As Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas approaches her 41st birthday, she reflects on her medical journey and recognizes that it has been a quest to strike the right balance, with unexpected opportunities shaping her path along the way.
The board-certified dermatologist, who serves as the Medical Director of dermHQ Makati and is a partner at Beautique MD in BGC, aims to balance her time and energy between work and family. She has deliberately limited her practice to a narrow radius, knowing that Manila traffic can easily consume one’s day. Less time on the road means more time for her family and work.
After obtaining her Management Information Systems degree from Ateneo de Manila University, Dr. Gaile gave in to a lifelong aspiration to pursue medicine, inspired by several close relatives who had done the same.
During her time in medical school, she realized the importance of finding a harmonious balance between work and personal life. Dermatology stood out among the medical specializations as one that allowed for such balance.
Completing her Dermatology Training with Skin and Cancer Foundation, Inc., she went on to establish dermHQ, a specialized dermatology and laser center. The clinic exclusively employs board-certified dermatologists affiliated with the Philippine Dermatological Society, focusing on the treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions. Additionally, dermHQ showcases a selection of brands and products curated by their in-house dermatologists.
Dr. Gaile has a penchant for teaching; she loves giving lectures and speaking at conferences and lay fora both locally and internationally. She serves as a clinical instructor at a dermatology training institution and is an international speaker and trainer for laser and energy-based devices, injectables, suspension threads, and dermatology-related products. Her special interests include aesthetic and procedural dermatology. Additionally, she writes articles and creates informative videos related to her field of expertise.
The pandemic lockdowns presented new opportunities for her. She had to find a way to be productive within the confines of her condo, so she started a YouTube channel, hoping to share her dermatological expertise on various topics and conditions.
Dr. Gaile’s vlog focuses on beauty and skincare tips, aesthetic procedures, and products, offering practical advice to her online community. She shares information, dispels myths and misconceptions, and allows her more than 80,000 subscribers into her personal experiences. Her online presence provides a wider reach, not limited by geographical boundaries, opening doors for her.
Many years ago, Dr. Gaile began lecturing for companies primarily to explain how the active ingredients in their products work on the skin. Later on, she also proved to be an effective host at medical events, as she possesses a deep understanding of the products and can ask the right questions in panel discussions and Q&As.
Dr. Gaile regularly collaborates with foreign companies wishing to expand their reach in the Philippines. These collaborations have afforded her frequent travel for further training, and she shares her knowledge with fellow dermatologists in the country and abroad through workshops and lectures.
She has been approached several times by business people who wish to partner with her to expand the clinic. While Dr. Gaile has not yet seriously considered these offers, she remains open to all opportunities.
For now, her focus lies on the growth of dermHQ and Beautique MD, striving to improve various aspects such as the clinic’s aesthetics, furniture, staff professionalism, marketing, and public relations. Outside of the clinic, she dedicates a significant amount of time to her Instagram and YouTube channels.
Dr. Gaile genuinely loves her work, and her only dream is to continue what she is doing as long as opportunities remain available to her. She sees the industry as one with significant potential for growth, not only for herself but also for her fellow dermatologists as colleagues.
Of course, Dr. Gaile is keen on achieving a good balance between work, exercise, food, and leisure.
