Natalie Plana is a New York facial plastic and craniofacial surgeon who treats a newborn's cleft lip and a grandmother's facelift with the same eye for 1mmr of difference. 

Trained in classical ballet and modern dance, Dr. Plana spent three years at the Ailey School while earning her degree at Fordham.

A single email as a medical student changed her direction. She reached out to Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, NYU's newly recruited chairman of plastic surgery and a pioneer of facial transplantation, and spent two years as a research fellow on his team, witnessing one of the most extensive face transplants performed to date. That work, she says, is where she truly learned what plastic surgery is and how to meet a patient's needs.

Her craniofacial philosophy runs through the whole conversation: function and aesthetics are not competing priorities. Whether she's aligning the red border of an infant's cleft lip or rejuvenating an older face, the standard is the same, and a one-millimeter step-off is noticeable to the eye. She also makes a distinction worth hearing, that necessity should be defined by the patient's goals, not by the surgeon.

Dr. Plana treats the face as a whole, integrating the bony skeleton with the soft tissue rather than working only on the surface, and why rhinoplasty sits at the center of it all. She also walks through how much jaw surgery has changed: patients can now go through orthognathic surgery with Invisalign instead of braces, and with elastics for a couple of weeks instead of having their jaw wired shut.

If you're weighing facial surgery, or you just want to understand how a surgeon thinks about the face, this is a warm, unusually candid place to start.

Dr. Natalie Plana
Facial Plastic & Craniofacial Surgeon, New York City

Dr. Natalie Plana is a fellowship-trained facial plastic and craniofacial surgeon in New York City whose work blends reconstruction and aesthetics across the face. She earned her medical degree at NYU, where she was recognized for excellence in plastic surgery, completed her plastic surgery residency at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and returned to NYU for advanced fellowship training in craniofacial surgery. Her practice spans cleft and craniofacial reconstruction, rhinoplasty, orthognathic (jaw) surgery, and facial rejuvenation, and she still performs cleft surgery alongside her aesthetic work. A former Alvin Ailey and Fordham dancer, she credits that background for the discipline and precision she brings to the operating room.

Follow Dr. Plana on Instagram @dr.natalieplana

Learn more at planaplasticsurgery.com

About Meet the Doctor
The purpose of this podcast is simple. We want you to get to know your doctor before meeting them in person, because you're making a life-changing decision and time is scarce. The more you can learn about who your doctor is before you meet them, the better that first meeting will be. Your host is Eva Sheie.

There's no substitute for an in-person appointment, but we hope this comes close. If you're considering making an appointment or are on your way to meet this doctor, be sure to let them know you heard them on the Meet the Doctor podcast.

Are you a doctor, or do you know a doctor who'd like to be on the Meet the Doctor podcast? Book a free recording session at meetthedoctorpodcast.com

Meet the Doctor is made with love in Austin, Texas, and is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io

Known for his calm, thoughtful approach, Dr. David Nguyen believes great plastic surgery starts with listening. He takes the time to understand what matters to you—your goals, your concerns, and your life—before ever talking about a procedure.

A first-generation physician and son of Vietnamese immigrants, Dr. Nguyen grew up helping his parents navigate medical care. That early experience shaped how he practices today: clear communication, patience, and making sure nothing feels rushed or confusing.

Patients describe Dr. Nguyen as reassuring, honest, and easy to talk to. He prioritizes education and transparency, walking through options, recovery, and realistic outcomes so expectations are clear and supported from the start.

Trained in both reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery, with advanced fellowship experience in cosmetic procedures from head to toe, Dr. Nguyen practices with a simple philosophy: treat every patient like family, with care that extends well beyond the operating room.

To learn more about Fort Worth plastic surgeon Dr. David Nguyen

Follow Dr. Nguyen on Instagram @dr.davidnguyen 

ABOUT MEET THE DOCTOR 

The purpose of the Meet the Doctor podcast is simple.  We want you to get to know your doctor before meeting them in person because you’re making a life changing decision and time is scarce. The more you can learn about who your doctor is before you meet them, the better that first meeting will be. 

When you head into an important appointment more informed and better educated, you are able to have a richer, more specific conversation about the procedures and treatments you’re interested in. There’s no substitute for an in-person appointment, but we hope this comes close.

Meet The Doctor is a production of The Axis.
Made with love in Austin, Texas.

Are you a doctor or do you know a doctor who’d like to be on the Meet the Doctor podcast?  Book a free 30 minute recording session at meetthedoctorpodcast.com.

Host: Eva Sheie 
Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart
Engineering: Victoria Cheng
Theme music: A Grace Sufficient by JOYSPRING

From the very first conversation to long after surgery, Dr. Christopher Chang focuses on clarity, alignment, and trust. He believes great outcomes start with education—cutting through online noise, social media myths, and one-off anecdotes to help you understand what’s realistic for you.

