By: Elowen Gray
When patients step into Levit Dermatology for a consultation, they expect expertise in skin health and cosmetic renewal. What they may not expect is that their physician can also transform young minds with a children’s book. But for Dr. Eyal Levit, MD, healing, whether medical, emotional, or ethical, extends far beyond the exam room.
Dr. Levit is a board-certified dermatologist, fellowship-trained Mohs and cosmetic surgeon, professor, educator, and now, a bestselling author whose new book, The King’s Race, is resonating with families and educators across the country. With a career rooted in science and a mission that extends to character formation and resilience, Levit’s work bridges the worlds of medicine, ethics, and storytelling.
Growing up as an immigrant, Levit’s life has been shaped by movement, adaptation, and deep cultural awareness. Born in Ukraine and raised in Israel, Nigeria, and later the United States, he learned early that the human experience is universal even when the landscape changes dramatically. These early experiences, crossing borders, facing prejudice, and finding common ground in athletic competition, have influenced both his medical philosophy and his call to write.
Levit’s career in dermatology began with a fascination for healing. After completing his residency at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, now part of NewYork-Presbyterian, and advanced surgical fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania, he became a respected surgical educator and clinician. For years, he led cosmetic and dermatologic surgery departments at prominent institutions, earning awards for teaching and mentoring, and helping refine techniques ranging from laser resurfacing to facial reconstruction.
But amid this clinical success, he began asking a bigger question: What if the principles that guide healing could influence how children see themselves and the world they’re growing into? The answer would become The King’s Race.
At first glance, The King’s Race is a fable about a young animal determined to succeed against all odds. But Levit’s intent goes deeper than a simple moral tale. Drawing on timeless themes of perseverance, integrity, and hope, the story reimagines life’s challenges as a race, not one defined by shortcuts or superficial “perfection,” but by resilience, heart, and character.
“True healing extends beyond the body,” Levit says. “It’s about shaping thoughtful, courageous human beings who can navigate life’s complex landscape with discipline, gratitude, and purpose.”
Levit chose animal characters purposely: they bypass early-formed biases and allow young readers to project themselves onto the narrative, seeing strength and value in places society might overlook. That intentional simplicity has helped The King’s Race achieve bestseller status on Amazon and earn consistent five-star reviews from readers and educators alike.
While Levit’s medical expertise commands respect in academia and clinical circles, it’s his approach to mindset and moral education that sets him apart. Through podcasts, talks and social media engagements, he engages a global audience eager for guidance rooted in both evidence and empathy.
Levit’s message to parents, educators, and students is clear: Character isn’t taught; it’s cultivated through stories, conversations, and lived experience. His educational content emphasizes leadership, perseverance in the face of setbacks, and the importance of community over competition.
“I saw too many young people lose their imagination and curiosity,” he says. “We reward grades over creativity, conformity over individuality, and performance over purpose. The King’s Race aims to reverse that trend by giving children a language to explore deeper values.”
Levit’s dedication to character development isn’t limited to children. His outreach resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, parents seeking meaningful conversations with their kids, teachers looking for classroom tools that reinforce ethics, and adults interested in personal growth. The book has already spurred demand for collaborations with schools and education networks and is being discussed for potential adaptations into other media formats, including film.
Professionally, Levit continues to thrive as one of New York’s most sought-after dermatologists. His clinical work spans complex skin cancer treatments, advanced cosmetic procedures, and patient education, blending compassion with cutting-edge practice.
With The King’s Race positioned as more than a children’s title, Levit is widening his influence. His long-term goals include global translations of the book and broader educational initiatives that embed timeless values into modern learning.
His advice echoes through both his medical practice and his literary work: “Be good, do good, say good, may good come your way.” It’s a simple mantra with profound implications for how we live, lead, and shape the next generation.
