Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Lily Workman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in San Diego, attending the Poway school district. I started working for my orthodontist when I was in High School as an after school job. It was then that I was fascinated by orthodontics. I loved the problem-solving aspect of it combined with the positive effect it has on patients’ lives; it was then that I knew I wanted to be an orthodontist, specifically back in the area in which I was raised.
Knowing I wanted to come back to San Diego to establish a business, I purposefully studied in a wide range of locations to get a more global view. I went to college at Vassar in New York, spent my junior year abroad at St. Andrews medical school in Scotland, dental school in San Francisco, and residency in Florida.
After graduating residency, I worked as an associate for group and private practices prior to starting my own practice in Poway, CA. I purchased the medical suite from a retiring plastic surgeon, broke ground to renovate July 2015, and we opened our doors in September 2015. Currently, I work at the Poway office as well as a satellite location in Ramona, CA.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Getting to where I am was not a smooth road! Acceptance into my undergraduate school to being accepted into orthodontic residency is highly selective and competitive. Furthermore, the San Diego area is saturated with orthodontists, which made having a practice here a struggle. On top of that, I started a practice from scratch in San Diego, which has its own challenges as a new business.
The orthodontic profession is largely male-dominated. There were challenges I experienced being a sole owner orthodontist as a woman due to men not taking me seriously, etc.
The best advice I can give is to not give your gender a second thought. I never thought of myself as a “woman orthodontist.” I’m an orthodontist, just like any other. Don’t be surprised by gender biases, but also don’t let gender define you. Define yourself based on your quality of character, expertise, and how you treat your patients.
What should we know about Workman Orthodontics? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialize in orthodontic treatment for adults and children. Our office is unique in that we see more adults than children. When I designed the office, I wanted it to feel like my home. It has a modern feel with artwork from my family (my great grandfather was a prominent artist). We use the highest level of technology and are one of the few orthodontists in the world with a 3D printer. We are an impression free office and also fabricate custom in-house aligners for orthodontic purposes. I’m involved with multiple study clubs and lecture on the local and national level.
I believe in contributing to the community, so we host in office events to help bring the community together in addition to sponsoring various organizations.
Please see below video link for info on office:
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Personally, faith is very important to me. I constantly study the bible every day through podcasts and individual study. Professionally, I attend many continuing education events, am involved with multiple study clubs, and read up on current orthodontic literature.
Contact Info:
- Address: 12630 Monte Vista Road, Suite #108
Poway, CA 92064 - Website: www.workmanorthodontics.com
- Phone: 858-312-5242
- Email: workmanorthodontics@gmail.com
- Instagram: Workman Orthodontics
- Facebook: Workman Orthodontics
- Twitter: @workmanOrthodo1
- Youtube channel: Workman Orthodontics
Image Credit:
Utgard Construction
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
