Daily Inspiration: Meet Phuong Daniels

Today we’d like to introduce you to Phuong Daniels.

Hi Phuong, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Vietnam in a home that didn’t have much—but it had everything that mattered. My parents worked seven days a week to keep us going. They had me when they had almost nothing, but they gave me everything they could: their time, their grit, and their unwavering belief in a better future.

Their sacrifices shaped me.

When I came to the U.S. as a high school exchange student on a scholarship, it felt like stepping into a different world. The culture, the language, the distance from home. It was all overwhelming. But I knew how hard my parents had worked to give me that chance. I was determined to make it count.

I went on to study at Grove City College, majoring in molecular biology with a focus on pre-med while working three different on-campus jobs. Becoming a physician had always been my dream. But reality hit hard: as an international student, I didn’t qualify for federal aid, and my family couldn’t afford the cost of medical school. So I shifted paths.

I earned a doctorate in physical therapy at Gannon University. I worked as a physical therapist for seven years, and during that time, I was be able to help support my parents and put my younger brother through college at UMass. Watching him graduate was a full-circle moment—he had made it, and in a way, so had I.

That day, I felt something shift. For years, I’d put my dream on hold so I could help my family. But now that my brother was starting his own chapter, I knew it was time to revisit mine. That same day, I decided to pursue medical school.

By then, I was married with two young kids—ages 2 and 5. Starting medical school at that point in life was a challenge, to say the least. But my husband supported me 100%, and we took the leap together.

Then the pandemic hit.

My husband was working from home, the kids were home too, and I was balancing medical school on top of it all. It was chaotic. But somehow, in the middle of the madness, we found a rhythm. We studied side by side, celebrated small wins, and took mini road trips after big exams. We leaned on each other and grew stronger as a family.

My kids have grown up watching me study at all hours. They know I don’t always have a lot of free time, but they also know I show up for them. I make the time we have together count. And even though they’re still young, they understand what I’m working toward—and more importantly, why.

This dream has always been bigger than me.

It started with two parents in Vietnam who gave everything so their daughter could have a chance. Now, as a working mom, I understand their sacrifices on a deeper level. I hope my children will grow up with the same appreciation—not just for what we’ve built, but for the journey it took to get here.

And now, with the constant support of my family, I’ve matched into one of the most competitive residencies—dermatology. I’m incredibly grateful for this next chapter and the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. The skin is deeply tied to confidence, health, and quality of life. To be able to walk with patients through that journey—whether it’s acne, hair loss, rashes, or skin cancer—is an honor I don’t take lightly.

This isn’t just a career. It’s the fulfillment of a dream built on generations of sacrifice, and the beginning of the impact I hope to make for years to come.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was just a teenager when I first came to the U.S. I was trying to learn English, but fitting into American culture was a whole different struggle — my world in Vietnam was so different.
Back then, there were no cell phones, and the internet was dial-up slow. No FaceTime, no easy video calls — just AOL chat rooms. I still remember my first phone bill — $700 — after calling my parents just three times for a few minutes each, just to say, “I’m okay.”

After that, every time I spent even a single dollar here, I thought about the hours my parents spent back home photocopying and assembling stacks of papers just to earn that money.

I ended up in a part of the U.S. that wasn’t very diverse, and ohhh did I miss Vietnamese food. So, I taught myself to cook, using American ingredients and my memories of what my mom’s food tasted like.

Meanwhile, my friends and family back in Vietnam thought I had it made because I was in America. Little did they know — coming from a not-so-well-off family, surviving here meant a lot of sacrifices.
I studied hard to win scholarships. I worked three jobs on campus during college. When I finally got my first job as a physical therapist, I helped pay for my brother’s education too.

Now, as a mom of two, going through medical and dermatology training, my life definitely doesn’t move at the “normal” pace. But honestly? I’m grateful for every hard moment. Those struggles built grit, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for the life I have now.

People might not always understand why I work so hard, why I’m so focused, or why I care so deeply — but I know. I’m building a life not just for myself, but for the people I love the most. And for that, I’m forever thankful.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I started my page, @derm.mom, because I wanted to share what means the most to me — my family. They’re truly my biggest pride and joy, and their love and support have carried me through this crazy journey of becoming a dermatologist.

If you have kids, you know how fast they grow — blink once and they’re on to the next stage! Especially when life is busy, it feels like time slips right through your fingers.

I’m so thankful for camera technology that lets us capture all the moments… but honestly? I never really had the time to organize those photos or videos.

So I decided to start posting little snippets of our family life here — to be more intentional about making memories, recording the fun, and just soaking it all in.
The kids crack me up with their questions, and they LOVE acting with my husband and me in our silly videos. It’s become such a fun way to bond as a family.

My hope is that when you visit this page, you’ll feel a little more joy, a little more love — and maybe be inspired to celebrate your own family moments, too.
And of course, as a @derm.mom, I can’t help but sprinkle in some health, wellness, and skincare tips — because taking care of yourself and your loved ones is what it’s all about.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’d love to collaborate with anyone who shares the same mission!
Feel free to DM me on Instagram @derm.mom or email me at [email protected].
Whether you have questions about life, motherhood, career, immigration, cooking — or just want to chat — I’d love to connect!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derm.mom/?hl=en