About Us
What is the International Institute of Aesthetic Medicine?
The International Institute of Aesthetic Medicine is a training and development organization that is dedicated to providing comprehensive, hands-on education to medical professionals looking to begin or advance their career in Medical Aesthetics.
In partnership with MedSpa Partners, the leading platform of top-tier Medical Aesthetics clinics, IIAM has hand-picked a collection of the most experienced trainers, researchers, and practice management experts in the industry. This renowned faculty understands that the practice of Medical Aesthetics requires knowledge of consultation, art, practice, and experience.
In partnership with MedSpa Partners, the leading platform of top-tier Medical Aesthetics clinics, IIAM has hand-picked a collection of the most experienced trainers, researchers, and practice management experts in the industry. This renowned faculty understands that the practice of Medical Aesthetics requires knowledge of consultation, art, practice, and experience.
Scientific Planning Committee
Dr. Haneef Alibhai
Dr. Alibhai is Program Director and founder of The Institute's Western Canada training centre. He graduated from McGill Medical School in Montreal, Canada, and is the medical director of MD Cosmetic & Laser Clinic with locations in Abbotsford and Port Moody, British Columbia. Dr. Alibhai is the Past-President of the Canadian Association of Aesthetic Medicine. He is a clinical instructor for the UBC Faculty of Medicine. He is a faculty member of the Canadian Association of Aesthetic Medicine and the American Academy of Cosmetic Physicians. He is a Certified Physician Trainer for Allergan (Botox Cosmetic, Juvederm). Since 2002, he has trained over 2500 doctors and dentists worldwide. He is an internationally recognized speaker and author in the field of aesthetic medicine.
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Dr. Vanessa Abdelhalim
Dr. Vanessa Abdelhalim is the Medical Director at The Institute’s Eastern Canada training centre. She is a Canadian-trained family physician, completing her residency at the University of Toronto in 2013. Dr. Abdelhalim has been working in aesthetics since 2016. She is the Medical Director of over ten clinics in the GTA and Ottawa, including Zest Face + Body Clinic. Dr. Abdelhalim has completed several advanced trainings in the aesthetics field and continues to enhance her knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis. She loves to educate her community and has served as a health contributor for CTV Morning Live Ottawa for several years. She believes patient safety, beautiful results, and an outstanding patient experience are the keys to a successful aesthetics practice.
Master Class Faculty
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Dr. Steven Dayan
Dr. Steven Dayan, a top-rated facial plastic surgeon in Chicago, is also a professor and researcher who has published over 110 articles in medical journals and 5 books. Dr. Dayan is also a NY Times and USA TODAY Best Selling Author.
His accolades include the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation’s Leadership Award and “Top Doc” recognition by numerous organizations including Castle Connolly and U.S News & World Report.
As a founder of a medical research company, a medical marketing company, a skincare training center, and medical education company, he remains on the cutting edge of aesthetic products, thinking, and education.
He is a member of ASAPS, AAPFRS, ASDS and serves in an elected position within the Facial Plastic Surgery society as well as on the editorial board of Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, Aesthetic Surgery Journal ASJ (the official journal for ASAPS), Facial Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology. He has authored 5 books. But it is in his role as an adjunct professor —teaching a popular undergraduate course: The Science of Beauty and Its Impact on Culture and Business – that his Best Selling book Subliminally Exposed is based. An engaging educator, internationally recognized keynote speaker, and big thinker with an insatiable appetite for deeper knowledge and understanding of human behavior, Dr. Dayan is known for his ability to challenge the status quo and conventional wisdoms of medicine.
His accolades include the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation’s Leadership Award and “Top Doc” recognition by numerous organizations including Castle Connolly and U.S News & World Report.
As a founder of a medical research company, a medical marketing company, a skincare training center, and medical education company, he remains on the cutting edge of aesthetic products, thinking, and education.
He is a member of ASAPS, AAPFRS, ASDS and serves in an elected position within the Facial Plastic Surgery society as well as on the editorial board of Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, Aesthetic Surgery Journal ASJ (the official journal for ASAPS), Facial Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology. He has authored 5 books. But it is in his role as an adjunct professor —teaching a popular undergraduate course: The Science of Beauty and Its Impact on Culture and Business – that his Best Selling book Subliminally Exposed is based. An engaging educator, internationally recognized keynote speaker, and big thinker with an insatiable appetite for deeper knowledge and understanding of human behavior, Dr. Dayan is known for his ability to challenge the status quo and conventional wisdoms of medicine.
Dr. Shannon Humphrey
Dr. Shannon Humphrey is at the forefront of innovation in cosmetic dermatology. A recognized expert in the use of cosmetic injectables including fillers, neuromodulators and sodium deoxycholate, Dr. Humphrey travels the world sharing her expertise and insights with the global dermatology community.
