After graduating summa cum laude from Drexel University and then earning her medical degree from Drexel College of Medicine, Dr. Avnee Shah has won several recognitions including the Annual Award for Excellence in Dermatology. Treating dermatology conditions including acne, psoriasis, and eczema is Dr. Shah's number one priority. Dr. Shah sat down with Haute Beauty to discuss what she loves most about her profession and what new services she's excited to offer.
My greatest achievement?
After being accepted into medical school at the age of 17 and attending Drexel University’s prestigious accelerated Bachelor’s/Medical Doctorate program, I graduated with my MD at the ripe age of 24 and finished all of my training by 28. Experiencing intense academia at a younger age created a type A, perfectionist physician. Since the end of training, I have emphasized the utilization of mindfulness and compassion and feel these pair well with type A perfection to create a well rounded, individualized approach to each patient. To note: Induction into AOA honor society, Elizabeth Blackwell Memorial Scholarship for academic achievement.
The future of my field is?
Limitless! So much new tech in the aesthetic space allows for more personalized and specified treatments of each individual. New applications of medications used in other fields of medicine are being shown to help medical dermatology as well. Advancements in biologic medications is exciting for chronic conditions that affect millions.
The biggest misconception about my field is?
Simplicity. Dermatology is a complex medical, surgical and cosmetic specialty with numerous conditions treated. Our training is typically 12 years long for good reason.
My most requested procedures are?
Medical: skin cancer removal; cosmetic: Botox and Laser for resurfacing/acne scarring.
What surgical advancements are you most excited about?
PRP- we are already using it as an adjunct to filler, along with microneedling for acne scarring and collagen stimulation as well as hair growth in a variety of hair loss conditions with good results.
What are you best known for?
Knowledge base. Natural aesthetic.
What is your most memorable patient reaction?
Each melanoma patient stays with me. It’s such a horrible cancer and catching it early is a blessing while catching it late is heart wrenching. I’ve also had patients with facial deformities that we’ve been able to start correcting using cosmetic procedures - I think that both the patient and I leave these moments so grateful for what modern medicine has to offer. I am truly so lucky to do what I do on a daily basis.
What sets my practice apart is?
Available, reliable, form long lasting relationships.
What I love most about my profession is?
The relationships I hold with my patients, the tangible, visible and psychologic difference medical treatments and cosmetic tweakments can make to a patient. Making patients more comfortable in their skin. “Love the skin you're in.”
What new services are you excited to offer?
In addition to offering neurotoxins, fillers and laser services (hair removal, tattoo removal, photofacials, acne scarring, resurfacing), micro needling and PRP- I am excited to be offering more in the way of body contour and vaginal rejuvenation.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Avnee Shah
