2021 Excellence in Healthcare Honoree: Dr. Essie Yates

Dr. Yates trained at the University of Chicago, specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery. She focuses on breast, body, and face procedures, including breast augmentations and facelifts. Her boutique practice is trusted by public figures, models, and business leaders who depend on her natural approach.

Favorite Quote: If you do what you love, you never work a day in your life.

Fun Fact: Runner up in Ms. Great Britain.

What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them? As a young female plastic surgeon, you face concerns about your experience and capability. I am able to offer my patients state-of-the-art techniques and outcomes as a result of being a young plastic surgeon. Today, many patients are looking for providers who can empathize with their unique perspective. As a female plastic surgeon, I am able to build trust and rapport more readily with female patients.

What has been the most monumental moment of your career thus far? Establishing my practice was the most challenging and monumental moment of my career. At the time, I was just two years post-residency and leading a team of nine staff members. It was the opportunity of a lifetime and one of the best decisions I’ve made thus far.

How is the healthcare industry important to you personally? Having lost family members to breast cancer, I welcome the opportunity to serve breast cancer survivors, restoring their breasts following their triumph over breast cancer.

How did the pandemic disrupt your specific role in the healthcare industry, and how did you adapt? The pandemic disrupted every aspect of my practice. We were required to close our office for two months. PPE and other critical medical equipment were in short supply and critical reconstructive and elective cases were put on hold by hospitals. I, with the help of my reduced staff, managed the practice from front to back, serving patients while providing the safest environment possible.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? Measure twice, cut once.

What do you love most about working in healthcare? Every day, I have the opportunity to improve patients’ self-image and confidence.

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