, about law school) and “The House of God” (by Samuel Shem, about internship) and was inspired to write about my experiences in medicine, but could never find the time. It wasn’t until I found myself ensconced in the chaotic world of aesthetics that I felt compelled to write and tell the world about it.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
So many funny stories and so many mistakes, but so little overlap of those two things. The funniest mistake was probably the fact that when we first opened we used to leave the satellite kitchenette and laundry room unlocked during the day — it was accessed all day long by my staff, but it needed a key. But we kept getting behind on laundry because someone in the residential units above kept stealing the laundry detergent. Finally, we installed a keypad lock, and the detergent stayed put. With all the security measures I took to protect the equipment, the thing most sought after by thieves was the laundry soap.
Can you describe how you aim to make a significant social impact with your book?
The aesthetics industry is now about $20 billion and growing rapidly. Much of that growth results from people offering these services illegally — and it is dangerous. People have suffered from botulism from fake botox, and died in IV bars from unlicensed people infusing toxic substances into their veins. The laws are not being enforced, and perpetrators are not being prosecuted. The illegal practices in the med spa world are rampant, and consumers need to know what to ask before going to any place for these services. I’m hoping an informed public will be safer, and maybe enough politicians or a DA or AG — or documentary filmmaker, somewhere — will help change the industry for good.
Can you share with us the most interesting story that you shared in your book?
Jenifer Cleveland was a 47-year-old mother of four. She worked at a local radio station in Texas and told co-workers she was going to get a “routine” IV hydration treatment at a nearby med spa. She died within minutes of the procedure. The owner of the spa, Amber Johnson, had no license of any kind, and the doctor who was supposed to be overseeing her, Michael Gallagher, an anesthesiologist, was 106 miles away in Dallas. Amber Johnson probably had no idea that the potassium she was giving Jennifer would kill her. Because you don’t know what you don’t know. Any doctor or nurse would have known that. That’s why people who are not qualified should not be practicing medicine.
What was the “aha moment” or series of events that made you decide to bring your message to the greater world? Can you share a story about that?
The big aha moment for me was the mutiny I witnessed when AmSpa tried to pass minimum requirements for med spas to maintain quality and standardize care in med spas. They started with the Texas legislature, and announced a set of guidelines that had been put together by a committee of stakeholders — so many business owners voiced objections and abandoned the group — it was shocking to me. There are so many med spas out there cutting corners and they do not want to stop. They were willing to say publicly that they would rather part ways with AmSpa than be required to operate in a safe and medically sound way. And that doesn’t even include people like Amber Johnson — who are completely outside the system. It was then that I realized just how systemic the problems are, and patients just don’t know, and law enforcement is non-existent.
Without sharing specific names, can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
I may not ever know, because when someone avoids the illegal med spas, they will not die or be disfigured, and they won’t know they dodged the bullet. I’ve had many people reach out who have been victims who are living with the consequences (mostly disfigurement). I’ve interviewed two of them so far on my podcast, also called “Medspa Mayhem.” They are also trying to raise awareness about the hidden dangers — we are trying to shine a light on it.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Yes!
First, if you’re a consumer, ask the following questions before having any treatment at a medical spa: What license do the providers have? Who is the medical director and what is their license? Who owns the spa? If there is no doctor, no medical director, and unqualified people performing services, do not go there, and report them to your state’s attorney general.
Second, attorneys general and district attorneys should pursue charges against people practicing medicine without a license. This is a felony in every state. Unfortunately, these bad actors are left unchecked until someone is dead.
Third, there should be national standards and accreditation for med spas and any business making money from elective cosmetic procedures.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
A great leader provides the space, guidance and support to allow people to do their best work and succeed. I am at my best when I lead by example. I would never ask someone to do anything I would not do myself. Having started my practice on my own with no employees I’ve done every job there is to do in the business. Our ethos is to help the team, no matter what the task, no matter what your title. I’ll answer the phone, schedule a facial, take out the recycling. A diva will not last long (though I did have a diva nurse for a while, she did not last).
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
- RN’s cannot legally see new patients. I had no idea of this until I went to my first AmSpa meeting. RN’s cannot do an assessment and plan, they cannot prescribe any treatment. Though this is common practice in med spas across the country, it is not legal — in any state. I had already hired the diva RN before I knew this. She did not like it when I told her she couldn’t do that anymore until I did the good faith exam. She did not like that, and left to set up her own spa. Illegally of course.
- Don’t pick a common name like Glow Medispa for your business. Though I have trademarked the name, new Glows pop up constantly, making trademark enforcement a constant battle.
- Never answer the phone when Yelp calls. Corollary: caller ID is mandatory.
- Laser reps lie. About everything. Never believe anything a laser rep says. Do your own research. Every new employee who joins my practice gets a primer on this. They will literally walk in cold and tell my staff I’m expecting them for a meeting. The first time it happens each new employee is shocked, but when it happens again, they are ready. It happens all the time.
- Hire slow, fire fast. This is 100% true in my experience. I think you have to suffer the consequences to understand. Finally in my 10th year, I’ve managed to figure this out. It took me most of a year to find my latest hire, but the wait was worth it.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“We’re blind to our blindness. We have very little idea of how little we know. We’re not designed to know how little we know.” Daniel Kahneman. I see this as a challenge. If the people doing harm don’t know they’re taking such a huge risk with others’ safety, and the patients don’t know what a huge risk they’re taking with their own lives, and the politicians don’t know that so much illegal activity is going on, how will anything change? I’m trying to make one more thing KNOWN, widely.
Personally, I feel that I’m always trying to think outside the box and remain open to ideas of all kinds. Sometimes it takes special effort to reject the initial reaction and be open to the new possibilities. I am always trying to remain open to new things and ideas, and keep my eyes open despite the tendency to be blind.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Michelle Obama. I admire her more than I could possibly relay. She is so brilliant and respected, she would be able to get the message out in a relatable way.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
My author website: www.drkatedee.com
“Medspa Mayhem” is in paperback, kindle and on audiobook! Here’s the Amazon link. My podcast, “Medspa Mayhem,” is available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Social Impact Authors: How & Why Author Dr Kate Dee Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.