We were lucky to catch up with JASMINE MOHADJER, M.D. recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, JASMINE thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
After 12 years in large group private practice, I started my solo Oculofacial Plastic Surgery practice, Eyelid Surgeons of Tampa Bay, in April of 2020. Yes, right at the start of the pandemic! This added so many new challenges, including a period of time when elective surgery was on hold, difficulties in obtaining medical supplies and equipment, and challenges in hiring staff. As a medical doctor and surgeon, we have absolutely no business background, so I spent many hours teaching myself how to open, start, and run my business and even though some of it wasn’t as smooth or easy as I would have liked, I have learned so much and am so excited to be a business owner. It takes hard work, but at the end of the day it is EXACTLY how I want it, and I have complete control over the patient experience in my office. Some of the best advice I can give is that your staff is your biggest asset, investment, and the face of your practice. Make sure they are happy and empowered to grow and develop.
JASMINE, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am an oculofacial surgeon. Unlike other plastic surgeons, I am an ophthalmologist that then did extensive training through the American Society of Oculoplastic Plastic Surgery (ASOPRS) and I focus ONLY on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery involving the eyelids. Therefore, I am highly specialized and have almost 20 years of experience doing just eyelid surgery. Being an ophthalmologist first is unique in that it allows me to understand the complexities and importance of the eye and its care. I have done over 10,000 (maybe even 20,000) eyelid procedures in my career. My main focus is to rejuvenate this area in a way that looks natural to the patient, and like they used to look. Patients should not look like they had a “lid job”, but refreshed, rejuvenated, energetic, and alert. Besides eyelid procedures I also offer other facial rejuvenation like Botox, Fillers, Laser Resurfacing, and offer my own Skin Care line that complements the results we get from surgery.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
I think being engaging and compassionate is so important in my field. I think it is important to understand what it is that bothers the patient in particular before advising a procedure. I like to take my time to ascertain what the specific concerns are and then develop a plan that is appropriate for that particular patient. My job is offer a customized approach for each patient that makes sense with their desires, lifestyle, and goals.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Absolutely 100%. I love what I do. I love that my work brings joy, confidence, and empowerment to my patients. I find that they are often frustrated that how they look on the outside does not reflect how they feel on the inside. I love being able to do something with my hands to make them look as good as they feel. I love having the opportunity to engage with my patients and to offer services with minimal downtime and significant improvements.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tampabayeyelids.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasminemohadjermd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasminemohadjermd
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-mohadjer-3b084976/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMohadjer
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn74mvvEXfyQzChdKtmx9lg