For This Ormond Beach Brother and Sister Medical Team, Focus on Patient Care Runs More than Skin Deep
Siblings Beth McDonough, PA-C and William Bethea, DO, bonded over a lot of things growing up, including teenage acne. But it was their love for their family, their love for the practice of medicine, their love of caring for others and their love for Ormond Beach that resulted in the realization of their dream to come ‘home’ again, to work together to help others feel more confident about the skin they’re in.
Billy and Beth Go from Beaches to Gators…
“Billy and I are the youngest of four – we have an older sister and brother,” said McDonough. “We are third-generation Ormond Beach residents. Our grandmother is a local artist and 98 years old. She felt this was a great place to raise a family, and so do we. We have this wonderful community. Access to gorgeous beaches. Why would you want to live anywhere else?”
McDonough, a former Miss Seabreeze and Miss Volusia County, struggled with skin problems as a teen. It piqued an interest in health which led her to the University of Florida in Gainesville to pursue a degree in nutrition. Following graduation, she became a nutritional counselor and a teacher, which was a good fit for someone who really liked helping people one-on-one. And while she enjoyed counseling and teaching, she learned she really liked everything to do with the skin, so back she went to the UF College of Medicine to earn her degree and certification as a certified physician assistant.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bethea earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and was then commissioned by the U.S. Air Force while completing medical school. Upon graduation in 2005, Dr. Bethea served meritoriously as an active-duty Flight Surgeon in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan’s Enduring Freedom campaigns. He states, “I take tremendous pride in this great country and was honored to serve the medical needs of our military men and women.”
…And Realize There’s No Place Like Home
Although she worked in dermatology in Naples for 15 years, McDonough always felt it was in the cards for her to move back to Ormond Beach. In August 2021, she got the chance and returned to the area with her husband and kids. Her brother, who was working as a dermatologist for Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery’s Ormond Beach location, said, “Come work in dermatology with me”. They started working together in October.
“I really enjoy medical dermatology, helping patients from birth up to their 100’s with skin conditions including acne, rashes, mole checks, and skin cancer,” said McDonough.
“I also enjoy performing cosmetic procedures with BOTOX® Cosmetic, dermal fillers and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatments for facial rejuvenation and hair loss.”
Dr. Bethea concentrates on general dermatology and skin cancer detection and treatments. He performs surgical procedures, which McDonough does not.
However, both participate in clinical research studies, many of which are conducted through Advanced Dermatology’s Research Division right in the Ormond Beach office.
Beth and her brother’s wife Ann-Marie have been friends since childhood. Beth was a Gatorette at the University of Florida, and Ann-Marie was a Dazzler (which was part of the dance troupe).
Patients Benefit from their Interaction
“The most rewarding part of working together is the impact it has on our ability to help our patients. Our close communication helps us diagnose and treat our mutual patients more effectively. In a lot of ways, we can read each other’s mind at work.”
Thinking back to special moments throughout her lifetime, Beth remembers back to her wedding day. “Both of my brothers were in full military uniforms for my wedding. It was stunning and I was so proud.”
McDonough has never stopped being proud of her family. And she takes that feeling to work every day.
Schedule an appointment with our dermatology team, today.
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