Meet Gevork Tatarian | General and Cosmetic Surgeon: Saving Lives and Snatching Waists

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gevork Tatarian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gevork, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is resilience. “When one door closes, keep knocking or try a different door. It’s bound to open.” The journey in medicine, specifically surgery is extremely difficult. Coming from an immigrant family and being a graduate from a foreign medical school puts me at an automatic disadvantage compared to American medical school graduates. This creates road blocks and extra hurdles that I had to overcome in order to become a cosmetic surgeon. Consequently, I performed residency at 3 different hospitals until I was able to find a categorical residency position and compete my General Surgery residency. I then completed cosmetic surgery fellowship and have been in private practice for the past 1.5 years. In my practice I emphasize safety first and results second. I take my time with all my patients explaining in detail their procedures and what to expect during the process. What sets me apart is that I set realistic expectations, deliver on my promises, and treat all my patients like family. I’m in close communication with ALL my patients in the peri-operative period and I believe communication is one of the key components for patient care.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a General and Cosmetic Surgeon a.k.a. Dr. Level Up. It required 4 years of undergraduate schooling (Bachelors in biological sciences), 4 years of Medical school (MD), 5 years of general surgery residency ( at 3 different hospitals), 1 year of cosmetic surgery fellowship to get to where I’m at. It was extremely difficult. Residency requires a lot of dedication and commitment, especially residency in general surgery. Having trained at University of New Mexico hospital, we were the only Level 1 trauma center in the vicinity. We managed complex trauma patients including penetrating gunshot/stab wounds, along with non penetrating trauma patients. There were times where I worked 36+ hours shifts. I then completed a 1 year highly desired cosmetic surgery fellowship with Dr. Michael Rodriguez (Dr. Magic Mike). This entire journey is like a rite of passage. Kind of like paying your dues to be successful. What sets me apart is that I was a foreign medical graduate and despite having high board scores (higher than the US average) I was denied residency position 2 years in a row. I didn’t give up, I double downed, worked harder, and eventually got my residency spot. I learned that there will be many people who will NOT believe in you and will encourage you to give up. I used this to fuel my fire, worked even harder and now I’m more successful than those Naysayers.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Monday and Tuesday we will charter a boat to Bimini. Explore bahamas and partake in water sports (jet skis, snorkel). Wednesday we will go to midtown to have breakfast. Hang around design district, and have lunch at Mandolin (best greek food in miami). Wednesday night I will do Armenian bbq at my house. Thursday morning we will tour the everglades. Thursday Night will go to Wynwood to Mayami and 1800 lucky. Friday boat day with friends. Friday night Papi Steak. Saturday morning Joia Beach club and night time will go out in Brickell (likely Marion or sexy fish).
Sunday brunch at MILA is a must, hands down the best brunch in Miami.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shout out to my mentor and fellowship director Dr. Michael Rodriguez (a.k.a. Dr. Magic Mike), the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, The University of New Mexico Hospital where I completed my general surgery residency, Dr. Edward Auyang, my program director at New Mexico Hospital, and my best friend Dr. Robin Osofsky (we started medical school together and completed residency together)

Instagram: @drlvlup

Twitter: @drlvlup

Image Credits
@Conceptica