board members

Beverly Hills dermatologist Dr. Luftman has always felt that there is an important link between overall health, skin health and emotional well being. Her mission is offering cutting-edge medical care while retaining the art of medicine—always communicating with her patients.

"We should be concerned and aware of what is happening to our skin because it is the largest living organ of the body," comments Dr. Luftman. "Our overall health is reflected in the condition of our skin."

Dr. Luftman began developing her interest in science and aesthetics while an undergraduate at the University of California San Diego, where she majored in biology and minored in art history. She then traveled to Europe to pursue her artistic interests and study under a fellowship at St. Andrew University in Scotland. After returning to this country, she attended and graduated medical school at Tufts University and completed her residency in internal medicine and dermatology at UCLA. She has been board certified in Dermatology since 1996.

As founder and president of About Face Acne Foundation, Patty Novak brings the knowledge, experience, relationships, and compassion necessary to change the lives of thousands of adolescents. Throughout the last 8 years, Patty’s deeply rooted relationships with dermatologists and in-depth expertise in the world of pharmaceuticals have brought to her attention the ongoing challenge acne poses for low income families. As a result of either insufficient insurance coverage or unaffordable co-pays, thousands of families simply cannot afford treatment. Furthermore, she found that increasing the amount of medication samples given to doctors is not a sufficient alternative for this population of patients.  The ongoing and compelling requests by physicians to help facilitate treatment for these patients inspired Patty to begin her journey to About Face. 

Patty’s role as President and board member of About Face will be focused primarily on increasing patient participation and fund development. She will also act as the interface between potential program participants and participating dermatologists. Additionally, it is Patty’s hope to work with national health plans to improve their coverage levels for indigent patients suffering from acne.

During the early part of Patty’s career in pharmaceuticals, she worked with various Managed Care entities. Targeted as a person who could consistently achieve results and build relationships, Patty worked diligently to increase the coverage of various acne medications within many of the nation’s largest health plans. It is here that she learned first hand the absence of treatment programs for low-income patients suffering from acne.

Patty earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Communication from the University of Oklahoma. During her tenure there, she spent her extracurricular time serving as an officer in many nonprofit organizations and public agencies. She served as a fellow for Governor Frank Keating and volunteered during the city’s devastating Oklahoma City Bombing. In addition, she was involved in the set up for Susan G Komen’s Oklahoma chapter during its inaugural year. It was through these endeavors that Patty experienced the true meaning of loss and human pain and how the efforts of volunteers can change the lives of not only victims but also those around them.

Dr. Vicki Rapaport brings a distinguished, cutting edge, and energetic approach to her practice as a Beverly Hills dermatologist. As the dynamic “other half” in her bustling father- daughter practice, Dr. Rapaport has long been a part of a family tradition of excellence in dermatology.  Accompanied by her father’s tried and true methods for treating skin conditions of all kinds, Dr. Rapaport brings innovative medicines and surgical procedures to her patients, allowing them “the ultimate” in dermatological care. It is her philosophy that treatment should center on excellent clinical care – diagnosing, treating, and managing dermatologic concerns efficiently and effectively.

Dr. Rapaport began her medical endeavors when she attended UCLA as a pre-med student. Following in her father’s footsteps, Dr. Rapaport attended The Jefferson Medical School at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  It was here that she recalls learning the true art of being a doctor and the importance of treating the whole patient, head to toe, mind and body. She went on to attend a medical internship in internal medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. With a passion for dermatology, Dr. Rapaport completed her residency in Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology at Thomas Jefferson University and was appointed Chief Resident of her graduating class. She attributes her clinical success today to the rigorous training she received at Jefferson and to her father’s priceless support.

As a part of her commitment to ongoing education and training of herself and others, Dr. Rapaport is an active member of numerous professional organizations and is a participant in many ongoing volunteer programs.  She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the Dermatology Foundation. In addition, she is a member of the Women’s Health Collaborative, a group of women doctors with a thirst for knowledge on the diagnosis and treatment of today’s greatest health challenges. She is an active participant in research studies conducted by some of the finest pharmaceutical companies such as Allergan.  In addition, Dr. Rapaport is a dedicated member of the Skin Cancer Foundation where she works diligently on the treatment and prevention of skin cancer.  By donating her time to the mobile skin cancer screening bus traveling throughout Southern California, she works to educate millions on the importance of sun protection and skin exams.  A cause closest to Dr. Rapaport’s heart is the education of her son and those around him about the dangers of sun exposure and the importance of skin care. As a volunteer speaker at his elementary school, Dr. Rapaport works hard to educate children on the subjects of acne and sun protection to help prevent long term skin conditions in the future.

