Dr. Darshan Shah Bakersfield CA

You may have seen Dr. Darshan Shah lend his expertise to a woman on Extreme Makeover, or perhaps you’ve seen him featured on Matt Lauer’s Today Show segment about Mommy Makeovers. Located in Bakersfield and Malibu, the cosmetic surgeon is renowned for his talent with breast lifts and augmentations, tummy tucks, liposuction, face lifts, rhinoplasty, and eyelid procedures.

What you may not know about the surgeon, however, is that he has an unwavering commitment to humanitarian missions. From providing assistance to the homeless, to performing pro bono reconstructive work for the poor, Dr. Shah strives to put all of his talents to good use.

American Cancer Society

One favorite cause that Dr. Shah supports is the American Cancer Society. Because the charity focuses on research and treatment, cancer patients everywhere have a bit more hope because of the American Cancer Society’s mission to find a cure. In the past, the doctor has been a sponsor of the Bakersfield Relay for Life, which is the local fundraising effort for the organization.

From helping people quit smoking, to providing transportation assistance for cancer victims, the American Cancer Society makes a true difference in both hidden and overt ways. Every contribution and sponsor of the Relay for Life can make a serious impact. The Pap test for women was discovered through research that was funded by the Society, and this test has singlehandedly reduced deaths from cervical cancer by 70 percent.

American Heart Association

Another favorite philanthropic cause of Dr. Shah’s is the American Heart Association. Why is he a fan? Simply put, the American Heart Association fights our nation’s leading causes of death – heart disease and stroke. Heart disease is the number one killer in America, and stroke is the third-leading killer. The surgeon knows that donations help fund research into these areas, as well as improve patient care for those living with heart disease or the repercussions of a stroke.

Local Philanthropic Efforts

Beyond funding research programs to end disease, Dr. Darshan Shah is deeply committed to combating homelessness and hunger. One of his favorite charities is the Bakersfield Homeless Center, which provides food, shelter, clothing, and more to the local homeless population. Dr. Shah not only donates to homeless causes – he also provides his time.

In 2010, the surgeon covered the cost of Housing Authority food basket deliveries for hundreds of families in the Bakersfield area. Channel 23 featured the story, because the deliveries were going to be cancelled due to lack of funding. With a $4500 check, the deliveries were back on, and Dr. Shah made Christmas dinner possible for 300 families. Not content to just give money, the plastic surgeon and his staff delivered the baskets in person. He enjoys meeting people in person to see what a difference his contributions can make, and he feels honored to be able to talk with wonderful people who are simply down on their luck.

In November 2010, the doctor also took time out to serve turkey dinners to families at the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter. According to Dr. Shah, with so many people struggling in the area, the homeless need a boost now more than ever. Feeding the homeless at the holidays is just one way to bring joy and light to the less fortunate.

Medical Care for Survivors

There are survivors of abuse, and then there are burn survivors. Darshan Shah helps both groups by providing free reconstructive work as part of his work for two charities he spearheaded – Beautologie Helps and The Promise.

Through Beautologie Helps, Dr. Shah donates his time to patients in Bakersfield who do not have the means to pay for reconstructive plastic surgery – including survivors of domestic violence. The surgeon recognizes that scars go more than skin deep, especially with victims of abuse. From fixing the facial scar of an abused woman, to mending the scars on a victim of a botched surgery, the doctor is quick to help those who have been victimized by others.

The Promise is an overseas mission that aims to help burn survivors, as well as mend cleft lips and cleft palates. As a founding member of the philanthropy, Dr. Shah travels to Africa, Asia, and South America with other doctors to provide medical care for those who cannot afford pricey procedures like cleft surgery. It’s truly a blessing to see lives transformed because of reconstructive surgery. Because cleft palates and lips cause concomitant health problems, it’s impossible to underestimate the importance of a cleft operation.

The doctor gives back to his local community, as well as the world at large, because every donation of time or money can make a significant impact. While it seems sometimes that the problems in the world are overwhelming, Dr. Shah is committed to moving forward and touching as many lives as possible. With his pleasant persona and abounding energy, he will no doubt make a difference for many years to come.