When Dr. Hooman Soltanian, reconstructive plastic surgeon at WellSpan, isn’t helping breast cancer patients with plastic surgery procedures, his time is spent unwinding with a few thousand of his small, flying friends.  

For the last eight years, Dr. Soltanian has been practicing beekeeping – a hobby he started after moving to Maryland and began working at WellSpan. 

“I’ve always heard about bees being endangered and found them fascinating,” he said. “By coincidence, I spoke to another surgeon who practiced beekeeping and we had a shared contact to help me get set up with everything I needed.”

Dr. Soltanian loves learning new things every day about how bees live, their biology, diseases and how they’re impacted by climate change. The hobby also helps him recharge and de-stress outside of work.

“Taking care of bees has become a very relaxing activity and has really helped my overall well-being,” he shared. “Beekeeping is actually a practice used to help soldiers adjust to being back home. You feel very Zen and forget about everything else when you’re so focused inspecting and examining the beehives.”

Now, after completing a 15-month online course and passing written, oral and field exams, Dr. Soltanian is officially a master beekeeper.  

“Part of being a master beekeeper is becoming an ambassador for bees,” he said. “Some people have bees and some people keep bees. The difference is when you keep bees, you can help maintain their health through the winter, understand how they live and help others understand how to keep their own bees.”

Fun fact: Dr. Soltanian is allergic to bee stings.

“I don’t have a deadly reaction to being stung, which has happened once or twice,” he said. “I went to the ER just to be safe but despite this allergy, they are still safe enough to handle when wearing the veil, gloves and other appropriate apparel. Honey bees are very docile, calm and don’t normally attack.”

As a master beekeeper, Dr. Soltanian also mentors other beekeepers – including WellSpan team members. Over the past year, he has formed the WellSpan Pollinator and Honey Bee Club to discuss different topics and share his expertise.  

“Beekeeping has become a great topic to connect with others about, including patients,” he said. “When they’re in my office and potentially dealing with a difficult situation, they see photos on the wall of me with my bees and share their interest. It helps reduce their stress and creates a calmer environment.”  

Dr. Soltanian's hobby also has a sweet impact on others. He donates a portion of the proceeds from his harvested honey to support charitable causes that benefit children and families facing serious health challenges.  

“It’s nice to know that I can enjoy my hobby while also helping contribute to such important research and care for children,” he said.  

From being hands-on as a surgeon with patients to using the same skills at home with his bees, Dr. Soltanian’s hobby has a positive impact on many – and he encourages everyone to find something that gives you purpose.  

“Personal hobbies provide you with joy and gratitude – it’s an important part of our lives,” he said. “I started this hobby to learn as much as I could and stay sharp. None of us are getting any younger, so why not try something new?”

Our Beyond the Badge series shines a light on the passions and talents of our team members outside of work. These stories celebrate what makes our colleagues unique – strengthening connections, belonging and our shared commitment to The WellSpan Way.