Dr. Rapaport is known by her patients not only as a doctor committed to medical excellence, but also as one who takes an interest and the time to fully understand their needs. With an infections mix of young, energetic doctor and personal skin coach, it is no wonder that Dr. Rapaport has had such a positive impact on her patients and the quality of their lives. To help her patients maximize the effectiveness of her treatment plans, Dr. Rapaport has developed her own skin care line, SKN Beverly Hills. She hopes that through treatment and an excellent at home regimen, her patients will truly have the lifelong benefit of beautiful skin.

Dr. Diamond may be one of the most renowned plastic surgeons of the 21st Century. As a Board Certified Head & Neck Surgeon, Otolaryngologist, and fellow of American College of Surgeons, Dr. Diamond has devoted his practice to helping patients achieve an appearance that is youthful and natural.  Having been featured by the media as one of Hollywood’s most well respected facial plastic surgeons, Diamond’s reputation for medical excellence, patient rapport, and consistently unparalleled results is known throughout the nation.

Dr. Jason Diamond grew up in East Hanover, New Jersey and even as a small child he had a natural talent for using his hands. As an artist and an athlete, Dr. Diamond was both a top premedical student and a varsity baseball player for the University of Rochester in New York. He achieved early acceptance to the University of Rochester School of Medicine based on his outstanding scholastic achievements and then went on to complete his residency at the University of Kentucky in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. Following his residency, Dr. Diamond was offered a facial plastic fellowship which allowed him the opportunity to work alongside and learn from a team of some of the most well respected plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, occuloplastic surgeons, and dermatologists in the world.  This self motivated training enabled Dr. Diamond to master an extensive variety of facial enhancement techniques. His broad base of knowledge, combined with his sense of artistry, allows Dr. Diamond to tailor his approach to each individual patient. After completing his fellowship, Dr. Diamond began his practice in plastic surgery, eventually forming what is now known as The Diamond Face Institute.

Dr. Diamond remains an active member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.  He has published numerous articles including his 2002 publication in the ENT Journal on Free Radical Damage: A Possible Mechanism of Laryngeal Aging. Dr. Diamond is also frequently called upon by the media as a facial plastic surgeon specialist and has been featured on such networks as BRAVO, The Discovery Channel, CBS, NBC, FOX, and E Entertainment. In addition, he is a contributor to Harper’s Bazaar, People Magazine, and Life & Style Weekly.

Dr. Ileana Zapatero is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in acne, skin cancer, skin cancer surgery, intense pulse light and cosmetic dermatology. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Miami.  She attended the University Of Miami School Of Medicine and was elected into Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and received her medical degree in 1984.  She was a recipient of the John J. Fomon Research Fellowship from the American Cancer Society.  She interned in Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in 1985 and completed her residency in Dermatology in 1988 at UCLA Hospital and Medical Center. 

Dr. Zapatero has been in private practice in Los Angeles since 1988.  In addition to her private practice she maintains her academic affiliation as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Department of Medicine at the Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.  She has taught residents at the VA Wadsworth Medical Center and more recently has taught third year medical students in her office as a preceptor.

Dr. Zapatero has been involved in several clinical trials involving acne, including a novel benzoyl peroxide formulation.  She presently serves as a consultant with Lisa Hoffman Skin Care.  She has been interviewed by Telemundo to discuss the safety and efficacy of Botox.

Dr. Zapatero is married with 3 children and resides in Los Angeles California.

Dr. Sheila Fallon Friedlander may be one of the greatest Pediatric Dermatologists in the United States. With hundreds of publications, dozens of awards, and a long list of educational achievements, Dr. Friedlander stands out amongst her peers as both a woman of influence and as an extraordinary doctor.

Dr. Friedlander’s commitment to medical excellence is seen through her extensive involvement in both her medical practice and the education of our future doctors. She is currently serving as a member of the Senior Staff at the Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego division of Pediatric Dermatology in San Diego, California. Dr. Friedlander is also a Clinical Professor at UCSD’s School of Medicine in their Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine (Dermatology). She is also an active part of the Continuing Medical Education Committee and the Academic Affairs and Research Committee at the Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, California.  Dr. Friedlander continues her commitment to education as a mentor in the Health Professions program at UCSD and as the Director of the Fellowship Training Program in the Pediatric Dermatology Program at the Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego/UCSD School of Medicine.  As if this list of current placements is not enough, Dr. Friedlander is also the Section Chief of Dermatology at the Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego.  As an ongoing part of her practice, she continues to author scholarly texts and has published over 100 articles or text chapters throughout her career.

