Meet Our Team

JAMES Y. WANG, M.D.

Dr. Wang is a Harvard and UCLA-trained double Board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist. He specializes in diagnosing and treating skin cancers, psoriasis, eczema, and acne (including the safe use of Accutane). He is also an expert in anti-aging skincare, injectables, as well as laser treatments for scars, sunspots, and broken blood vessels. He has been named each year as Superdoctor, Top Doctor, and Top Dermatologist in various publications in the Los Angeles area.

He attended college at Washington University in St. Louis, where he graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in biology. He earned his MD from Harvard Medical School and, concurrently, his MBA in healthcare policy from Harvard Business School.

JEFF BONNAUD, PA-C

Jeff Bonnaud is a board-certified Dermatology Physician Assistant who has been practicing medicine & dermatology since 2014. Being a thought leader and educator within the field of dermatology, Jeff Bonnaud’s meticulous approach and outstanding patient care has earned him recognition as a 2020 World Leader in Healthcare and 2020 Top Physician Assistant by the International Association of Healthcare Professionals. Jeff focuses on underlying health conditions, and provides a comprehensive approach to all layers of the skin and degrees of aging with a combination of skincare, peels, facials, injectables, energy based devices like lasers, and even surgery if needed.

A graduate of UCLA, Harvard University, and Quinnipiac University’s PA Program, PA Bonnaud began his career in adult outpatient Internal Medicine with Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA where this invaluable experience provided a deeper understanding for underlying and complex conditions seen within dermatology. For nearly five-years, Jeff worked in cosmetic & medical dermatology in Boston earning a loyal patient following and reputation. Jeff Bonnaud is a national thought leader and educator within dermatology regarding biologic and treatment therapies with a high emphasis on autoimmune inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and eczema. He currently sits on multiple pharmaceutical advisory boards to help shape further advances in treatments.

TIFFANY WANG, PA-C

Tiffany Wang, a Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), graduated with the distinction of Salutatorian from the Southern California University of Health Sciences’ Master of Science Physician Assistant program. She has completed a Dermatology Fellowship through the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants and is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, and the California Academy of Physician Assistants.

Tiffany has always had a passion for medical and cosmetic dermatology and aspires to make everyone feel like the best version of themselves. Tiffany finds joy in being able to help a patient find what works best for them. She loves all things dermatology and skincare and is excited to bring her passion to Metropolis Dermatology.

LADAN AFFIFI, MD

Dr. Affifi was born and raised in Southern California. She attended the University of California, Berkeley for her undergraduate education and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health. She subsequently obtained a Master's degree from Columbia University in nutritional studies before she matriculated into medical school at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine where she graduated with research distinction.

During medical school, Dr. Afifi was recognized for her academic achievements and patient care and was inducted into both the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and the Gold Humanism Honor Society and was the recipient of the Glasgow-Rubin Award from the American Medical Women’s Association for graduating in the top ten percent of her class.

Dr. Afifi completed her preliminary year in internal medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital- University of Pennsylvania Hospital System before moving to Los Angeles to begin her training in dermatology at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she currently is the chief resident. Dr. Afifi has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and textbook chapters as well as given presentations at conferences.

Outside of work, Dr. Afifi loves the beautiful Southern California weather and enjoys hiking, biking, culinary exploration, playing tennis and traveling.

OMAR BARI, MD

Dr. Bari is a UCLA-trained dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. He is an expert in treating the full range of skin disease but also passionate about neurotoxin (e.g., BOTOX®), filler, and many other aesthetic interventions.

After being raised in Indiana, Dr. Bari graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University. He then worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company before earning his medical degree at UC San Diego. He remained in southern California to pursue his dermatology residency at UCLA. Dr. Bari continues to be active in research and has authored over 15 publications.

Outside of dermatology, Dr. Bari enjoys Los Angeles’ dynamic restaurant scene, high intensity interval training, and the NFL.

SHAUNA HIGGINS, MD

Dr. Higgins was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She attended Brown University for her undergraduate education where she studied Human Biology and Business Economics while simultaneously studying Photography at the Rhode Island School of Design. She earned her MD from the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, where, in addition to acquiring a number of academic honors, she served as Editor-In-Chief of The Beat Art and Literary Magazine showcasing the creativity of members of the UCLA health sciences community.

Dr. Higgins has completed several years of research both at the University of Southern California and the University of Nebraska Medical Center where she managed and conducted a number of epidemiological, clinical, and translational science research studies in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, patient-related satisfaction outcomes, and complementary and alternative medicine.

She has authored dozens of publications, several book chapters, and has presented over 30 abstracts via poster or oral presentation. She completed her internal medicine year of training within the Yale-New Haven Health System and is currently finishing her residency in dermatology at the University of Southern California + LA County Hospitals residency program.

STARLA MCDOWELL

Starla has been a licensed Aesthetician for over 10 years and is also a Certified Dermatology Technician through the Association of Certified Dermatology Techs (ACDT). In addition, she is certified in Skinceuticals and Dermalogica, as well as having extensive experience working with medical grade skin care lines.

Starla thrives in an environment where she is able to help people feel their best while supporting their skin health and enjoys customizing treatments based on her clients’ individual skincare needs.

ALMA STEGLAU

Alma is a Licensed Aesthetician that has provided luxurious and corrective skin care services for 5+ years. She continues her education with post graduate courses and seminars to keep up with the latest technologies.

She holds several advanced esthetics certifications which include but are not limited to treatments of acne, hyperpigmentation, and anti-aging. She is also trained in several clinical and organic skincare lines.

A lifelong passion for skincare drives her desire to educate and help people feel good inside and out. Her gentle touch and technical skincare expertise will leave the skin wanting more!

WHITNI

With tenure experience in various roles within the Los Angeles dermatology community, Whitni joined Metropolis Dermatology as practice manager at a critical time; the very beginning of the global pandemic. As a native Angeleno and graduate of nearby California State University, Dominguez Hills, Whitni contributes a strong sense of pride in serving the Los Angeles community. As practice manager, she strives to be an effective yet compassionate team leader, who champions our mission to "Do Derm Differently", by supporting our clinical providers, actively advocating for our staff, and collaborating to cultivate authentic experiences for our clients.