Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank beautifies more than faces and bodies through his philanthropic foundation, PFRANKMD Heals.
Beyond his masterful, minimally invasive techniques for cosmetic rejuvenation and age management, renowned cosmetic dermatologist and Manhattan resident Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank has set his sights on an even greater contribution, a philanthropic foundation. We were able to get this technology and injectables guru out of the office for a one-on-one conversation about the PFRANKMD Heals Foundation, its mission, charity affiliations, long-term goals and beyond.
Tell us about the PFRANKMD Heals Foundation and its mission.
As a healthcare provider for over 25 years and the leader of a successful healthcare organization, the greatest gift has always been the satisfaction that comes from being in the service of others. With success and prosperity comes great responsibility, met with gratitude for the opportunities and well-being to reach such achievements. Throughout my years, I have had the great privilege to work with and contribute to many charitable organizations of various objectives. Their common ambition has been the intention to make people’s lives better. In the spirit of this mission, I launched the PFRANKMD Heals Foundation in 2021, with the goal of expanding the reach of our healthcare practice to help those in many forms of need.
What motivated you to start the Foundation?
When I started my private practice in 2000, it was rooted in traditional dermatology training and the service of medicine, in which people were served individually by a medical professional. Over the last two decades, with the enormous success of my practice, which allowed its expansion into a healthcare brand, along with amplification via social media, media and book publishing, I realized the impact and fulfillment that comes from helping a much greater audience beyond the doors of my offices. In gratitude of my good fortune, I thought starting a charitable foundation was the most organized way to commit to and realize my philanthropic goals since business inception.
PFRANKMD Heals’ Valentine’s Day bags
How did you curate the Foundation’s list of charity affiliations?
It really all started with the charity Sanctuary for Families. This is an amazing New York-based group that provides financial, legal and 360 functional support to victims of domestic abuse. I had the privilege of providing pro-bono reconstructive work to some of these victims and saw the impact it made on their lives. My wife and I became more involved with this group along with the River Fund. Introduced to us through a childhood friend of mine, the River Fund is a frontline poverty center that started over 30 years ago out of a private home in Queens. Now the organization distributes more than 2 million pounds of groceries and essentials to over 33,000 households per month in New York City. Seeing the personal impact of volunteering and donations, it became clear to me that I could take my philanthropic efforts to the next level by involving my PFRANKMD staff, patients and social media audience. Now, the PFRANKMD Heals Foundation is involved in over two dozen charities based in health, wellness and education via financial support and a volunteer outreach program through our dedicated PFRANKMD staff.
Where do you think the Foundation has made the most impact to date?
Honestly, although donations are essential for any of these charities to run, the hands-on volunteer and outreach work is the most beneficial and fulfilling. Watching my team make gift baskets for those in need during holiday season, helping to promote enthusiasm and raise funds at charitable events, and even merely showing up to fill grocery bags for the needy on a Saturday with my family, makes us all—on both an individual and a team level—see what being in the service of others does on a personal level. Doing good is contagious. What are your long-term goals for the Foundation? Most importantly, I want to grow the Foundation financially. Continuing to dedicate a percentage of PFRANKMD proceeds will certainly be key to the Foundation’s success. Another goal is to set a philanthropic example for others. As a physician, leader and educator, I have found it is essential to set a good example to be successful, and this includes inspiring others, particularly my teenage children, who are currently involved in the Foundation and who I hope will increasingly take on leadership roles as the years continue. I could not think of a better legacy than a successful PFRANKMD Heals Foundation.
What advice do you have for those looking to start their own philanthropic foundations?
Start small, think big—with anything. And always remember the Mahatma Gandhi quote: ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’
Photography by: PHOTO COURTESY OF SUBJECT
