Dr. Lan Nguyen is not your average business owner. She’s a board-certified orthopedic traumatologist, recognized for multiple years as one of San Diego Magazine’s Top Doctors, and holds the rare distinction of being the only Vietnamese female orthopedic traumatologist in the world. She’s also the founder of Daily Glow Aesthetics and BioAge Medicine, a rejuvenation medicine practice born from her personal health journey and a deep commitment to helping others age vibrantly.

A Surgeon Turned Hormone Health Advocate

In addition to her extensive medical background, Dr. Lan also holds a degree in studio art and finds creativity through drawing and oil painting—a relaxing counterbalance to her demanding surgical career. But it was a shift in her own health that sparked her new path.

“I’m pretty athletic and I train regularly, but I noticed my strength was getting weaker. I was developing that mid-belly tire, even though I was working out and eating well.”

At 45, she hit a wall. By 48, she was frustrated by the lack of meaningful support from traditional medicine.

“I knew if I went to a regular doctor, they’d prescribe hormones with side effects or just tell me to accept aging.”

Instead, she took action. She became certified in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, used the treatment herself, and saw a remarkable transformation.

“I didn’t tell anyone at first, but I started feeling a lot better. My friends noticed and said, ‘What are you doing? You look amazing.’ That’s when I realized this could be a business.”

From Hormones to Botox to Stem Cells

What began with hormone therapy quickly expanded.

“People started asking, ‘Can you do Botox or fillers?’ I’m a surgeon—those are procedures. I got certified and added them in.”

She soon began applying her orthopedic expertise in a new way.

“I treat a lot of hip fractures. So many older patients are osteoporotic, and no one’s addressing it. Bioidentical hormones help, but I started looking into stem cells too. They’re incredible—so many applications, and they help your body repair itself. I’m launching stem cell treatments in October.”

Care and the Vision for Rejuvenation

Daily Glow is built on an individualized, cash-based model, with consultations, lab work, and membership options for ongoing care.

“My goal is to help people live young, longer.”

Currently, her orthopedic practice still subsidizes the aesthetic side, but she has a clear plan.

“I’ve been in private practice for 14 years. Right now, ortho pays for the spa to stay alive. But my long-term plan is to retire into rejuvenation medicine. As a surgeon, I know I won’t be able to lift these heavy legs forever.”

The Joys and Struggles of Being the Boss

“I love being independent. I love making the decisions. I get to say, ‘I’m doing this,’ and just go for it.”

But like most founders, she doesn’t sugarcoat the hard parts.

“You’re never off. Even when I leave the state, I’m thinking about my next ad, my next reel. I’m always working.”

She currently runs the aesthetics practice solo.

“I do everything. But I’m hoping to grow it enough to hire support staff, then focus on wrapping up my last years of ortho and transitioning fully to the spa.”

Lessons from Two Careers

Dr. Lan’s top advice? Be strategic—and cautious.

“I’d tell my younger self: be careful who you trust as a partner. And before you start, understand billing—how to send bills, how to collect. It’s a whole business in itself.”

Like many physicians, she entered entrepreneurship with no business training.

“They don’t teach us business in med school. I had a lot of hard knocks in the beginning.”

Building the Glow: What’s Next

Whether she’s in the operating room, behind the syringe, or educating women on how to take charge of their hormones, Dr. Lan Nguyen is quietly leading a revolution in how we age. With unmatched medical credentials, a personal transformation story, and a deep passion for helping others feel strong, vibrant, and in control, she’s proving that aging well is not only possible—it’s powerful.