We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zarui Chopuryan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Zarui, appreciate you 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?

“Walk, and ye shall reach,” I reminded myself as I embarked on a journey that would redefine my life and career.

Growing up in the sun-kissed landscapes of Armenia, I was one of four children. Tragically, leukemia claimed my brother at the tender age of six, a loss that left an indelible mark on my soul. This profound event ignited a burning question: Could he have been saved? Seeking answers, I took a bold step, leaving my homeland to attend one of the USSR’s most prestigious medical schools in St. Petersburg.

My early medical career unfolded against the backdrop of the collapse of the USSR. Resources were scarce, and physicians were in short supply, demanding unparalleled resourcefulness. These challenging years reaffirmed my unwavering belief that medicine was my true calling.

Years later, with a family in tow, we relocated to Spain—a land whose language and customs were foreign to me. Undeterred, I started anew as a nurse’s aide in a convalescent home. This role became my gateway into the Spanish healthcare system and a mosaic of diverse cultures. Two years of dedication culminated in the accreditation of my medical degree, and I transitioned to the role of a physician within the same facility. I served as an Internal Medicine physician for over a decade, continually evolving and embracing new challenges.

Embracing change once more, I pursued a Master’s in Aesthetic Medicine, merging scientific precision with artistic finesse. This endeavor led to establishing my private aesthetic clinic, where I dedicated myself to enhancing natural beauty with subtlety and grace.

Life’s journey then brought my family and me to the vibrant city of New York. Determined to continue my medical practice, I undertook the USMLE Steps and completed a residency in Internal Medicine. This path, fraught with uncertainty, was undeniably my most formidable risk. Yet, it was a risk worth taking. Today, I serve as a physician in a hospital setting and proudly own the ZH Clinic of Advanced Aesthetic Medicine in Manhattan. Here, I remain true to my philosophy: enhancing my patients’ best features to achieve natural, harmonious results.

Each risk, each leap into the unknown, has sculpted the tapestry of my life. These experiences have continually pushed me beyond my comfort zone, redefining my understanding of home, resilience, and possibility. Through it all, I’ve learned that with each step forward, no matter how uncertain, we draw closer to our true selves and our destined paths.

Zarui, 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’m Dr. Zara Chopuryan, a board-certified Internal Medicine and Aesthetic Medicine physician. My journey into this field has been anything but conventional—it has been shaped by resilience, risk, and an unwavering passion for helping others look and feel their best.

After graduating from one of the top medical schools in the USSR, I practiced medicine during a period of great uncertainty—the collapse of the USSR. This experience shaped my adaptability and strengthened my belief that medicine is as much about compassion and creativity as it is about science.

Later, I moved to Spain, starting over by working as a nurse’s aide. After regaining my credentials, I practiced internal medicine and discovered my passion for aesthetic medicine. It was during this chapter that I realized that helping people enhance their natural beauty wasn’t just about appearance; it was about confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being. I pursued a Master’s in Aesthetic Medicine and opened my first private practice in Spain in 2008.

Eventually, my journey brought me to the United States, where I completed my medical residency, became board-certified in Internal Medicine, and rebuilt my career from the ground up. Today, I own and operate the ZH Clinic of Advanced Aesthetic Medicine in Manhattan. My approach is to provide personalized, natural results that enhance my patients’ best features while preserving their unique identity. I specialize in treatments that stimulate collagen, such as biostimulators and laser therapies, focusing on long-term, graceful rejuvenation rather than quick fixes. My philosophy is simple: beauty should feel authentic, not artificial.

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

Success in aesthetic medicine isn’t just about skill—it’s about honesty, listening carefully, and truly understanding what patients need. It’s about seeing each person as unique, respecting their choices, and creating results that look natural and feel right for them.

It also takes hard work, a focus on safety, and always putting the patient first. Trust and honesty matter most; building genuine connections with patients makes a difference in this field. I prioritize follow-up care because I want my patients to feel supported every step of the way. I check in, make adjustments if needed, and ensure they are happy with their results. Building long-term relationships matters to me.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I’ve built my reputation by consistently, honestly, and genuinely listening to my patients. I focus on natural results that make people feel like their best selves.

My background in both Europe and the U.S. allows me to bring the best techniques from both worlds, ensuring safe and effective treatments. I’m always learning, sharing my knowledge, and mentoring others in the field.

Most of my patients come through word of mouth, which means a lot to me. They trust me because I’m honest about results and focus on enhancing their natural beauty. That trust has helped my practice grow and stay at the forefront of aesthetic medicine.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zarahealthclinic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551766714345
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

Image Credits

Renata Ablamska