Dr. Chang helps set expectations that hold up over time. He addresses common misconceptions—like how recovery fades from memory or how subtle, well-done work often goes unnoticed. In a world shaped by filters, edits, and AI-generated images, his strict policy against altered photos reflects a commitment to honesty.

Double board certified in plastic and facial plastic surgery, with specialized experience in facial surgery and pediatric reconstruction, he prioritizes precision over trends—no shortcuts, no pressure.

Based in Washington, DC, Dr. Chang serves a diverse community where discretion means different things to different people. Some choose to share their journey openly, others prefer privacy. His team respects both. 

Whether the goal is facial refinement, body contouring, or medically guided weight loss with GLP-1 medications, the focus stays the same: thoughtful care, clear communication, and results that feel natural and safe.

To learn more about Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang

Follow Dr. Chang @dcplasticsurgeon and his team @congressionalplasticsurgery on Instagram

ABOUT MEET THE DOCTOR 

The purpose of the Meet the Doctor podcast is simple.  We want you to get to know your doctor before meeting them in person because you’re making a life changing decision and time is scarce. The more you can learn about who your doctor is before you meet them, the better that first meeting will be. 

When you head into an important appointment more informed and better educated, you are able to have a richer, more specific conversation about the procedures and treatments you’re interested in. There’s no substitute for an in-person appointment, but we hope this comes close.

Meet The Doctor is a production of The Axis.
Made with love in Austin, Texas.

Are you a doctor or do you know a doctor who’d like to be on the Meet the Doctor podcast?  Book a free 30 minute recording session at meetthedoctorpodcast.com.

Host: Eva Sheie 
Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart
Engineering: Victoria Cheng
Theme music: A Grace Sufficient by JOYSPRING

Double board-certified in family medicine and osteopathic manual medicine, Dr. Whitney Wolfe takes a whole-person approach to wellness—helping people feel balanced, confident, and cared for from the inside out.

As founder and medical director of Premier Spa of Murray in Kentucky, Dr. Wolfe blends hands-on healing with advanced medical aesthetics to support every aspect of her patients’ health and confidence. She believes great care means looking deeper than symptoms—listening, educating, and uncovering the root causes behind how you feel.

Her expertise spans hormone balancing, pelvic floor therapy, weight management, and skin and body rejuvenation. Using advanced technologies like radiofrequency microneedling and laser treatments, she tailors each plan to deliver natural, lasting results.

Known for her warm, educational approach, Dr. Wolfe offers complimentary consultations to help new patients feel at ease from the start. Whether your goals are wellness, confidence, or both, she helps you take control of your health—one thoughtful, evidence-based step at a time.

To learn more about Premier Spa of Murray

Follow Dr. Whitney Wolfe on Instagram @drwhitneywolfe

Follow Premier Spa of Murray on Instagram @premierspamurray

ABOUT MEET THE DOCTOR 

The purpose of the Meet the Doctor podcast is simple.  We want you to get to know your doctor before meeting them in person because you’re making a life changing decision and time is scarce. The more you can learn about who your doctor is before you meet them, the better that first meeting will be. 

When you head into an important appointment more informed and better educated, you are able to have a richer, more specific conversation about the procedures and treatments you’re interested in. There’s no substitute for an in-person appointment, but we hope this comes close.

Meet The Doctor is a production of The Axis.
Made with love in Austin, Texas.

Are you a doctor or do you know a doctor who’d like to be on the Meet the Doctor podcast?  Book a free 30 minute recording session at meetthedoctorpodcast.com.

Host: Eva Sheie 
Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart
Engineering: Victoria Cheng
Theme music: A Grace Sufficient by JOYSPRING

Since founding Westside Aesthetics in Los Angeles, Dr. Alexander Rivkin has earned a reputation as a pioneer in non-surgical aesthetics. Originally trained in ENT, he was drawn to the possibilities of injectables early in his career and has since become a leading authority on advanced non-surgical procedures.

Patients know him best for his signature treatment, the non-surgical rhinoplasty, which has become a trusted alternative for reshaping or even correcting surgical results without another operation. 

What makes him stand out, though, isn’t just innovation. It’s his honesty, approachable style, and focus on making every visit feel comfortable and stress-free.

At Westside Aesthetics, the vibe is warm and welcoming (therapy dogs included). His philosophy is simple: real expertise, straight talk, and treatments designed to help patients feel understood, supported, and at ease.

To learn more about Dr. Alexander Rivkin

Follow Dr. Rivkin on Instagram @dr.rivkin

Follow Westside Aesthetics on Instagram @rivkin_aesthetics

ABOUT MEET THE DOCTOR 

The purpose of the Meet the Doctor podcast is simple.  We want you to get to know your doctor before meeting them in person because you’re making a life changing decision and time is scarce. The more you can learn about who your doctor is before you meet them, the better that first meeting will be. 

