For five of our newest members, the answer is years of training, hundreds of hours of practice, and the determination to balance study, work, and family life.

We’re proud to welcome as full members:

• Dr Shaalan Ahamat: Connolly Street Medical, Lower Hutt, Wellington

• Dr Vincent Yiu: Veca Medical Health Centre, Birkenhead, Auckland 

• Dr Heather Anderson: ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine, Whenuapai, Auckland

• Dr Emily Eason: CosMed by Dr E, Lower Hutt, Wellington

• Dr Lorna Buhler:  Apollo Aesthetics, Pukekohe, Auckland

For most of this year's graduates, their training journey began their in 2023. Over that time, they’ve invested more than 500 hours in Aotearoa New Zealand’s only formal training pathway in cosmetic medicine, learning from expert-led workshops, lectures, hands-on practice, assessments, exams, peer group activity, a practice visit, and professional development. By graduation, they are doctors equipped with the tools and training to deliver safe, ethical cosmetic medicine. The very foundation NZSCM was built on.

At the NZSCM Conference 2025 in Queenstown, they were officially presented with their Diplomas during the graduation ceremony. It was a proud moment, not only for them but also for me, their colleagues, mentors, and whānau who have supported them every step of the way.

Becoming a full member of NZSCM isn’t just about receiving a certificate. It means joining a collegial community of doctors across Aotearoa New Zealand who share knowledge, support each other, and are committed to safe, ethical, evidence-based cosmetic medicine.

On behalf of the Society, nau mai, haere mai, welcome, Shaalan, Vincent, Heather, Emily, and Lorna. Congratulations! You guys did it!

Curious about how doctors train in cosmetic medicine? Learn more about NZSCM’s formal training pathway. Find out more here.

- Written by Jasmine Lambert, NZSCM Executive Assistant