As a world-renowned dermatologist, Dr. Ava Shamban is deeply immersed in the science of skin.

Growing up, she often felt like she had to raise herself — her mother suffered from depression, and her father was not around much. Shamban struggled with her self-esteem issues but, with the help of therapy, learned to accept and love herself. She went on to graduate from Harvard University, receive her medical degree at Case Western Reserve and begin building her dermatology practice from the ground up.

What You Need To Know

  • In a new episode of “LA Stories,” Shamban discusses her three cutting-edge clinics specializing in age-defying treatments, such as lasers and fillers

  • Shamban believes that everyone is beautiful and that her job is to make them see it by amplifying what she calls their signature feature

  • She also advocates for the idea that glowing skin is not just about external treatments, but also about living a fulfilling, healthy life, including good nutrition, exercise, sleep and meaningful relationships

“It really took a lot of time for me to put everything together,” Shamban said. “You have to be passionate about what you do. It’s not a job. It’s a career and it’s a calling.”

In the latest episode of "LA Stories with Giselle Fernandez," Shamban shares how she went on to create three cutting-edge clinics specializing in age-defying treatments like lasers and fillers.

She believes that everyone is beautiful and that her job is to make them see it by amplifying what she calls their signature feature, whether that be their eyes, nose, or mouth.

With simple changes, Shamban can see how her patients are completely transformed.

“They start to sit up, They start to come into the room with more confidence,” she said. “They feel so much better about themselves that they change their lives.”   

A single mom of three and a passionate adventurer, she also advocates for the idea that glowing skin is not just about external treatments, but also about living a fulfilling, healthy life, including good nutrition, exercise, sleep and meaningful relationships.

Shamban practices what she preaches by engaging in activities like skiing, swimming, and hiking.

As a mentor, she hopes to inspire young women to do the work that’s needed to find success.

For Shamban, the chance to transform lives both through mentorship and her dermatology practices has brought her the fulfillment she looked for as a young girl — and she hopes to pass that feeling on to others.

“It doesn’t matter what the obstacles are. You can do it if you put your mind to it,” she said. “Say to yourself every day in the mirror, 'I am beautiful.' And put on sunscreen.”

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article did not indicate that Shamban received her medical degree from Case Western Reserve. The article has been updated. (March 17, 2025)