Dr. Spencer Douglas, a dental surgeon at Dental Essence in Singapore, has crafted a life that marries his passion for dentistry with a love for board games. Born in the UK, Dr. Douglas had a rather unconventional start to his career. Before pursuing dentistry, he followed a childhood dream by working as a chef in France and later as a mountain bike instructor in Turkey. He eventually returned to his dental ambitions, studying dental surgery at the University of Liverpool and graduating in 2019.
He spent five years practicing as a dental surgeon in Cheshire and North Wales before moving to Singapore, where he now enjoys his work in family and general dentistry. Outside of his practice, Dr. Douglas is an avid board game enthusiast, with a collection of over 200 games. This hobby, which he has been passionate about since 1999, has sparked a new business venture for him: a golf-themed card game he developed called Foreplay. The game lets players engage in friendly sabotage or helpful boosts during a real-life golf match.
Dr. Douglas has used his interest in both dentistry and board games to maintain a unique balance between stable investments and creative passion projects. He believes in spreading his investments across assets that provide both stability and growth potential. His portfolio includes a mix of high-yield savings accounts, select stocks, and a small slice of cryptocurrency, which he treats with caution. For him, investing is not just about financial gain, but also about personal growth, especially in his professional field of dentistry.
The dental surgeon places great emphasis on continuous learning, dedicating time and resources to mastering new techniques and technologies in dentistry. He sees this ongoing education as his biggest asset, one that not only strengthens his professional capabilities but also builds trust with his patients.
Early Interest in Investing and Financial Mistakes
Dr. Douglas first became interested in investing later in life, when discussions among his peers about stocks piqued his curiosity. His first investment was a modest one in a few stocks, and through this practical education, he learned a lot about market fluctuations and the importance of balancing risk and caution.
His biggest financial regret is not diving deeper into financial education sooner. While he doesn’t regret the adventures of his youth, he recognizes that earlier financial literacy would have helped him make more informed decisions.
His best financial decision, however, was a small venture into cryptocurrency early on. Though he only invested a small amount, the return was substantial, teaching him important lessons about volatility and risk management. Dr. Douglas advises others to understand how much risk they can truly handle before diving in.
Financial Outlook and Future Plans
When asked about his financial outlook, Dr. Douglas cites the importance of hard work and aligning personal projects with long-term goals. He learned from his parents, who worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for their children. This work ethic has influenced how he manages his finances today, making sure that every investment aligns with his values.
If he were to suddenly receive a windfall of millions, Dr. Douglas would invest in more advanced dental certifications, expand his board game collection, and support philanthropic projects to improve access to dental care. He would also set aside funds for travel, a source of inspiration for many of his creative endeavors.
On the other hand, if he had only $100 to his name, he would start the day by investing in a simple but satisfying pleasure: a coffee and croissant. For Dr. Douglas, the true wealth lies in his skills, knowledge, and creativity—resources that will continue to generate opportunities, regardless of the amount of money in hand.
For Dr. Spencer Douglas, financial success isn’t just about making money—it’s about investing in oneself, continually growing professionally, and pursuing passion projects that bring fulfillment both personally and financially.
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