People You Should Know: Dr. John DeSpain
Dr. John DeSpain, Dermatologist, DeSpain Cayce Dermatology Center and Medical Spa
AGE: 52 ORIGINAL HOMETOWN: Cleveland, Ohio YEARS LIVED IN COLUMBIA: More than 30
JOB DESCRIPTION: As a dermatologist, I care for people of all ages for virtually any skin problem, ranging from acne and various rashes to skin cancers, medication reactions and skin allergies. I also help people with treating and preventing issues such as aging skin, age spots, wrinkles, unwanted hair and scar treatments.
EDUCATION: University of Missouri-Columbia (undergraduate, medical school and dermatology residency) as well as Mercy Hospital and Denver General Hospital (internship and fellowship years)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Broadway Christian Church (several leadership and ministry roles), Columbia Sunrise Southwest Rotary, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, United Way, Cherry Hill Business Association
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: I’ve been a dermatologist for more than 20 years, and my practice has evolved to now working with Dr. Kim Cayce and a talented staff of more than a dozen people to deliver the finest dermatologic care in mid-Missouri. I am primarily a medical dermatologist and also offer elective cosmetic dermatologic services. I am also a dermatopathologist affiliated with Boyce and Bynum Labs.
A COLUMBIA BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE AND WHY: Roy Finley. I have known Roy for nearly 20 years and have observed that what motivates Roy is to improve our community and the lives of others, and happiness with life and success are the result. I’ve never worked with anybody as honest, trustworthy, creative and calm under fire.
WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT MY JOB: Dermatology has incredible variety, is visually fulfilling, offers incredibly effective therapies for most problems, and I learn something new nearly every day. The vast majority of the time we fix the problems we encounter, and we now have much to offer to prevent future skin problems. I have never had a boring day in the office. I get to work with the smartest and most energetic people I know and have been blessed with wonderful patients.
IF I WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR A LIVING, I WOULD: With my wife, Karla, own and manage a gourmet restaurant and wine shop in Steamboat Springs.
BIGGEST CAREER OBSTACLE I’VE OVERCOME AND HOW: Intellectual loneliness. I’ve practiced without another physician at my side for many years, but in 2007 Dr. Kim Cayce joined our practice and has been a tremendous friend and partner in practice. I am proud to note that at the turn of calendar year, we will become full partners in practice.
A FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT: Serving on the search committee for a new pastor for our church with seven other diverse folks. With God’s grace we found and hired Tim Carson, a talented minister for our wonderful church family.
WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROFESSION: Practicing medicine has changed a lot in the past 25 years and will much more so in the near future, but it will always be an honored profession in which we serve others with our knowledge and skills.
WHAT I DO FOR FUN: Fly fishing, boating, golfing, reading, collecting and tasting wine, gourmet cooking, exercising, travel and home-improvement projects.
FAMILY: The lovely and outspoken Karla and I married in 1979, and we have two gorgeous and somewhat crazy daughters: Caitlin, who is a horned frog freshman at TCU, and Ryanne, who is a junior Kewpie and the biggest college football fan I know.
FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA: Downtown. It’s vibrant and eclectic, lots of good eateries, great people watching.
ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M MOST PROUD OF: Parenthood. It’s been the most challenging yet rewarding thing Karla and I have shared. I don’t think I’d do anything different except spend even more time with my kids (not sure they would agree).
MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT I: Walk to work. We live two blocks from my office. I used to drive nearly ¾ of an hour commuting across town in rush-hour traffic to the office. Since I’ve moved, I figure I’ve saved the equivalent of more than 60 days in the car.