AMI A. SHAH MD
Dr. Ami A. Shah is a Stanford-trained, board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon with over a decade of expert clinical experience. Formerly the only oculofacial plastic surgeon at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Dr. Shah now leads a distinguished private practice dedicated to advancing the art and science of eye and facial plastic surgery.
Graduating as the youngest physician in her class through a unique direct pathway from high school to medical graduate studies at the University of Alabama, Dr. Shah’s academic journey set the foundation for excellence. She completed her residency at Vanderbilt before specializing at Stanford, focusing on the delicate interplay of form and function in the eye and facial regions.
An esteemed national and international educator, Dr. Shah has trained numerous physicians and continues to mentor the next generation of surgical residents. Her extroverted nature enriches her patient interactions, creating an environment of warmth and trust that elevates the standard of medical care.
Dr. Shah’s is passionate about restoring care, confidence, and trust in medicine by delivering an unparalleled experience marked by comfort, nurture, and hope. Her love for medicine sparks curiosity and creativity. She reads medical journals for fun (seriously 🤓) to feed her curious mind and passion for learning and loves sharing this knowledge with others; She enjoys educating her patients and staff. With a sharp wit and warm laughter, she spreads happiness to those around her. Dancing brings rhythm and joy to her life, reflecting her vibrant spirit An animal lover, she values the special bond with her pets and enjoys rescuing animals. At the heart of her life are her two children, ages 10 and 6, whose energy fills her days. Supported by her husband, she gracefully balances family, creativity, and joy.
Welcome to My Practice: A Candid Letter From Me to You.
It strikes me as peculiar that doctors often know everything about their patients, yet patients don’t truly know how their doctors feel about the work they do.
The doctor-patient relationship is special to me—it begins with trust and a fundamental understanding of one another. I believe it’s vitally important for my patients to understand who I am as a person so they can appreciate my intentions. Sometimes, the impact we have may not be exactly what we want, but when trust, honesty, and candidness about those intentions exist, the unique bond of the doctor-patient relationship can truly take form. Trust rooted in good faith and genuine intentions is essential to establish a strong and lasting doctor-patient relationship.
My earliest memories are tied to being a doctor. I used to play surgeon with my stuffed animals. Becoming a surgeon was never the destination, it has always been part of my journey. I feel incredibly fortunate that my life’s calling is what I get to do every single day. I don’t take the privilege to care for others for granted. In today’s fast-changing medical landscape, where patients frequently lack a consistent relationship with their doctors and many physicians have left the field, I feel fortunate to continue practicing the work I am passionate about.
Beyond medicine, I enjoy spending time with my family, designing jewelry, rescuing animals, traveling, and socializing with friends. I have an older son and a younger daughter. My son looks and acts just like my husband, and my friends say my daughter is my little clone! I am lucky to have a kind, caring, and supportive husband. We also have a cat named Simon, and our dog Whisky is the best boy ever!
I wouldn’t be where I am today without an exceptional mentor who entrusted me with your care—Dr. Bill McLeish. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have found his mentorship—even after more than a decade of practicing independently.To all the patients who admire Dr. McLeish, I want you to know how deeply honored I am to have his trust. Under Dr. McLeish’s mentorship, I’ve found more than just a teacher—I’ve found a true role model. His compassionate approach to patient care and his exceptional surgical skill have shaped the way I practice every day. Learning from him has given me invaluable insight, not only into the technical aspects of surgery but also into the importance of treating each person with kindness and respect. I am committed to carrying forward the high standards and dedication that Dr. McLeish embodies, ensuring that every patient feels confident and cared for in my hands.
I take great satisfaction in meeting new people and providing compassionate care. With a naturally nurturing approach, I am committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for my patients. During challenging recoveries, I ensure my patients know they have my full support every step of the way.
As Stephen Covey wisely stated, “Trust is more important than love.” I want to sincerely thank you for placing your trust in me. In my practice, I assure you two things: genuine kindness and my unwavering dedication to helping you improve, no matter the circumstance.