Dr. Humphrey is a highly sought-after speaker and peer instructor, particularly on the topic of her success in achieving natural-looking outcomes by way of a holistic approach to cosmetic medicine.
Dr. Humphrey is the Medical Director at Humphrey Cosmetic Dermatology as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia. She is also active in many professional organizations such as The American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the Women’s Dermatologic Society, the Canadian Dermatology Association and the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada.
Dr. Humphrey is a highly sought-after speaker and peer instructor, particularly on the topic of her success in achieving natural-looking outcomes by way of a holistic approach to cosmetic medicine.
Dr. Humphrey is the Medical Director at Humphrey Cosmetic Dermatology as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia. She is also active in many professional organizations such as The American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the Women’s Dermatologic Society, the Canadian Dermatology Association and the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada.
Dr. Mark Lupin
Dr. Mark Lupin is a world-renowned Dermatologist and sought-after lecturer in the field of non-surgical facial rejuvenation. He is a Clinical Instructor on Faculty with the Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, UBC. With many publications to his name and often quoted as an expert in the media, he is dedicated to his patients and to the advancement of best practices.Director and Founder of Cosmedica Laser Centre over 20 years ago, Dr. Lupin is uniquely qualified both in Dermatology as well as with additional training in Neurology.
Dr. Lupin is a preceptor to other physicians and one of the first to introduce cosmetic use of Botox® in Canada – as of 1993. He is well respected amongst his peers in the use of lasers and is known as the “go-to” person because of his many years of experience with laser safety, advanced techniques and laser physics.
Dr. Lupin is a preceptor to other physicians and one of the first to introduce cosmetic use of Botox® in Canada – as of 1993. He is well respected amongst his peers in the use of lasers and is known as the “go-to” person because of his many years of experience with laser safety, advanced techniques and laser physics.
Dr. Jason Rivers
Dr. Jason K. Rivers is a clinical professor of dermatology and a past director of the dermatology residency training program at the University of British Columbia. Currently he practices medical and cosmetic dermatology at Pacific Derm in Vancouver, BC, and is the developer and founder of Riversol Skin Care. Dr. Rivers’ dedication to excellence in patient care and clinical skills has earned him recognition by being the recipient of Canada’s “Best Doctors” award for a number of years. He is the current vice president/incoming president of the Canadian Dermatology Association and president of the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada.
A former national director of the Canadian Dermatology Association’s Sun Awareness and Skin Cancer Prevention Program, Dr. Rivers continues to serve as Regional Director. These campaigns, which reach millions of Canadians each year through the media and distribution of educational materials, involves working in tandem with groups such as the Canadian Cancer Society and the BC Ministry of Health.
Dr. Rivers was one of the principal investigators of the first national study on the sun protection habits of Canadians. He presented a report on the findings to the House of Commons Hearing Committee on the Environment (effects of ozone depletion on human skin) and was involved in a forum to create the UV Index.
Dr. Rivers’ experience in aesthetic medicine spans more than 25 years and he has been invited as a key speaker to present on both medical and cosmetic dermatology topics at national and international symposia.
He is the immediate past president of the Canadian Society for Dermatologic Surgery, an organization whose membership is comprised of dermatologists with dual expertise in skin disorders and aesthetic medicine. He is the current President of the Board of Directors for the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada.
A former national director of the Canadian Dermatology Association’s Sun Awareness and Skin Cancer Prevention Program, Dr. Rivers continues to serve as Regional Director. These campaigns, which reach millions of Canadians each year through the media and distribution of educational materials, involves working in tandem with groups such as the Canadian Cancer Society and the BC Ministry of Health.
Dr. Rivers was one of the principal investigators of the first national study on the sun protection habits of Canadians. He presented a report on the findings to the House of Commons Hearing Committee on the Environment (effects of ozone depletion on human skin) and was involved in a forum to create the UV Index.
Dr. Rivers’ experience in aesthetic medicine spans more than 25 years and he has been invited as a key speaker to present on both medical and cosmetic dermatology topics at national and international symposia.
He is the immediate past president of the Canadian Society for Dermatologic Surgery, an organization whose membership is comprised of dermatologists with dual expertise in skin disorders and aesthetic medicine. He is the current President of the Board of Directors for the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada.

Dr. Sonya Abdulla
Dr. Sonya Abdulla is a thought-leader in the industry of Aesthetic Medicine, and is recognized for the natural results she achieves for her patients by developing holistic yet customized treatment plans to address specific concerns. Dr. Abdulla’s goal is to maximize her patients’ results while minimizing their recovery time, so they can return to their busy lifestyle feeling even more confident and beautiful.
