We were lucky to catch up with Courtney Coons FNP-BC recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I grew up in New York and always knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. Early in my high school career, I decided I would pursue nursing school; and after a short time in nursing school, I knew I wanted to advance on to earn my master’s degree and become a Nurse Practitioner. Initially, I began my nursing career in Trauma and Emergency Medicine, where I learned so much, met so many people, and worked in countless ER’s. However, I quickly concluded this wasn’t my “end goal,” and realized I wanted to mix my medical knowledge with my love for skincare and creativity. I then decided to pursue aesthetic medicine. I went on to earn my Master’s degree in Brooklyn, where I completed an independent internship with a plastic surgeon. This experience taught me that not only did I want to work in aesthetic medicine, but that I wanted to partner with a plastic surgeon in order to give my patients the best possible options for their aesthetic care.

Upon completing graduate school, I eagerly accepted a job I thought would be a good stepping stone and learning experience for me, which turned out to be a bad fit that did not align with my career goals. At this point I decided to submit my resignation, and in less than 2 weeks time, I packed up a suitcase and moved to LA for eight weeks to complete an ER contract while I figured out my next steps. I used this time to meet new friends, explore a new city, and apply for jobs both in New York and California. I eventually accepted a full-time position at a Med Spa in Los Angeles and broke the news to my family, friends, and landlord that I would not be coming back to NY! After working at the Med Spa for 6 months, I met Dr. Michelle Lee at PERK Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills. During my time at the medical spa, I learned a lot and gained experience, working alongside a very talented team of providers, but I always knew I wanted to work alongside a plastic surgeon. Dr. Lee, her staff, and myself immediately clicked and decided I would be a good fit for the practice. I spent many of the next months learning and training under Dr. Lee, in addition to meeting so many of her wonderful patients. Because of the risk I took leaving my job, moving across the country on a week’s notice, and having no idea where I would end up, I met an incredible mentor and was given the opportunity to pursue my dream career.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in Aesthetic Medicine at PERK Plastic Surgery. I was born and raised in New York where I obtained both my Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Nursing. In addition to aesthetic medicine, I have experience in Forensic Nursing, Trauma and Emergency Medicine. I offer a wide range of services to my patients––including noninvasive injections such as neurotoxins and filler, skin rejuvenation services such as microneedling and Sofwave, skin care consults to create individualized regimens for patients, and more. I spend a great amount of time with my patients––listening, establishing a rapport, and ensuring comfort. I truly value patient safety and pride myself in tailoring every service and treatment to maintain, restore, and enhance the patient’s own natural beauty.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Building clientele is no easy process, but I’ve found that utilizing multiple strategies is the best approach. Primarily, social media and word of mouth have been most effective for me. However, working in Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine in Beverly Hills, it’s important to offer the most cutting edge aesthetic techniques and services on the market. For example, PERK Plastic Surgery is one of the first and few clinics in Los Angeles to offer Sofwave, an ultrasound device boasting breakthrough technology, which is FDA-cleared to nonsurgically lift and tighten the skin, and to improve the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks, and acne scars.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Establishing connections with patients and peers, as well as feeling supported by family, friends, and colleagues. For me, relationships are everything––inside and outside of the clinic!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bevhills.com/
• Instagram: @courtcoons_perk
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-coons/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/perk-plastic-surgery-beverly-hills-4

Image Credits
Studio 3 Marketing – https://www.instagram.com/studio3marketing/ Rob Flate Photography – https://www.instagram.com/thisguyrob/