How do we build a culture where ideas have a fighting chance? This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, and AmSpa president and CSO, Cathy Christensen, speak with Kyle Scheele, author and upcoming keynote speaker at Medical Spa Show 2025. Deemed “the patron saint of crazy ideas,” Scheele shares his entrepreneurial journey, the power o…

In this Medical Spa Show speakers series, we hear from Adam Haroun, founder of Aesthetic Altitude; Mary Smiley Ford, MSN, APRN, CRNA, founder of Smiley Aesthetics; Carl Clarke, MHS, RPA-C, founder of Diamond Works MedSpa; and Kacie Avey, RN, CANS, founder of Tailored Aesthetics. They describe their wins and lessons learned, along with what conferen…

This week we return to a conversation between AmSpa CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, and two leaders of Operation Mend, a nonprofit UCLA Health program that provides specialized surgical and psychological care to post-9/11 military members, veterans and their caregivers. Executive Director Jo Sornborger, PsyD, and Christopher Crisera, MD, plastic surgeon…

In this Medical Spa Show speakers series, we hear from Jennifer Hartley, ACNP, founder of Skin Synthesis Clinic & Spa; Amie Martin, RN, founder of Aesthetic Mentor; and Erica Crawford, president of Influx Marketing. They describe their wins and lessons learned, along with what conference attendees will learn from their classes at Medical Spa Show 2…

This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Taylor Siemens, NP-C, vice president of operations at Vitalyc Medspa and clinical advisor to AmSpa. They discuss the nuances of laser safety and the need for proper training and education in medical aesthetics. Their conversation includes: How combining laser with other aesthetic t…

In this Medical Spa Show speakers series, we hear from Annie Hockey, president and head of consulting at Skytale Group; Kimberly L. Evans, MD, FACOG, founder of Sugar Land Med Spa; Patrick Blake, MD, co-founder and chief medical officer at Portrait; and Amy Anderson, co-founder of BrinsonAnderson Consulting. They describe their wins and lessons lea…

This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Erica Crawford, president, and Max Baybak, co-founder and chief growth officer of Influx Marketing. They discuss the community response to recent devastating wildfires in California, and how to adapt your marketing plan for 2025. Their conversation includes: The impact of recent wi…

In this Medical Spa Show speakers series, we hear from Kate Dee, MD, of Glow MediSpa; Linné Linder, ND, of SkinSpirit; Cameron Hemphill of Growth99; and Jessica Nunn of Maven Financial Partners. They describe their wins and lessons learned, along with what conference attendees will learn from their classes at Medical Spa Show 2025, from April 10 - …

This week on the podcast, AmSpa Membership Advocacy and Engagement Specialist, Michela Bailey, speaks with Danielle Oyasu, NP, founder of Beautifully New Med Spa in Park Ridge, Illinois. They talk about the importance of community, their shared love of the city, and more in this conversation that includes: How she was introduced to AmSpa; The commu…

In this Medical Spa Show speakers series, we hear from Gilberto Saenz III, PA-C, of Austin Plastic Surgeon; Bree Black, Co-founder of JobSnob; Johnny Franco, MD, FACS, of Austin Plastic Surgeon; and Judy Kozlicki, Head of Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery at Skytale Group. They describe their wins and lessons learned, along with what conference attendee…

What can microneedling remind us about keeping the medical in medical spas? This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Molly Muecke, RN, MSN, APRN, NP-C, founder of Astra Aesthetics in Knoxville, Tennessee. They discuss the risks associated with microneedling, the importance of safety protocols in medical aesthetics, and th…

In this Medical Spa Show speakers series, we hear from Taylor Siemens, NP-C, vice president of operations at Vitalyc MedSpa; Christopher Balbi, director of marketing at Meesha Aesthetics; Rebecca McAbee, practice manager and chief operating officer at Disappearing Act Medical Aesthetics; and Kelly Choi, NP, founder of The Beauty Collective. They de…

In this 300th episode of Medical Spa Insider, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Jodi Faustlin, chief compliance offer, and Chad Schiffman, director of risk management at Healthcare Compliance Pros. They talk about fundamental compliance policies and procedures for your organization, why the OCR and FTC are getting more involv…

In this episode, we revisit a conversation between AmSpa President and CSO, Cathy Christensen, Shawna Chrisman, NP, CEO and founder of Destination Aesthetics, and Maegen Kennedy, PA-C, co-founder and clinical director of Windermere Medical Spa & Laser Institute. They spoke about the current stage of their medical spas, the details of scaling a busi…

This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Jonathan Kaplan, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of BuildMyHealth. They chat about DrWell by BuildMyHealth and how it simplifies medical weight loss treatment for both patients and medical aesthetic practices. Listen in to learn: Evolving from price transparency sol…

This week in AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Patrick Blake, MD, and Praveen Ramineni, co-founders of Portrait, along with Sam Pondrom, JD, associate at national healthcare law firm ByrdAdatto. They discuss the role of medical directors in shaping aesthetic practices, from setting protocols to ensuring regulatory compliance …