As an injectable and laser specialist, Dr. Abdulla frequently teaches her peers the most coveted techniques of Aesthetic and Laser Medicine. Her expert medical opinion is often sought by the media and industry. Dr Abdulla supports the use of evidence-based skincare and is a consultant to Johnson & Johnson (Aveeno, Neutrogena), Pierre Fabre Laboratoires (Avene) and L’Oréal Canada (La Roche-Posay, CeraVé, Vichy, SkinCeuticals). Dr. Abdulla has also served as a Physician Expert for VICHY Canada where she participated in product research and development.
Dr. Abdulla completed her dermatology fellowship, as well as her subspecialty training in Laser Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine, at the University of Toronto. Her clinical practice is based in downtown Toronto where she offers her expertise in injectables and laser surgery.
As an injectable and laser specialist, Dr. Abdulla frequently teaches her peers the most coveted techniques of Aesthetic and Laser Medicine. Her expert medical opinion is often sought by the media and industry. Dr Abdulla supports the use of evidence-based skincare and is a consultant to Johnson & Johnson (Aveeno, Neutrogena), Pierre Fabre Laboratoires (Avene) and L’Oréal Canada (La Roche-Posay, CeraVé, Vichy, SkinCeuticals). Dr. Abdulla has also served as a Physician Expert for VICHY Canada where she participated in product research and development.
Dr. Abdulla completed her dermatology fellowship, as well as her subspecialty training in Laser Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine, at the University of Toronto. Her clinical practice is based in downtown Toronto where she offers her expertise in injectables and laser surgery.
Advanced Training Faculty
Dr. Sonya Abdulla
Dr. Sonya Abdulla is a thought-leader in the industry of Aesthetic Medicine, and is recognized for the natural results she achieves for her patients by developing holistic yet customized treatment plans to address specific concerns. Dr. Abdulla’s goal is to maximize her patients’ results while minimizing their recovery time, so they can return to their busy lifestyle feeling even more confident and beautiful.
As an injectable and laser specialist, Dr. Abdulla frequently teaches her peers the most coveted techniques of Aesthetic and Laser Medicine. Her expert medical opinion is often sought by the media and industry. Dr Abdulla supports the use of evidence-based skincare and is a consultant to Johnson & Johnson (Aveeno, Neutrogena), Pierre Fabre Laboratoires (Avene) and L’Oréal Canada (La Roche-Posay, CeraVé, Vichy, SkinCeuticals). Dr. Abdulla has also served as a Physician Expert for VICHY Canada where she participated in product research and development.
Dr. Abdulla completed her dermatology fellowship, as well as her subspecialty training in Laser Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine, at the University of Toronto. Her clinical practice is based in downtown Toronto where she offers her expertise in injectables and laser surgery.
As an injectable and laser specialist, Dr. Abdulla frequently teaches her peers the most coveted techniques of Aesthetic and Laser Medicine. Her expert medical opinion is often sought by the media and industry. Dr Abdulla supports the use of evidence-based skincare and is a consultant to Johnson & Johnson (Aveeno, Neutrogena), Pierre Fabre Laboratoires (Avene) and L’Oréal Canada (La Roche-Posay, CeraVé, Vichy, SkinCeuticals). Dr. Abdulla has also served as a Physician Expert for VICHY Canada where she participated in product research and development.
Dr. Abdulla completed her dermatology fellowship, as well as her subspecialty training in Laser Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine, at the University of Toronto. Her clinical practice is based in downtown Toronto where she offers her expertise in injectables and laser surgery.
Dr. Michael Roskies
Dr. Michael Roskies is many things; a board-certified medical professional, a recognized, young leader in aesthetic medicine, and an award-winning publisher. But while these titles are prestigious and reputable, at his very core, Dr. Roskies is simply a great doctor who wants to ensure that his patients feel taken care of.
Dr. Roskies has devoted his practice exclusively to cosmetic surgery of the face. Dr. Roskies trained in Head and Neck Reconstruction & Facial Plastic Surgery at McGill University, The Cleveland Clinic and University of Toronto and is an expert in his field. Dr. Roskies is known for his exceptional talent in rhinoplasty, facelift, and eyelid surgery. In addition, he also specializes in modified lip lift, Botox, injectable dermal soft tissue fillers, most facial cosmetic surgery procedures and hair transplantation.
Dr. Roskies is the medical director and staff facial plastic surgeon at SpaMedica, one of Toronto’s premier non-surgical rejuvenation clinics. There, he prides himself on enhancing what already exists to deliver natural, long-lasting results to his clients.
Dr. Roskies has devoted his practice exclusively to cosmetic surgery of the face. Dr. Roskies trained in Head and Neck Reconstruction & Facial Plastic Surgery at McGill University, The Cleveland Clinic and University of Toronto and is an expert in his field. Dr. Roskies is known for his exceptional talent in rhinoplasty, facelift, and eyelid surgery. In addition, he also specializes in modified lip lift, Botox, injectable dermal soft tissue fillers, most facial cosmetic surgery procedures and hair transplantation.
