Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Goudarzi.
Hi Anna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Dr. Anna Goudarzi, a part-time primary care physician at Sharp Rees-Stealy, which I consider one of the best medical groups and grateful to be working with such an amazing team. And more recently, I became a business owner of a small Aesthetic Practice. I truly love what I do as a primary care physician. For me, medicine is about more than just treatments, it’s about forming authentic, long-lasting relationships with my patients. Listening to their stories, earning their trust, and being an integral part of their lives is what makes my work so fulfilling.
Originally from Orange County, California, I’ve had the unique opportunity to live and work in various states and countries throughout my career. This diverse experience has deeply enriched my perspective on healthcare.
During my training, I developed a passion for in-office procedures. The combination of hands-on care, human anatomy, and the artistry of aesthetics naturally drew me toward the field of aesthetic medicine. Honestly, it’s those moments when patients grab the mirror at the end of their treatment and can’t stop smiling at themselves that make this part of medicine so rewarding. My goal isn’t to change who they are, it’s about enhancing their natural beauty so they feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin.
This passion led me to open a small, boutique aesthetics clinic, which is quite different from the typical large medspas. I designed the space to focus on personalized, one-on-one care, where I can truly connect with my patients, understand their unique goals, and help them achieve their best selves. It’s exactly what I envisioned and it’s so exciting.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road. A career in medicine is not for the faint of heart, to say the least! There were plenty of challenges along the way, but each one has shaped me into the doctor I am today. Every obstacle taught me something valuable, and in the end, it’s all been worth it to be able to do what I love.
In college, I studied Public Health, and after graduating, I worked for a non-profit organization called the Arthritis Foundation. Long story short, after some unexpected twists and turns, I realized my true calling and decided to go back to school to complete my pre-med courses and pursue a career in medicine
I remember when I finally made the decision to pursue a career in medicine, I made a list of pros and cons.
Cons:
• 6 more years of school (still needed to take most of my pre-med courses), followed by 3 years of residency
• Older than most of my classmates
• Biological clock ticking 🙄
• Missing out on family and friends’ weddings, baby showers, and holidays
• Moving away
• The financial burden and debt
• Leaving a Public Health career I loved
• And of course, the never-ending list of ‘what-ifs’
Pros:
• Doing what I love for the rest of my life
It was a long journey with plenty of doubts, ups and downs. I failed, I succeeded, I failed again, and succeeded again. I moved to different states, then to a different country. I broke down and cried my insecurities out to family and friends more times than I can count. I lost countless hours of sleep. I powered through endless exams. And to top it all off, the pandemic hit, leaving us with emotional scars and more uncertainties than ever.
But in the end, I made memories and formed friendships I’ll never forget. I experienced compassion, gratitude, and vulnerability through my patients. I gained a wealth of knowledge. And most importantly, I rediscovered, and continue to discover, who I am as a person, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a colleague, and a doctor.
So, for anyone contemplating pursuing a passion or a dream, my best advice is simple: grab a big fat Sharpie and cross out the ‘cons.’ Because nothing should stand in the way of going after what you truly desire
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My clinic is a small, intimate aesthetics practice that’s all about personalized care. What sets me apart is the time and attention I give each patient. It’s not about fitting them into a cookie-cutter treatment plan, it’s about understanding their goals and tailoring my approach to meet their unique needs. I specialize in non-invasive procedures, like injectables, regenerative medicine and skincare treatments, but I think what really makes my clinic stand out is the space I’ve created. It’s a place where patients feel comfortable and safe to open up, not just about their cosmetic goals but also about their personal stories.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is the trust I’ve built with my patients. There’s something truly special about hearing someone say, ‘I feel more like myself after this.’ That’s what really makes it all worth it for me.
What I want readers to know is that my clinic is a place where people can feel heard and understood, not just treated. It’s a place where the care is personal, the environment is warm, and everyone who walks in the door is treated with the same level of respect and attention, no matter what they’re here for. I’m all about building relationships that last and making sure my patients leave feeling better than when they walked in.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
There are definitely a few resources that have helped me along the way, whether it’s for my medical career or just life in general. I’m a big believer in continuous learning, so I love using apps and listening to podcasts that keep me grounded and inspired.
For work, I absolutely love UpToDate. It’s like having a medical textbook that’s constantly updated at my fingertips, which is a lifesaver when I’m trying to stay on top of the latest in patient care. Another tool I can’t live without is Trello, it helps me stay organized with my to-do lists, whether it’s patient care or managing the business side of my clinic. I’ve learned that being organized is crucial, especially when you’re juggling so many different roles.
As far as books go, The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown is one of my favorites. It’s all about embracing vulnerability and imperfection, which has been key in both my personal and professional growth. In medicine, you’re often faced with tough moments, so learning to embrace those imperfections has helped me approach challenges with more resilience and authenticity.
Podcasts are another huge part of my routine. The Life Coach School Podcast by Brooke Castillo is a must-listen for me. Her insights on mindset and self-coaching are something I bring into my daily life, whether I’m dealing with stress or making big decisions. I also love The Doctor’s Pharmacy by Dr. Mark Hyman. He talks a lot about holistic health and wellness, which ties into my belief that treating the whole person, physically, emotionally, and mentally, is what makes the biggest impact in healthcare.
And lastly, I follow several blogs related to aesthetics and medicine, but I always come back to The Aesthetic Society blog for the latest trends and evidence-based practices in the field. It’s a great way to stay connected to the industry and keep evolving in my own practice
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drannagaesthetics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.annag_aesthetics/
