Dr. Darshan Shah: Five Ways One Cosmetic Surgeon Gives Back

We’ve all got our favorite charities, and Dr. Darshan Shah, MD, FACS, is no exception. As a prominent cosmetic surgeon in Bakersfield and Malibu, Dr. Shah does more than just provide plastic surgery for patients – he also takes time out of his busy schedule to perform goodhearted deeds. Whether donating time, money, or supplies, he hopes to make the world a bit brighter for those in need.

Here are some of Dr. Darshan Shah’s most recent efforts:

1. Helping the local homeless population and
residents in need. After saving Christmas for 300 families in December 2010, Dr. Shah made Bakersfield news. When the cosmetic surgeon found out that the County Housing Authority only received one contribution and was going to cancel the entire Christmas dinner drive, he stepped up to the plate with a $4500 donation to help make the holidays a bit cheerier for needy local families. With the help of his employees, he traveled throughout the area, delivering the baskets and Christmas dinners in person.

While giving back is nothing new for this cosmetic surgeon, he particularly enjoys hands-on involvement. He believes that some people “just need a break” and enjoys providing assistance as often as possible. The Bakersfield area has been hit hard by the economic downturn, so the doctor is doing whatever he can to help. He also volunteered at the Thanksgiving dinner held by the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter, serving food to hundreds of residents in need.

2. Supporting the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Bakersfield. Dr. Darshan Shah was a sponsor for the 2010 Relay for Life, an event that raises money to fight back against cancer. The Relay also celebrates those who have won the battle against cancer and remembers loved ones who’ve lost the fight. The funds are used to support national and California-based research, prevention, patient support, and detection and treatment services.

Dr. Shah enjoys contributing to this kind of program, because donations go toward genuine, practical efforts in California. From driving cancer patients to their treatments, to providing lodging for patients, Relay for Life funds make a big difference in the lives of patients stricken with cancer.

3. Launching “Beautologie Helps” to provide free reconstructive work for injured Bakersfield residents. Every month, Dr. Shah selects one local resident who needs pro-bono care and attention. The doctor explains that he frequently comes across patients who’ve either been badly scarred by inexperienced surgeons, or who’ve been disfigured as the result of violence or injury, but can’t afford to pay for reconstructive surgery. In true hands-on fashion, Beautologie Helps gives back to those who need a physical change.

So far, Beautologie Helps has assisted a woman scarred by her abuser, a girl disfigured by a keloid scar on her body, and many more needy residents.

Dr. Shah’s pro-bono charity made the local news when he helped a woman who was badly disfigured by an unskilled surgeon. Louise Lopez saw a local surgeon for a discounted tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast implants, but was shocked by the disfiguring results. Because her insurance wouldn’t pay for reconstructive surgery, she thought that she was going to have to learn to live with the deep scars and excruciating pain in her breasts. Fortunately, with the help of Dr. Shah, Ms. Lopez is now on the mend and is healing well. Trained in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the esteemed Mayo Clinic, Dr. Shah has performed more than 8000 surgeries and has been featured on the Today Show, Dr. Phil, and other media outlets.

4. Initiating “The Promise” to provide medical care to patients in Third World nations. As a founding member of The Promise, Dr. Darshan Shah recently traveled to Honduras to perform a cleft lip surgery for a patient who could not afford the procedure. The Promise was formed to help burn victims and cleft palate patients around the world. From India to Africa, the cosmetic surgeon travels anywhere and everywhere to change the lives of the less fortunate. He finds the hugs, tears of joy, and gratitude very heartwarming and has more mission trips planned in the near future as part of The Promise.

5. Donating to the Salvation Army’s disaster fund. Recently, the Kern County Salvation Army needed a Disaster Canopy Tent and did not have any funds to afford one. The doctor stepped in with a check to cover the expenses. The local Salvation Army provides everything from disaster response services to food for low-income seniors, which are causes near to Dr. Shah’s heart.

Beyond these charities, Dr. Shah supports the American Heart Association and other local philanthropic events. He also educates future cosmetic surgeons as a clinical instructor and has a flawless safety record. From writing for academic journals to receiving the esteemed Helfert award for breast cancer surgery, the doctor is changing lives, one person at a time.