Dr. Darshan Shah Bakersfield

Dr Darshan Shah, Medical Director of Beautologie, is an experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in providing patients with the highest quality breast, body and facial cosmetic procedures. In fact, he is consistently reffered to as one of the top ten best breast augmentation surgeons in California. Dr Darshan Shah not only provides excellent surgical and medical care, he also brings his caring and supportive attitude to each patient he treats. Dr Shah encourages patients to ask questions and voice any concerns, and he takes as much time as necessary to make sure each patient is comfortable and knowledgeable about his or her procedure.

Education and Early Medical Career

Even as a high school student, Dr. Darshan Shah was motivated to achieve excellence. After completing high school in only three years, he was chosen to be a part of the University of Missouri at Kansas City's combined BS-MD program. This is a program that seeks out the most promising high school students in the country who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine, and puts them in a rigorous and demanding program for six years. Dr. Darshan Shah completed the prestigious and difficult program at the top of his class in 1995.

After earning his M.D., Dr Shah received a California Medical License and then joined the University of California, San Diego's surgical program, where he was assigned to work at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield. This was the beginning of Dr. Darshan Shah's relationship with the Bakersfield community. At KMC, he performed a wide range of surgeries and helped a number of people. He also began specializing in breast cancer and breast cancer surgery. This was the beginning of his interest in plastic surgery. Later, he was awarded the distinguished Helfert Award, which is only presented to the most gifted surgical chief resident, and earned "Superior" marks during his residency.

In addition to be an exceptional resident and surgeon, Dr. Shah endeavored to provide other surgeons with his experience and knowledge. He wrote and developed over 150 lectures for medical students while still a resident at KMC/ UCSD residency, and was the highest ranked medical student educator in his program.

Dr. Darshan Shah's final step in becoming the world-renowned plastic surgeon he is today was The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. There, Dr. Darshan Shah completed a two-year fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery. His drive for excellence continued as he studied at one the nation's top hospitals. Dr Darshan Shah was awarded "Superior" marks in all of his plastic surgery rotations at the Mayo Clinic, and he was known as an excellent plastic surgeon by many program directors of other hospitals and clinics.

Contributions to the Medical Field

Even after completing his extensive education and training, Dr. Darshan Shah has continued to make contributions to the cosmetic and reconstructive surgery field. He published a book, Surgery on Call, with fellow surgeons Alan Lefor and Leonard G. Gomella. He developed new methods of suturing and tying surgical knots, and then taught doctors and residents the methods. Dr. Shah has also published numerous articles in medical journals, including articles that examine dog bites, jaw fractures, and other injuries. He continues to lecture and teach medical students, residents and colleagues across the country on the most innovative plastic and reconstructive surgical methods. Dr Darshan Shah is also the holder of many patented devices and patent pending products in the pipe-line.

The Patient-Centered Care Model and Dr. Shah's Philosophy

Dr. Shah has a unique vision for patient care, and it can be seen throughout the Beautologie Clinics. His philosophy is that each patient should be treated like a family member when in the office or the surgery center. A more relaxing and comfortable environment makes for a much better experience, whether you are having a chemical peel or a breast augmentation. Dr. Darshan Shah encourages patients to ask questions and voice any concerns they may have. He understands that the best surgical outcomes are based on a good doctor/patient relationship, and this is especially true with plastic surgery.

Dr. Darshan Shah has trained all staff members to make sure that you are well cared for. The office has also been beautifully decorated to create a soothing and peaceful environment. Safety is a top priority as well. Dr. Shah's operating suites are certified by AAAHC and they have a spotless safety record. The patient-centered care model also helps patients recover faster. They are under less stress, are more relaxed, and often happier with the results. His patients agree: he has been voted Bakersfield's Best in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009—five years running!

Dr. Darshan Shah in the Community of Malibu and Bakersfield

While Dr. Darshan Shah is devoted to giving each patient the care and expertise she deserves, he also makes time to support the local and global community. Dr. Darshan Shah is a proud founding memeberof The Promise, a charitable organization that sends doctors to repair cleft lips and palates, and to treat burn injuries in places such as India, Africa, and South America, where most of the population does not have funds for plastic or reconstructive surgery. He also contributes to local organizations, like the American Heart Association, and the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter.

Part of Dr. Darshan Shah's ongoing commitment to the community is a commitment to better medical education. He has several surgical education website to help people better understand various types of surgery.