Edward Daniele, MD

Name: Edward Daniele, MD

Title: Physician

Location: IL

School/Program: Texas Tech University health sciences center; University of Illinois at Chicago

Why did you choose your profession?:
I chose plastic and reconstructive surgery because it is an amazing blend of art and science. The field of plastic surgery is a beautiful challenge that requires meticulous technical skill in order to customize each surgical procedure to a specific patient.

Current Passion Project:
We as UIC Plastic Surgery fellows work very closely and run the CFC (Craniofacial Center) at UI health. Here we provide care to cleft lip and palate children, as well as any pediatric patients with Craniofacial disorders.

Who was/is your inspiration?
My mom. She passed away two years ago suddenly from a brain tumor. She always pushed me to chase my dreams of becoming a doctor ever since I was in high school. She helped me push forward and pursue a career in medicine despite adversity and challenges. After missing my opportunity to apply to American medical schools, I went to a Caribbean medical school (AUC), and she pushed me to always work harder than everyone else around me. Despite all odds, I pursued the competitive field of general surgery, coming from a Caribbean medical school, and ultimately into the extremely competitive field of Plastic Surgery. Because of her, I strive to be the best surgeon I can be every single day.

Fun Fact 1:
I played College Baseball and earned a degree in Chemical Biology (Stevens Institute of Technology)

Fun Fact 2:
I have three dogs with their own instagram handles! @olliethecavalierprincess is a 2 year old Cavalier King Charles spaniel (She shares a handle with her sister, an 11 month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel), and a 7 year old Lhasa Apso (@monathelhasaapsa)

Do you have any advice for others interested in entering your field?
My advice might be cliché, but looking back at my last decade in the medical field (four years of medical school, five years of general surgery residency, 2 years plastic surgery fellow), the one thing I can confidently say, is “Never give up.” I can still hear my college advisors tell me I won’t make it in medicine, and other medical students tell me I can’t match into a surgical specialty. This did nothing but drive me to work harder and prove everyone wrong. The only person who is in control of your future is you!

For more information, be sure to contact him here:
@doctor_edd