Dr. Hayley DeGraaff
Founder/Owner Advanced Life Clinic
Dr. Hayley DeGraaff is an Arkansas native and a graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. After pursuing training in the field of anti-aging medicine, Dr. DeGraaff opened Advanced Life Clinic in 2004, starting with simple anti-aging procedures, but quickly adopting an overall integrative practice, offering women’s health, lifestyle coaching, weight loss and wellness. Today, the Advanced Life Clinic is one of the region’s foremost destinations for patients interested in a whole-body approach for looking and feeling younger.
Dr. DeGraaff has been recognized for her work with the American Cancer Society. She was asked to serve as co-chair for the organization’s largest fundraiser in 2021 and looks forward to serving in that capacity again for the 2022 event, The Summer Soiree, which will be held in August.
What circumstances helped shape you in your career?
A mid-training move due to a marriage caused an unexpected career shift. I originally completed my residency in family medicine at UAB Huntsville, but later went on to work in geriatrics as an associate professor of medicine of the university. The work in geriatrics motivated me to focus on staying young and staying vital. I became interested in anti-aging medicine and improving overall patient wellness.
What do you love most about your job?
It’s 100% the people. Many of the people I meet in my practice are going through a major life event. They’re getting married, or their child is getting married, and they are full of hope and promise. Or a marriage is ending, and they are concentrating on self-care. Sometimes they are making an effort to take care of themselves after caring for an aging parent. It’s their stories and getting to know them that I love most – and taking the time to care.
What differentiates your practice?
We are the only aesthetics clinic that offers comprehensive care and complimentary services, like women’s health, lifestyle coaching, weight loss and wellness. For example, if a patient can’t lose weight because of hormone imbalance, we can treat the imbalance and then move on to the weight loss – all under one roof.
What civic organizations or nonprofits have you been involved with, and why have those been important to you?
I am most proud of being recognized for my work with the American Cancer Society. It’s a cause close to my heart because my mother had breast cancer. Last year, I was asked to be co-chair of the largest fundraiser for the organization – The Summer Soiree. I’m looking forward to serving in that capacity again for this year’s event. We have also been donors for the Huntsville Museum of Art’s Gala events, the American Heart Association and various other nonprofit organizations.
What awards, accolades or accomplishments are you proudest of?
I am a certified master injector by Allergan, one of the largest aesthetics companies in the world. I take pride in being recognized for that. But I consider my greatest accomplishment to be my children.