As a true testimony to Dr. Friedlander’s exceptional work in her medical field, she has received over a dozen awards and pieces of recognition throughout her career.  Beginning in her days of medical school, she was awarded the Davidoff Society Award for Excellence in Teaching at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine and then went on in her residency to be recognized as the Outstanding Senior Resident by the Division of Dermatology at UCLA’s Medical School. For over 10 years, Dr. Friedlander has been included as one of the “Best Doctors in America” in addition to being named one of “America’s Top Pediatricians.” In 2002, she was named the chair of the American Academy of Dermatology’s Taskforce on Bioterrorism and subsequently received the “Gold Triangle Award for Dedication to Education on Bioterrorism. She has been named as a Skaggs Clinical Research Scholar by the Scripps Research Institute and perhaps most uniquely, she was named to the 10th Edition of the 2000 Notable American Women in 2003. Dr. Friedlander’s list of honors goes on beyond this short summary and is undoubtedly a most impressive illustration of her work as a world class pediatrician.

Born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Dr. Friedlander began her career as a doctor when she attended the University of Chicago and graduated with her BA in Biological Sciences. She went on to the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine where she received her M.D., in 1979. She then moved to Bronx, New York where she was both an Intern and Resident at the Bronx Municipal Medical Center’s Department of Pediatrics where she later went on to be the Chief Resident. Dr. Friedlander went on to be an Academic Fellow in Education at this hospital and then again to be a fellow in the Division of Infectious Diseases. To complete the educational component of her career, Dr. Friedlander completed a residency in Dermatology at the ULCA Medical Center’s Department of Medicine in 1990. Since then she has remained a Diplomat for the National Board of Medical Examiners, The American Board of Pediatrics, and the American Board of Dermatology (with a subspecialty in Pediatric Dermatology).

Marilyn Kagan, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist that has been practicing for over 25 years. She is best known for her work as a psychological expert on radio and television.  She brought her unique brand of talk to Los Angeles radio for over 7 years (1991-1998). And for more than two and a half years she was the host of her own TV talk show, The Marilyn Kagan Show, on KCAL.  In its last year the show was number one in its time slot which also earned her an Emmy Award nomination. Her education, background, compassion, and accessible personality allow her to gain a quick, thoughtful, and clear understanding of an individual’s problems and rapidly present meaningful, sharp solutions.

Throughout her entire career, Kagan has reached out to those people struggling to make it through tough times in life.  In the early 80’s she was the co-founder and co-director of California Artists Human Services, a non-profit social service entertainment industry agency where she worked for 6 years.

From 1983 to 1991 Marilyn Kagan served as the supervising family therapist at the Linden Center Residential Treatment Center for emotionally and physically abused children and teens. Kagan continues her private practice today in the Los Angeles area.

Early on, Kagan had considerable success as an actress on stage and in front of the camera.  She had the starring role opposite Jodi Foster on the big screen in “Foxes”.  She was seen on television series including “Mork and Mindy” and “Hart to Hart” and co-starred in numerous movies of the week such as the award winning “The Violation of Sarah McDavid” starring Patty Duke.

Kagan has led numerous seminars and workshops on relationships and parenting skills. She is an educator at the American Jewish University where she leads marriage courses. She has been a frequent guest or news commentator on ABC, NBC, FOX 11, KTLA, KCAL, TBS, Mike and Maty, Leeza, Crook and Chase, Home and Family, Extra, ET, Hard Copy, The Other Half, and E Channel’s Talk Soup.

Kagan was the KCBS morning news relationship expert until their morning format changed. She was the co-host and family therapist on the Family Channel’s “Wait Till You Have Kids”. She was the psychological consultant on “Men Are From Mars/Women Are From Venus” show with Cybil Shephard and co-hosted the Easter Seal telethon from LA for two years

Kagan received her Masters from the San Diego State University School of Social Work and post-graduate training at Southern California Psychoanalytic Institute/Los Angeles Psychoanalytic Society. She has currently co-authored a new book entitled “Defenders of the Heart: Managing the Habits and Attitudes That Block You From a Richer,More Satisfying Life” just out from Hay House Publishing...

Dr. Karen Benik, a Board Certified Dermatologist and community activist for skin care, is one of Orange County’s most well respected and renowned dermatologists. Focusing on the treatment of acne, surgical dermatology with an emphasis on skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, and cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Benik is passionate about both preventing and treating skin conditions for people of all ages.

