A Day in the Life of Dr. Alexiades

Ever wonder how a woman can do it all? We take a look at a day in the life of New York City-based dermatologist Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, M.D., Ph.D. to find out what it's like to be a wife, mom, laser specialist, and one of the top research dermatologists in the world. Dr. Alexiades has studied for years in laboratories to discover new scientific approaches to dermatology, consulted with L'Oréal Paris, and developed her own skin care line (Her 37 Extreme Actives moisturizing cream contains more than 40 anti-aging ingredients). But how does she do it all? She starts at 5 a.m. and keeps her energy up by staying active!

A DAY IN THE LIFE: DR. ALEXIADES

5:00 a.m: Surgeon husband arises to go on rounds at the hospital. I get up with him. I shower with olive oil soap and organic biotin shampoo, then pat dry. I immediately apply 37 EA on my face and a non-scented moisturizer on my arms and legs, especially my heels. While still in my comfy robe, I usually eat ginger granola with skim milk from a glass bottles. Of course, I check emails and do journal article reviews during this quiet time, as I write for 13 medical journals.

6:00 a.m: I get myself dressed, always something professional and doctor-like—apologies, but I do not wear Manolo Blahnik shoes to see patients!  Then I prepare the breakfast table. Many mornings, my husband puts out organic yogurts on ice, and I prepare something special, either eggs or tsoureki with fresh chevre (a Greek specialty).

7:15 a.m: Take my son to the bus.

7:30 a.m: Get the house tidied up, then depart with my daughter on foot to her school. Once I drop her off, I walk to my office. Total distance walked by the time I reach the office: two miles!

8:05 a.m: Walk into the office. Check lab and pathology reports, check telephone messages, and call patients.

8:30 a.m: Start seeing patients. A typical day involves skin checks, skin biopsies to rule out skin cancer, acne and rosacea visits/treatments, laser treatments, and cosmetic treatments such as botulinum toxin injections and fillers.

12:30 p.m: Break from patient care to do research meetings and conference calls, and to return patient calls.

1:00 p.m: Resume seeing patients.

2:45 p.m: Conclude patient care. Call any patients who need return phone calls.

3:00 p.m: Depart office on foot to daughter’s school for pick up and bring her home. Another two miles of walking.

3:30 p.m: Son’s bus arrives. I give the kids a snack, usually sandwiches or cookies and milk. I eat some as well. Return emails and make calls to patients or physicians or my chemists.

4:00 p.m: Run the children to their after-school activities (more legwork that sometimes adds up to an additional three to four miles in an afternoon).

5:30 pm: Return home, answer emails, and get the dinner organized. I have a housekeeper who helps with meal preparation on some days.

7:00-8:00 p.m: Dinner with the entire family together. We wait until everyone is home. My husband usually picks up the children from their activities and returns by 7 or 8 p.m.

8:30 p.m: The kids do their homework, and I am usually puttering around the house putting things in order and dealing with family matters if I don't have a board meeting to attend.

9:30-11:00 p.m: Once homework is completed, we all turn in for the night. I always wash my face with lukewarm water and apply 37 EA before bed. I don't wear makeup, so I don't have to worry about taking any off. I only put on 37 EA because it has all the anti-aging ingredients I want for my skin, peptides, DNA repair, polyphenols, hyaluronic acid, resveratrol, anti-pigment, anti-red, and of course anti-wrinkle. It is the ultimate anti-ager and keeps my skin healthy.