The key to realising your dreams is to focus not on success, but on the importance of impacting the lives of people.
Even the small steps and victories along your way will give you greater meaning. Dr. Alexis Parcells is a surgeon on a mission to impact the lives of many by helping them regain their confidence and embrace their bodies.
Dr. Alexis Parcells (@alexisparcellsmd) is a breast surgery expert, clinical instructor, author, and active volunteer for several breast cancer organisations including The Breasties and Minette’s Angels. Over the years, Dr. Parcells has authored several textbooks and journal articles and presented her research at numerous national and international meetings.
Growing up, it was always her passion to pursue a career in medicine and since her father was a physician, it motivated her even more. She recalls how the local community enjoyed the services provided by her dad as a local doctor and the joy it brought him to help others.
At the age of 16, she was privileged to go on her first medical mission to Morocco with Operation Smile. She says this served as an eye-opener for her and she was more focused than ever to become a plastic surgeon. During her medical mission, she witnessed first-hand how a simple one-hour operation brought a lot of joy and comfort to the lives of the children and their families.
Serving and helping others is a form of sacrifice that Dr. Parcells is willing to make every day. She ensures that all her patients have up-to-date information on the various procedures available to help them make informed decisions on what is best for their bodies. Her goal is to empower more women and change how people perceive plastic surgery.
To achieve a goal, you must be willing to put in the work. Dr. Parcells’ journey has not been without challenges. However, she made her way to the top through determination, resilience, and an undying passion. She says that one of the biggest challenges she encountered was rejections by medical schools for admission. Regardless, this did not stop her from chasing her dreams. Through perseverance and challenging her limits, she got into medical school.
Dr. Alexis Parcells remembers the many lessons she has learned on her journey. She says that in surgery, it is important to know when to run and when to walk. In her words, surgery has taught her to be more adaptable, patient, and calm in order to treat her patients effectively.
Strength comes from within, and you have the power to find it and use it as a driving force to achieve the things you want in life. Dr. Parcells is a dreamer and advocate for plastic surgery for breast cancer survivors. Through Brave Bras, she wants to empower survivors looking for ways to regain their femininity.
