Dr. Ava Shamban is a board-certified dermatologist who believes that appearance and self-esteem are one in the same. She dedicates herself to helping patients worldwide heal their skin to live happier lives. A California native, Dr. Ava graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and earned her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She is currently a member of the ASDS, the AAD and serves on the editorial board for The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. In addition to her practices in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, Dr. Ava was also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the UCLA-Geffen School of Medicine. She lectures internationally and serves as a principal investigator on many clinical and FDA trials. She is the author of Heal Your Skin: The Breakthrough Plan for Renewal (Wiley, 2011), makes regular television appearances on CBS’s The Doctors and ABC’s Extreme Makeover, and is a frequently quoted health and beauty expert in magazines all over the world.

Denise embarked on her journey with Ava MD in 2019 where she eagerly immersed herself in the world of dermatology. She received her B.A in Economic Studies from Loyola Marymount University and brings her expertise to the Clinical Research Department as a study coordinator and as Research Project Manager.

Denise collaborates closely with Dr. Shamban, the principal investigator, to ensure top-tier care and optimal results for both our clinical trials and participants.  Attention to detail, combined with a genuine passion for advancing the frontiers of dermatological science, Denise ensures that each study is conducted with the utmost precision and care.

Tamar Melkonian’s unrelenting curiosity, meticulous attention to detail and sincere passion for medicine brought her to AVA MD where she has since found her niche as the Director of Clinical Research. She finds joy in the collaborative environment afforded by clinical research, whereby she works closely alongside Dr. Ava Shamban, her fellow research team members, numerous research participants, clinical research associates/organizations as well as many sponsors on the singular goal of conducting well-run and data-driven clinical trials. She takes pride in continually trying to expand the range of options available for solving any given problem whilst working to uphold Dr. Shamban’s stellar reputation in the realm of dermatology clinical research.