Dr. Aziza Wahby, of Chagrin Valley Dermatology, offers advanced treatments to get your skin where you need it to and help you find your confidence
By Mary Malik
Medicine and music may seem worlds apart, but not for Dr. Aziza Wahby. As the child of a nurse and orthopedic surgeon, and grandchild of doctors, Dr. Wahby was surrounded by a family of medical professionals but still pursued her dream of playing violin.
“I was a violinist growing up in Iowa and went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in violin performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music,” says Dr. Wahby. “But medicine was calling, so I switched paths and chose dermatology as a specialty.”
Suffering from acne as a teenager, Dr. Wahby loved her dermatologist. That relationship and an interest in immunology and microbiology, two systems involved with dermatology, led her to make the career change. Ultimately, she launched her own practice, Chagrin Valley Dermatology.
“Having struggled with acne as a teen, I understand how it affects confidence,” says Dr. Wahby. “I have patients who can’t look me in the eye when we meet, then, as their skin clears, their confidence improves, and their personalities shine through.”
From infants through adults, Dr. Wahby treats all types of skin issues, including acne, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancers and growths, and even hair loss, and performs many cosmetic dermatology procedures.
“Dermatologists care for people throughout their lives as the skin evolves,” says Dr. Wahby. “When I treat healthy, younger people for acne or other skin irritations, I might be the only doctor they see. My own practice allows me to take time with patients and get to know them and support them however I can, so their visit is a positive experience.”
Dr. Wahby worked in another area practice for seven years before opening her own office.
“I wanted a more intimate setting where patients, for starters, talk directly to a person when they call,” says Dr. Wahby. “There is plenty of parking and patients walk right in without the confusion and intimidation of a hospital or large medical building. They’re greeted by a friendly face in a professional yet warm and welcoming environment, with plenty of space for privacy.”
Dr. Wahby says that the corporatization of many practices today makes medical care more expensive and certainly less personal.
“I wanted to get back to the relationships that my practice allows me to form,” says Dr. Wahby. “I enjoy taking an active interest in my patients and their lives. I know their medical and family history, and they have direct access to me through email. It’s a supportive partnership.”
And speaking of support, working with Dr. Wahby is aesthetician Dianne Goodbar, LPN, offering a complete line of skincare and treatments.
“I do the fillers, neuromodulators—like Botox—and laser treatments myself,” says Dr. Wahby. “Dianne specializes in creating skincare programs specific to each patient. She offers a full menu of facials, dermaplaning, microneedling and chemical peels along with medical-grade skincare products for all skin types.”
Nothing is used or sold at Chagrin Valley Dermatology that Dr. Wahby hasn’t tried on her own skin.
“I have very sensitive skin,” says Dr. Wahby. “If I can tolerate it and I think it’s a useful product, we’ll offer it to patients.”
An assistant clinical professor of dermatology at CWRU and resident clinic preceptor at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Dr. Wahby gives back to her profession.
“It’s a nice way to honor the field that I’m so passionate about,” says Dr. Wahby. “And when I get some free time, I still love to play that violin.”
Chagrin Valley Dermatology is located at 7185 Chagrin Road, Suite B, in Chagrin Falls. For more information and to schedule an appointment call 440-999-3035 or check the website, ChagrinValleyDerm.com.