The Doctor is In
An Interview with Dr. Derrick Whiting
This is Part IV(!) of our "Getting to Know Your Doctor" series. In this interview, we get to sit down and introduce Dr. Derrick, who has joined the Defiant Team. (Many of these questions have come from reading Tim Ferriss’s book, Tribe of Mentors). Enjoy!
Dr. Derrick Whiting is Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician at Defiant Direct Primary Care in Williamsburg, VA. He is a graduate of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and trained in Osteopathic Manual Therapy (OMT).
What’s an ideal Saturday like for you?
In the winter months, I start my Saturday, like every day, with a 5 AM workout with my kids. Next, we’ll come home to a hearty breakfast that my wife prepared. After that, I’ll take a “Lappy-Nappy,” which is a nap on my wife’s lap as she reads or watches the news. Then it’s “YOYO” (You’re-On-Your-Own) for everybody unless the kids have sporting events, or my wife has an idea of what “we” should do (aka a honey-do list) [laughs].
In the warmer months, however, it’s all outdoor play; we try to catch every sunrise on the water, whether it’s while fishing, kayaking, jet skiing or going for a run on the beach in Yorktown or Fort Monroe. We also like to check out the farmers markets for brunch. Then we spend most of the day on the water.
What are some of the best investments you've made in the recent past (could be time, energy, money, etc.)?
Spending time with my wife and kids to create new memories and experiences will always be my best investment. Besides that, I also love getting to put my time and energy into practicing medicine as a direct primary care physician.
What book would you be most likely to give as a gift?
Well, that all depends on the person on the receiving end. But if I had to choose, it would be the Bible—taboo for some people, I know. But this book has shaped who I am today; it helped me to understand what it means to live a life of love toward mankind, and I would hope that it would have the same impact on whoever else reads it. Moreover, this love for people is the basis for how and why I am practicing medicine.
What purchase of a hundred dollars or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months or recent memory?
I would say my harmonica. I’m not a musician by any means, but it is fun way to express yourself with what I believe to most forgiving “non-percussion” instrument.
This love for people is the basis for how and why I am practicing medicine.
Rapid Fire Questions:
Spirit Animal?
My wife and I both agree that my spirit animal would be a wolf. (Although she says a donkey is a close second). [laughs]
Coffee or Tea?
Hot coffee when it’s cold outside. Sweet tea when it’s hot outside—the healthy kind, of course [winks].
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Vanilla, plain and simple.
Favorite documentary?
Any from National Geographic. The higher the video resolution, the better.
Favorite superhero?
I’d have to say Superman. However, many say I resemble the Hulk when I haven’t eaten.
Favorite movie?
Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls.
What is an unusual habit or absurd thing that you love?
I have an unusual habit of carrying a backpack everywhere I go. I guess I didn’t realize that I have been doing this since middle school. Let’s just say, I like to be prepared at a moment’s notice.
Is there a particular restaurant vibe that you enjoy?
I enjoy eating outside at waterside restaurants, especially when there’s a light ocean breeze.
What advice would you give to a young, driven person?
As you strive to reach your goals, treat others as you would like to be treated throughout your journey. Because as the saying goes, ‘you reap what you sow,’ in more ways than one.
In that same vein, is there a particular piece of advice that someone has given to you that you have resonated with?
As people have blessed me with acts of kindness throughout my life, the saying ‘don’t pay it back, pay it forward’ has always resonated with me.
In the last five years, what new belief behavior or habit has most improved your life?
Siestas! Siestas! Siestas! They are essential to my well-being, especially since graduating residency.
Anyone who particularly inspires you?
I’m inspired by anyone who is intent on having integrity, selflessness and strives for excellence.
Building positive mutual relationships is what I like to invest my time in.
In the last couple of years or so what have you become good at saying no to? Are there realizations or paradigm shifts that have helped?
Anything that predisposed me to a negative return on my time investment is a no-go for me. My time is the most-valuable asset that I possess, and I don’t want to waste it on things that aren’t at least of equal value. I’ve come to realize that building positive mutual relationships is what I like to invest my time in. That’s why I cherish my roles as husband, dad, son, brother, friend, and physician.
Are there other things that you would want people to know about you?
I’m happily married with three amazing teen/young adult children. I am blessed more than I deserve. I love people more than animal lover’s love their pets. I love being a physician (although I didn’t enjoy the process to becoming one). Most importantly, I love continuing to strive to be the best version of myself.