This Fellowship Was Priceless — Steven A. Hanna, MD (Ep. 354)
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In this episode of Beauty and the Biz, host Katherine Mailey interviews Dr. Steven A. Hanna, a Royal College-certified plastic surgeon based in Toronto and Oshawa, Canada. Dr. Hanna shares how his advanced fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital was pivotal in mastering deep plane facelifts and advanced rhinoplasty—skills that set him apart in a market with limited high-level aesthetic expertise. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, validation in patient care, and the strategic decision to join a mature multi-physician practice with his long-time friend Dr. Derek Ford, which allowed him to focus on surgical excellence while learning business and practice management from his partner. The conversation explores the cultural nuances of marketing in Canada versus the U.S., the power of non-surgical services in building long-term patient relationships, and the value of transparency and team cohesion in practice operations. Dr. Hanna also discusses his evolving social media strategy, which now includes a dedicated team to manage content and engagement, helping to educate patients and reduce resistance during consultations. A standout moment comes when he recounts a patient who had long been dismissed as 'perfect' but finally found validation in acknowledging her own concern—highlighting the emotional weight of aesthetic surgery beyond the physical. The episode closes with reflections on work-life balance, the joys of raising a young child with his wife, and the importance of authenticity in both patient care and personal branding.
A specialized fellowship in facial aesthetics is a powerful differentiator, especially in markets with limited high-level expertise like Canada.
Partnering with a seasoned practice leader allows surgeons to focus on surgical mastery while learning business skills organically.
Patient validation—especially for concerns others dismiss—is often more impactful than surgery itself.
Non-surgical services are critical for building long-term relationships and guiding patients toward surgical options when ready.
Social media success comes from consistency and delegation—hiring a dedicated team to manage content frees up surgeon time and improves quality.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Power of Validation in Aesthetic Medicine
“Sometimes the patients who don't do things with you just need to be validated.”
Why Fellowship Was a Career Game-Changer
Dr. Hanna details how his fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital provided elite training in deep plane facelifts and rhinoplasty—skills he could not have gained in a standard Canadian residency. He emphasizes the mentorship from pioneers in the field and how this training became the foundation of his clinical identity and competitive edge.
The Strategic Move: Joining a Multi-Physician Practice
Dr. Hanna explains how he and his partner, Dr. Ford, built a collaborative practice rooted in shared values and mutual trust. He highlights the benefits of joining a mature practice—learning business operations, sharing overhead, and creating a supportive team environment—while acknowledging the challenges of navigating partnership dynamics.
Team Culture, HR, and the Art of Transparent Leadership
The episode dives into practice operations, with Dr. Hanna sharing insights on hiring, team meetings, and fostering a culture of openness. He stresses the importance of assessing character over references, holding regular (if not perfect) meetings, and maintaining transparency to keep everyone aligned and accountable.
Marketing in Canada: Quiet Confidence vs. Loud Hype
Dr. Hanna contrasts the low-key, relationship-driven marketing culture in Canada with the aggressive, self-promotional style common in the U.S. He argues that authenticity, patient education, and subtle positioning—rather than loud claims—build trust and long-term loyalty in a more reserved market.
“Sometimes the patients who don't do things with you just need to be validated.”
“You’re not presenting, you’re not selling, you’re not pushing because they already know you now.”
“I’ve recently hired someone to help with scheduling content, putting it out on multiple platforms and keeping it regular. And that’s been a real positive change for me, both mentally and on the actual performance side.”
Host
Guest
Dr. Steven A. Hanna
person
Katherine Mailey
person
other
Dr. Derek Ford
person
Toronto
place
Beauty and the Biz
media
Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital
organization
TikTok
other
University of Toronto
organization
Dr. Megan Ford
person
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