Dr. Amanda Holden welcomes Michelle Doran, MSN, APRN, BC, CANS. Michelle is the co founder and clinical director of RN Esthetics, a national trainer for Allergan Medical Aesthetics in the Accelerate and Elevate programs, and clinical faculty for the Academy for Injection Anatomy, a respected cadaver course focused on anatomy and safe injection technique. She holds a BS from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and an MS from Boston College, graduating summa cum laude. Today she focuses on injecting and teaching, with advanced training in injectables, cannula, laser, and skincare.

The conversation begins with culture. Michelle explains why RN Esthetics uses a salary plus bonus model rather than commission. Recommendations stay tied to the best outcome, not the highest ticket. Patients feel it the moment they sit down. The consult opens with what the patient loves about their face, then moves to top priorities. Standardized photos guide the plan. Education sets clear expectations and a simple calendar for maintenance.

Training is the backbone of her practice. Michelle mentors nurses and NPs through shadowing, structured hands on time, and outside courses, including cadaver labs. The goal is confident providers who listen well, explain clearly, and know when to recommend less. Sometimes the right move is skincare, lasers, or a facial rather than a syringe. Sometimes it is a referral to surgery.

They map the patient journey by decade. Early years focus on skin health and light prevention work. Middle years layer neuromodulators, lasers, regenerative options, and targeted filler when needed. Later years emphasize skin quality, energy devices, and surgical referrals when appropriate. The constant is trust. Say no when it protects the patient and the result.

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