This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Shannon Blake, Director of Medical Spa Partnerships at Podium; Traci Andreason, FNP-C, founder of Rise Rejuvenation Center; Cortney Hall, COO of True Medical Spa. They discuss the systems and tools that can help med spas increase lead conversion and manage the volume they see over …

This week, AmSpa’s President and CSO, Cathy Christensen, speaks with Nick Liguori, CPA, owner and founder of Liguori Accounting. They discuss the complexities of management service organizations (MSOs), common pitfalls for medical spa MSO taxes and how to properly set up your accounts. Their conversation includes: MSOs: the key structure for compli…

This week on the podcast, AmSpa Membership Advocacy and Engagement Specialist, Michela Bailey, speaks with Traci Andreason, FNP-C, founder of Rise Rejuvenation Center. They talk about her specialty in sexual wellness and her passion for empowering women in this conversation that includes: Joining AmSpa to learn compliance in aesthetics; How sexual …

This week, we revisit our conversation with Michael S. Byrd, JD, and Bradford E. Adatto, JD, of national business and health care law firm ByrdAdatto. AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Byrd and Adatto in a discussion of the latest in aesthetics compliance concerns and what medical spas should know about IV therapy compliance.…

This week on the podcast, AmSpa Membership Advocacy and Engagement Specialist, Michela Bailey, speaks with Kenzie Cammuse, founder of Nashville Skin Studio. They chat about how she started an aesthetician owned med spa in this conversation that includes: Celebrating their recent awards at Best of Nashville 2024; How her AmSpa membership continues t…

How are two nurse practitioner injectors transforming the future of aesthetic education? This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Alexa Nicholls Costa, NP, and Alexandra Rogers, NP, co-founders of LexRx. They discuss an exciting expansion of their certificate program in partnership with the Boston College Connell School o…

This week on the podcast, AmSpa Membership Advocacy and Engagement Specialist, Michela Bailey, speaks with Elisabeth Smith, PA-C, founder of IndieRX. They talk about how AmSpa events helped her strengthen the foundation of her business, in this wide-ranging chat that covers: How she first learned med spa regulations and compliance; Her experience a…

When performed appropriately, IV therapy is safe. What resources can help med spa providers practice safely? This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Sam Tejada, founder and CEO, and Dr. Christopher Davis, chief medical officer of Liquivida. They talk about the business growth of Liquivida’s IV nutrient therapy solutions …

How much training and experience is enough to be a safe, competent injector? This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Michelle Doran, MSN, APRN, BC, CANS, co-founder of RN Esthetics and faculty for the Academy for Injection Anatomy (AIA). They chat about her personal training journey in medical aesthetics, the importance …

This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Dr. Kate Dee, founder of Glow Medispa and author of Med Spa Mayhem: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Secrets of the Aesthetic Industry. They chat about her newly published book, the state of med spa oversight, and her goal to educate the public and affect change in the industry. The…

This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, and AmSpa Director of Education, Kirstie Jackson, speak with Erika Barry, NP-C, MSN, aka Injector Bunny of Moksha Aesthetics. They discuss the challenges small med spas face with recent updates to the Allē loyalty program and make suggestions that prioritize the patient experience and your pra…

How do you maintain your independence when joining a private equity platform? This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with John Wheeler, CEO of Alpha Aesthetics Partners. They discuss recent private equity activity and how Wheeler’s experience with his family’s aesthetic business has helped him become the leader of a medical …

This week, AmSpa Membership Advocacy and Engagement Specialist, Michela Bailey, speaks with Courtney Walker, JD, co-founder and chief legal officer of Smiley Aesthetics in Nashville, Tennessee. They talk about her involvement in the AmSpa Tennessee State Chapter in this wide-ranging chat, which covers: Her motivation to join the Tennessee State Cha…

This week, AmSpa Membership Advocacy and Engagement Specialist, Michela Bailey, speaks with Brad Crerar, PA-C, Co-founder and COO of CONTŌR Studio in New York. This lively chat covers a wide range of topics, including: Learning to run an efficient practice and starting CONTŌR; When and why he decided to become a member of AmSpa; What he's gained fr…

This week, AmSpa Chief Strategy Officer, Cathy Christensen, sits down with Dr. James Smartt, Co-founder and CEO of Pictoria Systems, and Samantha Pino, APRN-FNP, Founder of Face by SP. They discuss how the platform enhances patient communication through standardized photography, including how Jackie™ addresses three critical moments within the aest…

AmSpa recently launched State Chapters in California, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Utah. AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Florida state chapter co-chairs Michael Zanetti of Erasable Med Spa and Julie Davis-Hunter of Pure Vida Body & Mind Spa, and California chair Stacy Grissen, MSN, AGNP-C, of Aesthetically Pleasing Medic…

How much longer will the popular weight loss medications be in shortage, and what happens in your med spa when they can no longer be compounded? This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, is joined by Sam Pondrom, JD, associate at national healthcare law firm ByrdAdatto. They talk about the recent availability status updates for tirzep…

