Women in Aesthetics: Adean Kingston, MD, Shares the Importance of Being True to Yourself

Dallas-based dermatologist Adean Kingston, MD, always knew that she wanted an advanced degree, but her path in higher education wasn’t always clear until she first considered and began to pursue other options. She thought about getting a PhD in Economics, or a combined degree in law and medicine, or perhaps an MD/PhD degree.

“After college, I spent time at an Economic Think Tank in Washington DC, worked at a scientific litigation consulting firm and soon completed both the LSATs and MCATs,” she says. “Through my various work experiences and talking with other female professionals, I soon realized that becoming a physician fit my goals and personality the most.”

She then realized dermatology felt right – in practice and work-life balance. 

“Before starting medical school, I spent time with a dermatologist and fell in love with that particular field of medicine. Dermatologists treat all ages, both sexes and relatively healthy people that they can help feel and look better,” she says. “Additionally, they have a lot of free time outside of the office to enjoy life relative to other doctors, yet still earn a generous income.”

The spectrum of procedures in dermatology – from surgery to cosmetic and laser treatments – also captured her interest. 

Once she set her mind to it, there was no stopping her. And in her last 20 years as a dermatologist she has never looked back. 

Dr. Kingston achieved the advanced degree she always sought with a medical degree from the prestigious University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She completed her residency in dermatology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, placing in the 99th percentile on the dermatology medical board examination. And, in 2008, she helped launch what would become the first Dermatology Department at the renowned Cooper Clinic, in Dallas, a trailblazing clinic started in 1972 emphasizing preventive medicine as a science. 

“That experience laid the groundwork for me to start my very own practice and during the past 7 years, I have grown my solo practice and learned a lot from owning a small business,” Dr. Kingston shares. 

Today Dr. Kingston focuses on medical and cosmetic dermatology. She continues to diagnose and treat skin cancers and other medical skin conditions. And on the cosmetic side, Dr. Kingston aims to make the skin of patients 12 years and older the best it can be. She’s an experienced injector and injector trainee, and also addresses beauty from the inside out with bioidentical hormone replacement. 

Dr. Kingston says she is proud of her practice, but the journey hasn’t been easy with many failures and successes along the way. Today’s doctors should embrace change and the challenges that come along with it. Dr. Kingston says her encounters with what are often unexpected hurdles have made her a better dermatologist, business owner and person. 

“I seriously learn something new every day. That is what is so great about practicing medicine today – there are always new treatments, medical breakthroughs, etc.,” she says. “I have remained true to myself along the way, which is key to ultimate success. I know that I do the best job when I am not rushed, thus I make sure my scheduling reflects that. I am also always open to trying new and better ways of doing things. Change is a good thing.”

At a time marked by widespread and documented physician dissatisfaction and burnout, Dr. Kingston says she’s happy, grateful and believes she’s living her best life. She has learned that spending time with patients and treating them as she would want to be treated has helped her achieve career satisfaction. Developing and nurturing the doctor-patient relationship is one of the things that makes her feel lucky to go to work every day. 

She encourages women in aesthetics to pursue what they enjoy doing. 

“Know what you are good at and what you are not. A long time ago, someone taught me that being a good doctor is based on what you don’t do,” she says. “Continue to learn and grow. I look forward to continuing to grow as a person and physician.”

Good to Know: Fast Facts about Dr. Kingston

Q: If you could only eat three foods for the rest of your life, what would they be? 

Margarita pizza from Italy, any and all pasta dishes from Italy and Galatian Clams from Ramiro’s in Lisbon.

Q: What are your favorite movies? 

All of the Hangover flicks; then Bridesmaids; How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days; other various chic flicks; and Sound of Music. I watch it every Christmas.

Q: What do you think is the greatest medical invention of all time?

Lidocaine and anesthetics.

Q: Name a product or service you love so much that you’d happily be that company’s spokesperson? 

EltaMD SPF.

Q: Who do you most admire? 

I admire anyone who works hard to achieve success – especially those who did it all on their own, who came from very little and made it very big.