Ava Shamban, M.D.
Santa Monica and Beverly Hills office

Ava Shamban, M.D., Board Certified Dermatologist and owner of Ava MD, has built a thriving medical practice along with a successful medical day spa. She was a featured dermatologist on ABC television’s “Extreme Makeover”. First and foremost however, Dr. Shamban considers herself a skin scientist, a participant in dermatological research,technology and product development for skin rejuvenation and the treatment of acne. She has extensive experience in the use of the latest laser and intense pulsed light procedures as well as administering filler and Botox injections. Dr. Shamban is also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at UCLA. Located next to St. John’s hospital in Santa Monica, Dr. Shamban’s practice includes its own in-house medical day spa – Luxury Aesthetics at Ava’s –and the Acne Treatment Center. Here, she and her highly-trained staff offer her patients customized skin care along with the most sophisticated advances in dermatology today.

Dr. Simzar
Santa Monica office

Dr. Simzar, a board-certified dermatologist, completed his undergraduate, medical school, Internal Medicine, and Dermatology training at UCLA Medical Center and its affiliate hospitals. He is a clinical instructor of dermatology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and teaches medical and surgical dermatology to the dermatology residents and medical students. Dr. Simzar specializes in cosmetic and general dermatology and skin cancer surgery. After his specialty training, Dr. Simzar completed a 6 month fellowship in advanced cosmetic procedures including botox, dysport, juvederm, restylane, perlane, radiesse, sculptra, sclerotherapy, scar treatments, and laser surgery. He is a recipient of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery Preceptorship Grant and an experienced researcher. Dr. Simzar is a published author in several peer-reviewed journals and has presented at national conferences.

Credentials

• Diplomate, American Board of Dermatology
• Fellow, American Academy of Dermatology
• Fellow, American Society of Mohs Surgery
• Clinical Instructor of Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery, Division of Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA

• American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
• American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
• American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery
• American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
• American Medical Association

• Van Nuys High School Medical Magnet
• B.S., Neuroscience with Departmental Honors, Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Dean’s Honor List, UCLA
• M.D., UCLA School of Medicine
• Internship, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center
• Residency, Dermatology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
• Chief Resident, Dermatology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center

• Disseminated Strongyloides stercoralis: hyperinfection during medical immunosuppression. Basile A, Simzar S, Bentow J, Antelo F, Shitabata P, Peng SK, Craft N. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010 Nov;63(5):896-902. Epub 2010 Feb 20.
• Erythrokeratoderma variabilis successfully treated with topical tazarotene. Yoo S, Simzar S, Han K, Takahashi S, Cotliar R. Pediatr Dermatol. 2006 Jul-Aug;23(4):382-5.
• Scrotal ulceration as a consequence of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia. Simzar S, Rotunda AM, Craft N. J Drugs Dermatol. 2005 Mar-Apr;4(2):231-2.
• Contrasting antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of peroxiredoxin I and II in PC12 and NIH3T3 cells. Simzar S, Ellyin R, Shau H, Sarafian TA. Neurochem Res. 2000 Dec;25(12):1613-21.
• Short-term feeding of atherogenicdiet to mice results in reduction of HDL and paraoxonase that may be mediated by an immune mechanism. Hedrick CC, Hassan K, Hough GP, Yoo JH, Simzar S, Quinto CR, Kim SM, Dooley A, Langi S, Hama SY, Navab M, Witztum JL, Fogelman AM. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2000 Aug;20(8):1946-52.

Dr. Van Dyke
Santa Monica and Beverly Hills office

Rene Faramandian
Physician Assistant
Santa Monica office

Lisa Beaulieu
Physician Assistant
Santa Monica office

Lisa is a California native who grew up right here in Los Angeles. She received a full scholarship to attend the University of Florida where she graduated with honors. Thereafter a true Floridian transplant, she went on to complete her post graduate work at Nova Southeastern University where she received a Masters Degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Her field of expertise is in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is certified to diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medications, and perform surgical procedures such as biopsies. Lisa has also been trained extensively by Dr. Shamban and other leaders in the field of cosmetic dermatology. She is highly skilled in the use of fillers and neurotoxins to help create a more youthful yet natural appearance. "I believe in creating and tailoring skin rejuvenation and acne treatments to best fit the needs, lifestyle, and history of each of my patients."

Christine Nell
Nurse Practitioner
Beverly Hills office

Christine Nell, N.P., has worked with Dr. Shamban since 2000. A nurse since 1997, she graduated with her Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certificate in 2002 from Azusa Pacific University. During graduate school, she was mentored by Dr. Shamban as a dermatology intern and earned a Certificate of Academic Excellence. In 2007, she partnered with Dr. Shamban in opening Ava MD, our Beverly Hills location and now works solely in that location.

Christine Nell believes that truly effective treatment requires personalized programs that are monitored carefully. By combining the best of both medical dermatology and aesthetics, Christine is able to offer her patients the results they have been looking for.

Bernice Cohen
RN, BSN
Beverly Hills office

Bernice Cohen is a registered nurse (RN) as well as a public health nurse (PHN), with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN). She specializes in cosmetic injections and lasers. As an international model, Bernice was fascinated with what defines beauty. She has translated her worldly experience into capturing and maintaining that beauty for her patients.

Our Staff

We have five aestheticians highly trained in the United States and Europe who offer state of the art techniques individually suited to meet the needs of their clients.

Our front office staff is the friendliest and most knowledgeable in town. They are well trained in regard to procedures and products and will guide you in making the right choice when it comes to skin care.

We are contracted with Blue Cross and Blue Shield PPO's. And also PHCS. There are some procedures which may be covered by your insurance company.