What can you do to preserve the patient relationship after they experience an adverse reaction? This week, AmSpa President and CSO, Cathy Christensen, speaks with Patrick Tighe, Co-founder, and Kandis Hughes, Chief Marketing Officer of Coverwell, to delve into a crucial aspect of medical aesthetics: managing credibility and adverse events in your p…

This week we revisit a conversation from the close of 2020. Brandon Robinson, owner of Skin Body Soul and investor in OrangeTwist, took over the podcast to interview Alex R. Thiersch, JD, AmSpa’s founder and CEO. Join us for a look back at the history of the American Med Spa Association as Thiersch reveals: How he first became interested in a legal…

Are you giving your patients the time and attention they need for optimal care? This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Ken Winnard, MD, founder and CEO of OneLife Health & Performance in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. They discuss his focus on preventive medicine and how OneLife’s approach to wellness helps his patients r…

Can imaging tech empower your patients? This week, AmSpa CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Martin Kessler, Co-founder and COO of Shape, Inc., the makers of ShapeScale. They discuss the imaging technology behind their revolutionary 3D body scanning solution and how the invention is elevating medical weight loss clinics. Their conversation inclu…

Could your community weather a hurricane? This week, AmSpa Membership Advocacy and Engagement Specialist, Michela Bailey, speaks with Evalyn Aguirre, RN, of Evolve Aesthetics in Houston. This lively chat covers a wide range of topics, including: Why she became an AmSpa member; Medical Spa Boot Camp takeaways she uses in her practice; Leaning on her…

How do you choose a safe med spa in Miami? This week, AmSpa CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with double board-certified physician Linette Rivera, MD, founder of Glanz Aesthetics in Miami. They discuss what patients should know about medical spa regulations, safety and training; her experience transitioning to aesthetics as an endocrinologist; and…

This week, AmSpa Membership Advocacy and Engagement Specialist, Michela Bailey, speaks with Bri Collins, BSN, RN, founder of BCRN Aesthetics in Houston, Texas. This lively chat covers a wide range of topics, including: How she became an AmSpa member; Advice she would give her younger self; Being a trainer and practitioner; Favorite treatments; Netw…

This week, AmSpa President and CSO, Cathy Christensen, speaks with Sarah Safa, MS, PA-C, top national aesthetic specialist, faculty for the Academy for Injection Anatomy, and founder of Refined Aesthetics. They discuss proactive techniques for preventing and managing aesthetic complications. Safa offers insight on the anatomy training you need to p…

This week, we revisit our conversation with George Baxter-Holder, DNP, ARNP, CANS, renowned aesthetic trainer and chair of the AmSpa Aesthetic Safety Council (AASC). In this wide-ranging talk, he covers: The AASC looking at the practice guidelines with fresh eyes; The priorities when fine-tuning the practice guidelines; Determining the intent of pr…

This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Janie Futch, BSN, RN, and Martina Kolovich, MSN, NP-C, co-owners of Altera Aesthetix in Savannah, Georgia. They discuss how they grew their medical aesthetic practice from two girls in a living room to a rebranded franchise, including the investment they made in training, their app…

This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Shannon Blake, director of medical spa partnerships at Podium. They talk about Podium’s new HIPAA compliant AI patient coordinator, discussing how it leverages technology to understand your brand, manage leads and communicate based on the long-term needs of your medical spa. Their …

This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Melissa Rogne, founder and president of Chapter Aesthetic Studio. AmSpa was welcomed into the Chicago headquarters of Chapter Aesthetic Studio and The Aspen Group for an inside tour to see first-hand Melissa’s professional growth and the rapid expansion of Chapter. They reflect on …

This week, AmSpa Membership Engagement and Advocacy Specialist Michela Bailey, speaks with Carthy Craft, founder and owner, Esse MedSpa + Premier Permanent Makeup. This lively chat covers a wide range of topics, including: How she became an AmSpa member; Favorite travel spots; Favorite treatments; And much more! Music by Ghost Score…

This week we present Cary Deuber, CRNFA, CANS, on site at Wynn Las Vegas during Medical Spa Show 2024. In her keynote presentation, Deuber shared her journey to aesthetics, explained the practice of observing and studying energies, and offered principles to guide fellow business leaders. Her keynote contains: Her first job and early mentorship; Giv…

This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Annie Robertson Hockey, president and head of consulting at Skytale Group. They dive into Hockey’s entrepreneurship, her experience in management consulting, and her advice for aesthetic business owners preparing to scale and sell. Their conversation includes: When to start prepari…

This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Paul Edwards, founder and CEO of CEDR HR Solutions. Drawing on Edwards’ more than 25 years of human resources expertise, they discuss recent regulation changes that could impact how your medical spa handles non-compete agreements, employee overtime and independent contractor status…

Live from the 2024 Medical Spa Show in Las Vegas, AmSpa founder and CEO Alex Thiersch, JD, shares fresh insights on the rapid growth of the industry and an exclusive preview of their upcoming State of the Industry Report. Twelve years ago, Alex’s work as an attorney helping a solo medical spa owner led him to establish AmSpa to offer essential guid…