Alan J. Bauman, MD, ABHRS, IAHRS, FISHRS, is a full-time hair transplant surgeon who founded Bauman Medical in Boca Raton, Florida, in 1997. To date, he has treated over 34,000 patients and performed more than 14,000 hair transplant procedures.
Why did you join Phi Delt, and how has it impacted your life and career?
I grew up in New Jersey with a younger sister. We were five years apart, and we never had a biological brother. When I moved to Riverside, California, for undergrad, thousands of miles from home, there were challenges.
I can’t say precisely what attracted me to Phi Delta Theta, except that I was impressed by the men I met. They had very diverse personalities, but they were all down-to-earth and genuine. For me, it just clicked. The friendships and brotherhood became powerful. I always lived off campus with Phis, and our house seemed to be a crossroads of constant activity and action, which I enjoyed. It was a time of my life I will never, ever forget and a time of immense personal growth.
Being a Phi Delt has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional life. During my undergraduate years at UC Riverside, Phi Delta Theta introduced me to the importance of philanthropy and community service, and it gave me opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and project planning skills. These experiences weren’t just fun or meaningful at the time—they laid the foundation for the way I approach my work and my life today.
As a physician, business owner, and leader in my community, those skills I honed as a Phi Delt have been invaluable. Since founding Bauman Medical in 1997, I’ve had the privilege of treating over 34,000 patients and performing more than 14,000 hair transplant procedures. The leadership and collaboration I learned in Phi Delt have directly contributed to my ability to build a practice that’s not only successful but also deeply focused on helping others.
On a personal level, the lessons in philanthropy have shaped my commitment to giving back. I’m proud to serve as the volunteer medical director and board member for Grey Team, a nonprofit in Boca Raton dedicated to supporting US military veterans and preventing PTSD-related suicide in our American heroes. I also founded the Bauman Philanthropic Foundation, a nonprofit focused on helping individuals dealing with hair loss and supporting educational endeavors locally. These efforts are deeply connected to the values I learned as a Phi Delt—values that have guided me throughout my career and life.
Looking back, I can say with confidence that my time in Phi Delta Theta gave me far more than just memories; it gave me a compass for how to live and work with purpose and integrity.
What is your most memorable experience or moment from Phi Delta Theta?
There were so many exciting and fun times with my Phi Delt brothers, from TGs (Thank God It’s Friday) at our house on Fridays to spring break on Lake Havasu houseboats or Rosarito, Mexico, to driving around in The Beast (our ‘convertible’ 1975 Ford LTD Station Wagon), driving the donated Phi Delt bus—but looking back, the most impactful experiences have to do with community service. Until participating in Phi Delt charitable events, I had never previously appreciated how good it felt to give back and serve our local community. These events, e.g., supporting Lou Gherig ALS charity and other local nonprofits through our efforts, left a lasting impact on me that carries through my professional career today, thirty-seven years later.
How have you stayed connected with Phi Delta Theta after graduation?
When traveling back to California, I’ve since reconnected with my big brother, Dave Snyder, and his family, along with my Phi Delt roommate, Doug Frampton, and other fellow Phis. Many Cal Mu Phis attended my bachelor party in 1998, and I remain an active member of the Cal Mu Facebook group. Recently, Dave brought his family to Florida, and we had a chance to connect then.
Who from your chapter inspired you? Have you ever told them that?
I’ve been influenced by many of my Phi Delt brothers, but probably the most impactful was my big brother, Dave Snyder, who was always encouraging and mentored me in many ways.
What accomplishments or career milestones are you most proud of, and how do you attribute them to your experience?
Aside from my professional accomplishments in hair restoration surgery, I’m particularly proud of the nonprofit work my wife and I are involved in. This includes The Bauman Philanthropic Foundation, which supports pro bono hair restoration treatments, educational endeavors within our local community, and our work supporting US military veterans through the Grey Team, based in Boca Raton, Florida.
If you could go back in time, would you change anything about your experience? If so, what?
I wouldn’t change a thing!
If Phi Delta Theta hasn’t been a part of your post-graduate life, why hasn’t it?
Being separated by distance—initially graduate school, then training in New York and living in Florida since 1997—keeping up with my brothers has been challenging. Thank goodness for social media!
What are you most proud of?
I must say that my wife Karen and I are most proud of the accomplishments of my two sons, Ross, who graduated magna cum laude and is now living and working in real estate in Orlando, and Spencer, who is graduating from Princeton this year with a degree in chemical engineering and will soon be working in finance in New York City.
Do you feel that Phi Delta Theta made a difference in your life?
Absolutely! The friendships and character-building skills, including leadership, public speaking, networking, teamwork, organization/execution, community service, and overall work-hard/play-hard ethics, have served me well and continue to serve me as I go through the various stages of life, family, and business.
Do you have any advice for current students?
Work hard, play hard, dig deep into the Phi Delt experience, and enjoy every minute; it goes fast!