When you head into an important appointment more informed and better educated, you are able to have a richer, more specific conversation about the procedures and treatments you’re interested in. There’s no substitute for an in-person appointment, but we hope this comes close.

Meet The Doctor is a production of The Axis.
Made with love in Austin, Texas.

Are you a doctor or do you know a doctor who’d like to be on the Meet the Doctor podcast?  Book a free 30 minute recording session at meetthedoctorpodcast.com.

Host: Eva Sheie 
Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart
Engineering: Victoria Cheng
Theme music: A Grace Sufficient by JOYSPRING

Since 2003, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dina Strachan has focused her practice on delivering effective, efficient, and elegant care for skin, hair, and nails—across all skin types and hair textures.

For women and men struggling with hair loss, she is known for turning confusion into clarity. Many patients don’t realize how many hair loss treatment options exist, and Dr. Strachan loves educating while solving the “mystery” behind what’s really happening. 

From thinning hair to complex scalp conditions, her expertise has made her a go-to resource not only for patients but also for the media, with appearances in outlets from Netflix’s Black Beauty Effect to major medical publications.

Her approach is inclusive, fast-paced without ever feeling rushed, and always centered on helping patients feel heard and empowered with real solutions. With innovations in hair restoration continuing to expand, Dr. Strachan is at the forefront of bringing the latest insights and treatments to the people who need them most.

To learn more about New York City dermatologist Dr. Dina Strachan

Follow Dr. Strachan on Instagram @aglowdermnyc

Dr. Strachan’s article on KevinMD, I don’t apologize for being a fast doctor

Netflix, Black Beauty Effect

ABOUT MEET THE DOCTOR 

The purpose of the Meet the Doctor podcast is simple.  We want you to get to know your doctor before meeting them in person because you’re making a life changing decision and time is scarce. The more you can learn about who your doctor is before you meet them, the better that first meeting will be. 

When you head into an important appointment more informed and better educated, you are able to have a richer, more specific conversation about the procedures and treatments you’re interested in. There’s no substitute for an in-person appointment, but we hope this comes close.

Meet The Doctor is a production of The Axis.
Made with love in Austin, Texas.

Are you a doctor or do you know a doctor who’d like to be on the Meet the Doctor podcast?  Book a free 30 minute recording session at meetthedoctorpodcast.com.

Host: Eva Sheie 
Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart
Engineering: Spencer Clarkson
Theme music: A Grace Sufficient by JOYSPRING

For those who have tried everything to help with depression, board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Nadia Bening offers transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive, FDA-approved therapy that targets the prefrontal cortex to help reset brain activity.

Specializing in treatment-resistant depression, Dr. Bening is passionate about raising awareness for TMS. With minimal side effects, it can be life-changing for people who haven’t found relief with medications like SSRIs.

Sessions are quick (typically under 20 minutes), require no downtime, and are often covered by insurance. Dr. Bening’s experience is that many people start feeling better within two weeks. 

Dr. Bening sees patients across multiple Austin-area locations, including Burnet, Killeen, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Canyon Lake, and Marble Falls.

To learn more about Dr. Nadia Bening

Follow Dr. Bening on Instagram @texashillcountrytms

ABOUT MEET THE DOCTOR 

The purpose of the Meet the Doctor podcast is simple.  We want you to get to know your doctor before meeting them in person because you’re making a life changing decision and time is scarce. The more you can learn about who your doctor is before you meet them, the better that first meeting will be. 

When you head into an important appointment more informed and better educated, you are able to have a richer, more specific conversation about the procedures and treatments you’re interested in. There’s no substitute for an in-person appointment, but we hope this comes close.

Meet The Doctor is a production of The Axis.
Made with love in Austin, Texas.

Are you a doctor or do you know a doctor who’d like to be on the Meet the Doctor podcast?  Book a free 30 minute recording session at meetthedoctorpodcast.com.

Host: Eva Sheie 
Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart
Engineering: Spencer Clarkson
Theme music: A Grace Sufficient by JOYSPRING

Dr. Stephanie Moss is a psychiatry resident with a passion for giving a voice to people who often go unheard. 

Treating military recruits and veterans facing trauma or seeking discharge for mental health reasons, her approach centers on creating a safe space where patients feel respected and understood. 

Stephanie’s own experiences—managing chronic health conditions, navigating an endometriosis diagnosis, and taking time off medical school—shaped her perspective on healthcare and the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in medicine.

