📝 Editor’s Note | Rob Belk
I’ve heard several times that if it is not on the calendar it is not a priority. Yet, I rarely put my true priorities on my calendar, reserving that space for my professionally driven meetings and tasks.
Recently, I blocked off time at the end of a day to spend an hour with my oldest son. He’s three and deep in a Monster Truck phase. How deep? When we asked what he wanted to name his baby sister, he instantly replied: “Gravedigger!”
Instead of cramming in some last-minute “productivity,” I spent that hour with him at the local park, playing with his monster trucks. We built courses, made ramps, and launched them off the bridge. It was awesome. My Camp Sea Gull “Golf Ball Trail Beach” guys know exactly what I’m talking about.
So yes, I know we all roll our eyes at the preachy recommendations but this one stuck. It’s something I need to keep doing.
And, unfortunately, my wife vetoed the name Gravedigger. Apparently we have to stick to family names…
Without further ado….
Why Virginia?
Virginia and I were introduced via Sam Kidd Shelton. Sam recommended Virginia for a profile, saying that “despite pretending that she’s a wannabe retiree, she’s one of the hardest working individuals…and she’s extremely witty, intelligent and loyal.” I’m constantly impressed by connections that have started successful businesses. Virginia lives up to that billing!
Self-Description
Lifelong Texan that is usually planning a trip elsewhere. I completed both a General Surgery and Plastic Surgery residency in Dallas before moving closer to family in Austin. I take pride in being a daughter, a sister, a fan of Harry Potter and a Swiftie. I learned women are both powerful and feminine from some fiercely badass women that came before me (both my family and in my profession).
Virginia’s 6 Recommendations
Written in her own words…
1. Elta MD Sunscreen ($45)
As a Plastic Surgeon with a significant family history of skin cancer, sun damage is always a concern. While aging inevitably comes for everyone, there are things we can do to slow down the process. Protecting your skin against sun damage is a major way in our control to prevent sun damage and slow aging.
2. The Rape of Europa
I am an absolute sucker for historical fiction. WW2 novel involving spies or conspiracy? I have probably read it. I saw The Rape of Europa documentary in high school and then read the book. This book is NONFICTION, but one of my favorite books ever (I have read it a few times) - It is fantastic. It is a bit dense. It takes a look at the rise of Nazi Germany through the lens of how Europe's art and cultural history played a role in Hitler's military motivations. It goes on to discuss Europe's response to attempt to conserve the art/culture of the continent through such a devastating period of time.
3. Mt. Joy
Surgeons get to pick the music playing while they operate. I don't feel strongly about what is playing most the time (as long it is not screamo) and I typically let the rest of the team helping that day choose. But, when I am asked, I like to describe my music taste as "what you would listen to while driving a convertible down Highway 1 in Cali." This band came to me through a Spotify "Discover Weekly" playlist during the pandemic and they quickly became a favorite listen. I have now seen them live 4 times. They are great every single time. Top 3: Strangers, Let Loose, Jenny Jenkins.
4. Adult Friendships
I don't tend to offer a lot of advice as I am the first to admit I do not have a lot figured out. But, I do take a lot of pride in my closest friends. In the last few years I have really considered myself lucky about the life and relationships I have poured effort in to. I have friends in so many different parts of life (single, dating, married DINKs, married with young kids, etc.) and in different careers (non-profit, medicine, education, the arts, law). I can confidently say I am genuinely better because of them. Regardless of how busy you think you are or where in life you are I highly recommend you figure out those few people that push you to be the best version of yourself. Somehow find the time to really pour effort into those relationships because your life becomes so much more rich because of them. Every so often reflect on how they make you better. For me, that reflection brings a sense of pride and peace in the life I am continuing to mold and create - they remind me who and what I fight for. They are my reason why.
5. Built Bar - Brownie Batter Puff ($30)
Listen, we could all do better about eating better. I recently got a lot more serious about focusing on getting enough protein (Plus, a high protein diet is good for recovery after plastic surgery). The Built Bar brand has around 17g of protein and maybe 140-150 calories in a bar. The "Puffs" have the consistency of a milky way and have been an easy way for me to up the protein while not having that chalky, dry characteristic so many protein bars have. I strongly encourage trying the brownie batter.
6. La Neige - Lip Sleeping Mask
I am horrible at gift giving and even worse at remembering birthdays/life events. But this lip balm/sleeping mask is hands down one of my favorites. I keep a few of these on hand in my cabinet (there are frequently on sale) and they make for great last minute gifts. Always well received.
Plug | Bailey Plastic Surgery
My business website is baileyplasticsurgery.com and of course always happy to take care of anyone. I am just as happy and interested in connecting with other like minded young professionals in Austin and interesting people of all ages.
It's the best caramel you've ever had, with a fortune cookie wrapper around it. Next question.
Want to get in touch with Virginia? “Please reach out via my website or my personal instagram @virgthesurg”
P.S. from Rambull — My friend Forrest is going to hate this recommendation. He’s the type who proudly never uses a phone case, even though his screen looks like a smashed spiderweb. Alas, my wife convinced me to get a phone case with a card holder. Apparently, my pants start to look baggy and worn out when I’m lugging around keys, phone, and wallet. I doubted it at first, but now I’m a believer in this $22 case.