Dr. Roskies is the medical director and staff facial plastic surgeon at SpaMedica, one of Toronto’s premier non-surgical rejuvenation clinics. There, he prides himself on enhancing what already exists to deliver natural, long-lasting results to his clients.
Eastern Canada Instructors
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Krystal Swanson, RN
Krystal has been with Martin's Rejuvenation Centre since the spring of 2010. She graduated from Lakehead University in 2006 and went on to travel throughout Canada and the USA while obtaining her US Nursing License. Krystal spent three years as an Oncology / Palliative Care Nurse at Barrie's Royal Victoria Hospital, as well as at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC.
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Tonya Earle, RPN
Tonya is an experienced Aesthetic Nursing Professional with 17 years of experience consulting and educating medical professionals on the benefits of cosmetic injectables. She has been trained by industry leaders to skillfully administer therapeutic and cosmetic neuromodulators, facial fillers, and contemporary technologies nationally and internationally.
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Oksana Latinovic, RPN
After graduating in 2011 as a Registered Practical Nurse, Oksana worked in various medical settings. In 2016 Oksana obtained her neurotoxin and filler injection certification and opened her own business. Since then Oksana has completed various educational sessions and training for injectables and PRP in North America as well as Europe. Her main goal is to help people to look and feel good about themselves, enhancing their natural beauty.
Western Canada Instructors

Dr. Lawren Chan
Dr. Chan received her Bachelor of Science in cell biology and physiology at Simon Fraser University and completed her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine at Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster. Dr. Chan received advanced aesthetic certifications in neuromodulators and injectable HA fillers through training with Dr. Alibhai. She is also certified in platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) for aesthetic purposes and intravenous (IV) therapy. She is a member of the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC and the Canadian Associations of Naturopathic Doctors.

Dr. Nicole Clement
Dr. Clement received her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine diploma from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM), in New Westminster BC. She fulfilled her undergraduate work at Simon Fraser University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. Since finishing her studies, she has completed advanced training in Aesthetic Medicine including Neuromodulators, Peels, and Injectable HA Fillers. Dr. Clement is a member of the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC and the American Academy of Anti Aging Medicine.

Dr. Lindsey Jesswein
Dr. Jesswein is passionate about helping her patients live, feel, and look their best. Dr. Jesswein completed her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine at the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in cell biology and genetics at the University of British Columbia. She is a member of the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors. Dr. Jesswein holds advanced aesthetic certifications in neuromodulators and injectable HA fillers.

Dr. Kathrine Tavakoli
Dr. Tavakoli graduated from the University of Toronto with a bachelor’s degree in science. She completed her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Tavakoli has been actively practicing for over a decade. Since graduation, she has spent most of her time pursuing the ideals of beauty and health as a combined panacea for all her patients. She specializes in Cosmetic and Therapeutic Neuromodulators, Injectable HA Fillers, and platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP).
United States Instructors
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Selika Gutierrez-Borst, NP
Selika holds a Nurse Practitioner degree from North Park University. With 24 years of clinical experience and expertise, Selika possesses a strong background in Aesthetic Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Adult Clinical Psychiatry. Her background in aesthetic medicine, research, and education are met with meticulousness and compassion that her patients respect and appreciate. She works closely on the clinical and research side with Dr. Steven Dayan. She patiently embraced the realm of aesthetic medicine 15 years ago and has gained extensive knowledge, attention to detail, and the highest level of patient care. Selika has been involved in training physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and medical students for several years.
Management Team

Madeleine Binks
Maddie Binks is the Leader of Education and Business Development at IIAM. Maddie has always had a passion for beauty and felt that, combined with her BSc. in Medical Sciences, she could make an impact in the medical aesthetics industry. Her previous role as a dermatology medical rep provided a unique perspective on what medical professionals are looking for and what is lacking in education. Maddie is currently completing her MBA at UofT’s Rotman School of Management, and consistently uses this knowledge to improve the programming and overall experience for IIAM students.
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Linnea Busby | Eastern Canada
Linnea is the Program Coordinator at IIAM Ontario. She is an expert in customer relations and connects with students to identify their needs. Linnea has an attention to detail and prioritizes our student's goals to deliver the best learning experience possible.
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Jen Reyes | Western Canada
Jen is the manager of MD Cosmetic Port Moody. She brings 10 years of management experience with her and has over 22 years of experience working in the cosmetic industry. Jen is responsible for the day-to-day operations at MD Cosmetic and for ensuring that every patient receives outstanding care.
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Adriana Babani | United States