Dr. Shannon Humphrey is Many Women
Dr. Shannon Humphrey is Many Women
She is an adoring wife to Dave, and mother to her four children–Stella, Audrey, Vivian, and Stanley–her two dogs, and four chickens.
She is a world-renowned aesthetic dermatologist at the forefront of innovation in cosmetic dermatology. She is the medical director at Humphrey & Beleznay Cosmetic Dermatology, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia, and an active clinical researcher, serving as a principal investigator for numerous pivotal cosmetic clinical trials.
She is a global thought leader and international educator, who travels the world sharing her expertise and insights with the global dermatology community. She 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.
She is a prolific hobbyist; an outdoor enthusiast, a novice mountain biker, a surfer, an aerial silks performer, and a beginner ukulele player.
She is a health and wellness enthusiast a dedicated lifelong yogi, who cannot go a day without moving her body.
She is a philanthropist, who champions female-led Canadian enterprise.
She is a bibliophile, to the nth degree. Some of her recent book recommendations include Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart, The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.
She is a loyal, dedicated, and private friend, who fiercely cherishes, nurtures, and protects the friendships she holds close.
She is a champion of a positive and dynamic work environment. Her passion and purpose is creating a positive dynamic and sustainable work environment for the amazing women who make up the Humphrey & Beleznay team.
Dr. Shannon Humphrey is each of these women, and her positive aging plan fits the sum of each and every one of her parts.
The 360° approach to dermatology was born from Shannon’s desire to honour the whole patient, and was developed in contrast to the traditionally transactional approach to cosmetic medicine that honours a single feature or product. She was intent on building her practice with a laser focus on each and every one of her remarkable, unique, and diverse patients, and to empower them to age well. At the foundation of the 360° approach is a true understanding of the patient and their preferences, experiences, perceptions, motivations, and self-identity. In Shannon’s opinion, this is the only way in which it is possible to deliver maximal benefit from the treatments provided at Humphrey & Beleznay Cosmetic Dermatology. It’s also more likely to leverage the cumulative and preventative effect of these treatments; in comparison to a one-time treatment, these repeated treatments over time will help age patients well. Over the last 14 years in practice, Shannon has observed that the benefits of cosmetic dermatology come when we more closely align a patient’s self-image with their physical appearance. We all see ourselves a certain way, but when we look in the mirror, our reflection doesn’t always match how we self-identify. Bringing self-image and physical appearance into alignment provides great psychological benefit.
The 360° degree approach is not only the foundation of her practice, but of her personal relationship with aging. Shannon fundamentally believes in the mind-body connection, and knows she can’t show up in this world as her best self if she doesn’t eat well, move her body, and prioritize sleep. Of course, she also makes time for her own personalized 360° treatment plan at Humphrey & Beleznay Cosmetic Dermatology. It may come as no surprise that this treatment plan has a primary overarching goal of skin quality. She prioritizes IPL, microneedling, SKINVIVE™️, skin tightening (Ultherapy® full-face and neck and Thermage® eyes) treatments twice per year, and conservative, preventative neuromodulator treatments every 4 months. She uses evidence-based skincare, but she keeps it simple; currently her routine includes vitamin C, hyaluronic acid serums, and lots of sunscreen.
Over the years Shannon has become increasingly happy, comfortable, and confident with her appearance and in her body. If she could tell her younger self—or any young adult—one thing, it would be that the happiest people are those who care for themselves, who are kind to themselves, and who love themselves. This is a phenomenon she has observed in her practice as well: the patients that are happiest are those who feel most comfortable in their own skin.
Dr. Shannon Humphrey is not striving to be the perfect woman—because she knows that woman doesn’t exist. Luckily, a 360° plan need only fit the one beautiful soul it belongs to… and there is only one Dr. Shannon Humphrey.
We’d like to thank our readers for spending time with this feature series. It has been a true labour of love; sharing the stories of these extraordinary women has been an honour and a privilege.
