There is a limited capacity, so to become an “MVP,” you must be invited or nominated by a colleague within the medical aesthetic industry. Those accepted as MVPs are given opportunities to strengthen their education, build status and legitimacy as a key opinion leader (KOL) and/or subject matter expert (SME), and receive national recognition, including this Aesthetic MVP feature profile.
For this issue, we interviewed Rahi Sarbaziha, MD, an aesthetic specialist with private practices in Beverly Hills, Calif., and New York City, N.Y., as well as satellite locations in Hawaii and Fla. Dr. Sarbaziha has been practicing for five years and uses a holistic and integrative approach because she believes that empowering her patients to live optimally will help them look and feel their best.
TAG: Dr. Sarbaziha, can you tell us what inspired you to become a medical professional?
I was drawn to the medical field because I believe it is where I can make the greatest, most positive impact in the lives of others.
TAG: How and why did you choose your specialty?
I practice integrative aesthetics, which is a fusion of integrative medicine and aesthetics. It means I look at the entire person sitting in front of me – their face, their body, what they eat, if and how they exercise, etc.
I chose this specialty because I love wellness and I want to help my patients live optimally. I completed my fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, and since then, my passion has been helping my patients look and feel their best.
I believe there is power in merging wellness with beauty. For example, one of my favorite procedures are PDO threads, but, recently, I have also started teaching private yoga classes because I find it helps me treat my patients from the inside-out.
TAG: What challenges do you think your generation, or the next generation, of aesthetic practitioners will face?
The biggest challenge is finding balance – for ourselves and our patients. The aesthetic space is constantly changing and, as practitioners, it is up to us to decide how to bring the best and most effective treatments and services to our clinics. As business owners and physicians, this can be challenging – but our patients are counting on us, and that is why we must always be learning.
TAG: When it comes to your professional journey, where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to have expanded my practice by providing more integrative wellness therapies.
TAG: Who is your biggest inspiration?
My mother! Growing up she juggled motherhood while working full time as a registered nurse. We are immigrants, and she showed me that it is possible to achieve your dreams.
TAG: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Believe in yourself!
TAG: Name a product or service you love so much that you would happily be that company’s spokesperson?
Not to toot my own horn, but I love the magnesium powder that I created under my own brand, “Dr. Rahi.” I would also love to work more with Galderma – their line of fillers offers the most natural results with the least complications.
TAG: What do you think is the greatest medical invention of all time?
It is not as much an invention but more of a practice in medicine – and that is handwashing.
TAG: Anything else you would like to share with your peers?
I am passionate about what I do. My ultimate goal is to give patients the tools they need to live their happiest and healthiest lives.
