Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Zelken.
Jonathan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Connecticut- when I grew up I wanted to be an astronaut. I went to Cornell because there was an awesome astrophysics program there, but I quickly realized I just didn’t fit in. I took a math class once, and I had to prove 1+1 = 0. That was pretty much it for me. So I followed the path of least resistance and decided to become a pre-med. It was the greatest decision ever, as it led me here to a career in medicine.
Unfortunately, I broke my hip during my senior year in college- and this led me to a job as a researcher in orthopedic surgery. I wrote some papers and got into Tufts Med School where I planned on becoming a hip and knee surgeon until I discovered plastic surgery.
What a fascinating field! I did some more research and ended up getting my first choice by training at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. I furthered my education in Taiwan where I worked with the world’s most famous microsurgeon. After fellowship, my longtime friend Justin West recruited me to work with him, but after a year I decided to fly solo. I wanted to create a practice like none other, where patients and staff are at ease, and where world-class care and attention to detail are the focus.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I was warned about how hard it is to start a new business, let alone a new plastic surgery practice, let alone in Newport Beach. Fortunately, through hard work and excellent word-of-mouth referrals, I have stayed in business, and things are only accelerating from here. Honestly, the hardest part of my job is how to conquer and maintain followers on Instagram.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Zelken Institute for Aesthetic Medicine is a one-stop-shop for all your aesthetic and reconstructive needs. We offer world-class aestheticians, aesthetic nurses, permanent makeup artists, scalp micropigmentation artists, and me! I specialize in plastic surgery of the face, neck, body, and hands. I also am a fully-trained microsurgeon and trauma reconstructive surgeon.
I am well known in that community for rebuilding faces, noses, and hands. My interest in the arts and perfectionism sets me apart. Although all plastic surgeons call themselves artists and perfectionists… so maybe it’s the fact that I am an East Coaster that sets me apart. I speak my mind.
What were you like growing up?
I was always interested in music and drawing growing up. I have a twin brother. We are both very athletic and participate in all sorts of aerobic athletic sports like running, rowing, and cycling.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1617 Westcliff DR Suite 205
Newport Beach CA 92660 - Website: www.zelkeninstitute.com
- Phone: (949) 432-4730
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: zelkeninstitute
- Facebook: zelkeninstitute
- Twitter: drzelken
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