As a member of Saddleback Dermatology, Dr. Benik has spent over 20 years perfecting the art of dermatology. It is her mission to provide state of the art dermatologic care while also helping to educate her patients on the lifelong benefits of skin care. Furthermore, Dr. Benik is committed to the education and training of future dermatologists and community members alike. In 2008, Dr. Benik completed her 14 year position as Assistant Clinical Professor at UC Irvine, Department of Dermatology.  As a part of her dedication to improving public awareness of skin care, Dr. Benik has been featured on several radio and TV programs including Cox 3’s “The Mix” and American Health Journal on PBS where topics have included skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, photoaging treatment options, and tips for keeping skin young. 

Throughout the years, Dr. Benik has remained an active part of many of the nation’s top professional societies such as Diplomat American Board of Dermatology, American Cancer Society’s Skin Cancer Task Force, Fellow of the American Society for Dermatological Surgery and Oncology, Orange County Dermatology Society, Women’s Dermatologic Society, and a Fellow of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. She has held positions of leadership such as President and Board of directors for the Orange County Dermatology Society.

Born and raised in Berkeley, California Dr. Benik began her journey into medicine while getting her undergraduate degree in Biology at Cal State Long Beach. She went on to attend the University of California at Irvine Medical School where she earned her M.D. Following medical school, Dr. Benik went on to complete an internship in Internal Medicine at UCLA and Harbor UCLA as well as a research fellowship  at University of California, Irvine’s Department of Dermatology. In 1991, she completed her residency in dermatology at University of California, Irvine with the award of “Outstanding Resident Teacher of the Year.”

In addition to her outstanding career as a dermatologist, Dr. Benik is the proud mother of two children ages 19 and 24, and a wife of 29 years to her husband James Eggold, a podiatrist. She enjoys spending her free time taking cooking lessons, playing tennis, and taking long walks. Dr. Benik has been actively involved in many charitable organizations throughout the years including National Charity League, Special Olympics, Dorothy Day Homeless Shelter, Norman P. Murray Senior Center, Susan G. Komen, and Laura’s House to name a few.  As is evident here, Dr. Benik is committed not just as a dermatologist, a mother, and a wife, but also as a member of her community.

Ava Shamban M.D., board certified dermatologist and owner of the Laser Institute for Dermatology and European Skin Care in Santa Monica, California has a thriving medical practice along with a medical day spa. She is the featured dermatologist on ABC television’s Extreme Makeover. In addition, Dr. Shamban is also the Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at UCLA.

Dr. Shamban has an extensive background in dermatological research, technology and product development for skin rejuvenation and the treatment of acne. During the last year she has used combinations of lasers paired with at home treatments designed to more effectively address the resistant cases of acne, scarring, damage from extensive sun exposure. She has over ten lasers in her practice. Over the last year she has begun several clinical studies for the use of lasers to treat acne as well as new types of fillers for facial wrinkles.

Ava Shamban grew up in Pacific Palisades, California. In 1978, she graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with her A.B. degree in psychology. After earning her M.D. degree in 1982 from Case Western Reserve University Medical School in Cleveland, Ohio, she completed a year-long internship in internal medicine at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. In 1985, she moved back to Southern California.

As a dermatology resident in the late 80's, Dr Shamban trained at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, the county public health hospital located just south of Los Angeles. The facility there served a melting pot of immigrants from all over the world, so Dr Shamban saw a wider variety of exotic tropical skin conditions as well as the more common dermatological problems such as skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema and acne. In addition to this being the best training in the world for general dermatology, she performed bench research on collagen and elastin under the guidance of Jouni Uitto, M.D., Ph.D.

As the mother of three young sons, Dr. Shamban chose to work part time. After her residency and for the next five years, she performed some of the first clinical research studies on alpha hydroxy acids. Cosmeceuticals-that is, topical products backed by clinical studies and bench research to scientifically document textural and pigmentary improvements in the skin-are ubiquitous today but were unheard of then. At this time, Dr. Shamban also presented papers and lectures throughout Europe and the United States on rejuvenation technologies and cosmeceuticals, while training on the first, and subsequent, generations of lasers. In 1996, Dr. Shamban ventured out on her own and set up her practice, The Laser Institute for Dermatology and European Skin Care in Santa Monica, California. Located in the St. John’s Medical Center, her practice includes its own in-house medical day spa, Ava’s at the Laser Institute., as well as the Acne Treatment Center and the AVA MD Medical Spa in Beverly Hills.

In 2005 Dr. Shamban launched her new revolutionary skin care kit, Radical Departure. It is the first of its kind to deliver amazing skin smoothing results in a matter of two weeks.