Determined to break that stigma, she shares her story openly and amplifies others’ through her podcast, Life as a Patient-Doctor. By connecting the mind-body relationship in her practice, she helps patients see that their struggles don’t define them and that they are never alone.

To learn more about Chicago Psychiatry Resident Dr. Stephanie Moss

Follow Dr. Moss on Instagram @stephmossmd

Listen to Dr. Moss’ podcast, Life as a Patient-Doctor

ABOUT MEET THE DOCTOR 

The purpose of the Meet the Doctor podcast is simple.  We want you to get to know your doctor before meeting them in person because you’re making a life changing decision and time is scarce. The more you can learn about who your doctor is before you meet them, the better that first meeting will be. 

When you head into an important appointment more informed and better educated, you are able to have a richer, more specific conversation about the procedures and treatments you’re interested in. There’s no substitute for an in-person appointment, but we hope this comes close.

Meet The Doctor is a production of The Axis.
Made with love in Austin, Texas.

Are you a doctor or do you know a doctor who’d like to be on the Meet the Doctor podcast?  Book a free 30 minute recording session at meetthedoctorpodcast.com.

Host: Eva Sheie 
Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart
Engineering: Spencer Clarkson
Theme music: A Grace Sufficient by JOYSPRING

Dr. Sarah Marino doesn’t just treat symptoms; she treats people. She transitioned from hospital medicine into direct primary care (DPC) so she could offer something too many patients go without: time, access, and transparency.

Her model guarantees next-day availability for urgent needs, HIPAA-compliant direct texting, and longer visits—an hour for the first, then 30 minutes each time after. It's membership-based care that feels personal, with a clear menu of services, no surprise lab bills, and prices lower than insurance. For her, it’s about putting the power back in patients’ hands.

The healthcare system is frustrating, inflated, and lacking in transparency, so she built something better. Her care is grounded in four pillars: nutrition, mental health, sleep, and movement. Medications come later, after she’s taken the time to really understand what’s going on.

Based in Dripping Springs, her mission is simple: to support longevity and well-being without turning into a prescription machine.

To learn more about Dr. Sarah Marino’s Dripping Springs Direct Primary Care

Follow Dr. Marino on Instagram @marinomedica

ABOUT MEET THE DOCTOR 

The purpose of the Meet the Doctor podcast is simple.  We want you to get to know your doctor before meeting them in person because you’re making a life changing decision and time is scarce. The more you can learn about who your doctor is before you meet them, the better that first meeting will be. 

When you head into an important appointment more informed and better educated, you are able to have a richer, more specific conversation about the procedures and treatments you’re interested in. There’s no substitute for an in-person appointment, but we hope this comes close.

Meet The Doctor is a production of The Axis.
Made with love in Austin, Texas.

Are you a doctor or do you know a doctor who’d like to be on the Meet the Doctor podcast?  Book a free 30 minute recording session at meetthedoctorpodcast.com.

Host: Eva Sheie 
Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart
Engineering: Daniel Croeser and Spencer Clarkson
Theme music: A Grace Sufficient by JOYSPRING

Dr. Jules Walters is known for delivering natural, high-impact results with minimal downtime. From rapid recovery breast augmentation to deep plane facelifts, his techniques are designed to get patients back to life with results they love. Most of his breast surgery patients are out to dinner the night of surgery and never need narcotics. 

Drawn to surgery from a young age, Dr. Walters found his calling in plastic surgery by the end of his intern year. After five years in a group practice, he launched his own in early 2020 to build a culture rooted in integrity, excellence, and patient-centered care.

Today, his New Orleans practice is known for its high-achieving team, positive energy, and beautifully customized results. Dr. Walters stays on the leading edge of facelift advancements and never offers treatments that don’t truly work. His approach is honest, precise, and always focused on helping patients look like the best version of themselves—never someone else.

To learn more about New Orleans plastic surgeon Dr. Jules Walters

Follow Dr. Walters on Instagram @drjuleswalters

Follow Dr. Walters’ practice on Instagram @themodernnola

ABOUT MEET THE DOCTOR 

The purpose of the Meet the Doctor podcast is simple.  We want you to get to know your doctor before meeting them in person because you’re making a life changing decision and time is scarce. The more you can learn about who your doctor is before you meet them, the better that first meeting will be. 

When you head into an important appointment more informed and better educated, you are able to have a richer, more specific conversation about the procedures and treatments you’re interested in. There’s no substitute for an in-person appointment, but we hope this comes close.

Meet The Doctor is a production of The Axis.
Made with love in Austin, Texas.

Are you a doctor or do you know a doctor who’d like to be on the Meet the Doctor podcast?  Book a free 30 minute recording session at meetthedoctorpodcast.com.

Host: Eva Sheie 
Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart
Engineering: Spencer Clarkson
Theme music: A Grace Sufficient by JOYSPRING