Although the theme of this 12th edition is play, and Dr. Banafcheh Hejazi is one of the most playful humans I know (you definitely want her at your next party!), this profile is decidedly more serious. You see, in addition to being an incredibly accomplished family physician with a thriving practice, a beloved professor at McGill, and a leader in the field of aesthetic medicine, there’s another side I couldn’t wait to share because it’s that impactful and speaks volumes about how important self-care and mental health are against the backdrop of our stress-dominant world.
Born to a close-knit family in Iran, Dr. Bana (as she’s affectionately known to many) moved from France to Canada as a teen with a dream of becoming a family doctor. After years of all the rigorous study and hard work associated with bringing this dream to life, she graduated from the renowned Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montreal and set out to make her mark. To that end, she spent years building her practice and teaching others with the same aspirations.
In 2008, she and her husband welcomed a beautiful son. But despite all the love surrounding his birth, she found herself suffering from what she thought was postpartum depression, aka the “baby blues.” Unfortunately, though, the darkness was becoming more difficult to shake, causing Dr. Bana to delve deeper into its origins.
“I was forced to take a closer look at the root of my depression and anxiety, and after seeking professional support, finally came to the realization that the cause of my suffering was more profoundly connected to my profession,” Dr. Bana explained. Armed with some clarity on the situation (which was somewhat liberating in its own right), the fearless warrior woman persevered, making it a mission to learn more about the unfortunate link between depression/anxiety and the study and practice of medicine.
The findings were enlightening, albeit heartbreaking. She discovered that many fellow physicians had been suffering silently beside her. To date, the statistic is a staggering 40% (which could well be an underestimation given the stigma still associated with mental health challenges, as well as the superhuman status doctors feel the need to embody). “We live in a world where perfection in all incarnations is expected, especially in the field of medicine,” she elaborated.
What happened next? What always happens when this big-hearted powerhouse decides enough is enough! Dr. Bana made it a life focus to take action and to date is not only the producer of the trailblazing documentary Doctors Also Cry (that has been broadcast multiple times on major networks and is a mandatory component of first-year Quebec medical curriculums), but has also presented over 50 conferences on the topic across Canada in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association. She’s also produced several other well-watched documentaries, including Beautiful Difference, helping to highlight the challenges faced by autistic teens, and Ados et Anxieux, underscoring the difference art can make for adolescents struggling with social anxiety. It’s no surprise that the indefatigable champion of mental health and wellness was awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal from Queen Elizabeth II for outstanding volunteer work at the Shield of Athena, a shelter for family violence.
It’s also no surprise that she has brought a similar conscientious and compassionate approach to her practise of aesthetic medicine where Dr. Bana considers many factors before treating her patients’ needs. “When consulting a patient for the first-time, it’s my priority to gain an understanding of their expectations in a more holistic way; one that takes into consideration their overall well-being and mental health. Truth be told, aesthetic medicine might deliver noticeable results to the outer face and body, but there’s a powerful connection to the emotional and psychological dimensions of the human experience as well which, in my opinion, is sacred, To that end, while I work diligently to ensure that I keep up to date with all the most current results-based treatments, I’m equally devoted to ensuring that patients receive the best possible care for their overall well-being in a safe, nurturing and trustworthy setting.” “Trust is everything to me,” she confides. “I’m very protective of each patient and want them to leave my office feeling like they’ve met realistic expectations and can now greet the world as the best possible versions of themselves.” Power to that, Dr. Bana. Keep shining.
To learn more about Dr Bana and to secure a complementary consultation regarding all the latest aesthetic treatments for summer and beyond, make an appointment at 514 849 7373 or visit: 4084A Saint Laurent Boulevard, Montreal. Also, follow her on Instagram @dr.banahejazi.