Here we interview Carrie Strom, SVP, AbbVie, and President, Global Allergan Aesthetics, and Stephanie Cheng, VP, Allergan Medical Institute (AMI), International, about how Allergan Aesthetics is committed to shaping the future of aesthetics.
ANTI AGE MAG: As we welcome practitioners in Monaco for AMWC, what can we expect to see from Allergan Aesthetics this year?
Carrie Strom: At Allergan Aesthetics, we are dedicated to advancing the practice of aesthetic medicine. Our focus at this year’s meeting is on originality, and how it sits at the heart of everything we do – from the products we create, the people we partner with, and the outcomes that can be achieved for patients. We’re showcasing True Originals, a theme that illustrates our commitment to clinical excellence and raising industry standards, through the lens of individuality, innovation, and integrity.
AA MAG: Why are Individuality, Innovation, and Integrity important to Allergan Aesthetics?
C. S.: Through our products and services, we are committed to helping practitioners deliver personalised treatments for their patients to help them express their individuality. Our investment in R&D is to innovate and unlock new aesthetic categories and opportunities that help set clinics apart. Finally, integrity is about playing our part in responsibly shaping the future of aesthetics. We take responsibility for raising the industry standards 1 through the advancement of education, meaningful partnerships, and the highest ethical standards. That’s why this year at AMWC we’re launching a short book and film – ‘Moving the Needle on Ethics’ – featuring opinions of key industry stakeholders discussing the importance of ethics within our fast-growing industry.
AA MAG: Tell us about the Allergan Aesthetics’ Individuality Report, why is it important to carry out this type of research?
C. S.: Understanding the changing trends, needs and motivations of patients is vital for Allergan Aesthetics and the support that we provide to practitioners, helping them to build on their expertise and deliver the results that patients want – now and in the future. Two years ago, we launched the ‘Future of Aesthetics Trends Report’ which revealed Individuality as a key trend within the beauty and aesthetics space, and we wanted to explore that further. Our latest report, ‘Decoding the Future of Aesthetic Individuality’ highlights that 68% of people feel that individuality is the paramount factor in defining beauty2. No two people are the same, which is why we are so proud of our diverse portfolio and education around the importance of consultation that enables practitioners to offer tailored treatment solutions that that are customisable and inclusive to all2.
AA MAG: Given the rapid evolution of the industry, how will you continue to help practitioners stay ahead?
C. S.: We commit to continued innovation and delivering products that help clinicians to deliver on their patient’s needs. Complementing our product portfolio is the cutting-edge medical education programmes delivered by the Allergan Medical Institute (AMI) that equip practitioners with tools and training to meet the evolving needs of patients.
AA MAG: And finally, what are you most looking forward to in 2024?
C. S.: We have so many excited activities planned this year, it’s hard to pick one. However, over the past year we’ve seen great success with the latest global launches within our facial portfolio, and we’re looking forward to seeing our products and indications continue to launch in different markets around the world. Skin quality is also a big focus for us in 2024 and beyond, and continuing to elevate the conversation around consultation holistically catering to individual patient needs.
This year also marks 10-years of best-in-class education with AMI, which is a big milestone for us. As we celebrate a decade of education and excellence in aesthetics, we are looking forward to advancing training and education even further this year. to advance training and education further this year. L
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MEDICAL EDUCATION THROUGH AMI
Interview with Stephanie Cheng, VP, AMI, Allergan Aesthetics International
Anti Age Mag: What has the Allergan Medical Institute (AMI) achieved in the past 10 years and what does the future look like?
Stephanie Cheng: AMI has come a long way over the last 10 years. At Allergan Aesthetics, our mission has always been to promote excellence in clinical practice while empowering confidence. Ten years ago, we united our long-standing training and educational platforms to launch AMI and create a curriculum platform to advance aesthetics medicine. We aim to train over 75,000 practitioners across the world every year, to improve patient outcomes and support the future of the aesthetics industry.1 More than 80,000 practitioners are currently registered across 45 participating countries – with numbers growing every day 3,4. As we mark this significant milestone, we are grateful for the partnership with our AMI faculty and industry thought leaders to continue to set the standard and shape the future of education for years to come.
A. A. Mag: What distinguishes AMI from other education platforms?
S.C.: AMI delivers a curriculum unlike any other: of products and people, techniques and technologies, innovation, and instruction – bringing together the best of the best. Our expert-led faculty touches all corners of the globe, ensuring the science and art of aesthetics is accessible to all and is informed by local practices and trends. We provide tailored training and education through a variety of means – from online learnings roundtable discussions and national symposia. AMI aims to set practitioners up for success, giving them the skills and confidence needed to get to the top and stay there. All our online educational content is housed on our AMI Digital World, comprising of 30 portals 3,4 providing access to high-quality medical education for practitioners and customers. The diverse, yet tailored content is suitable for new injectors to experienced practitioners and provides modules covering a wide range of facial aesthetics topics, and we’re committed to continuing to evolve our offer.
A. A. Mag: Are there plans to open new Centres of Excellence or expand the AMI?
S.C.: Currently, we have over 1,000 faculty members across 8 Centres of Excellence around the globe.3,4 In the coming years, we’ll be opening centres in the United States and two more in China, and there are plans to open additional centres in other markets. We know that hands-on training is desired in these markets and the centres provide a centralised location, to support practitioner engagement and connection.
We are constantly innovating services, content and programmes to deliver personalised learning formats. A new addition is a training module focused on ethics in aesthetics, which will soon be available for entry-level practitioners. The module will explore key principles of ethics within Aesthetic Medicine, focusing on the practitioner’s role in maintaining the high ethical standards required by the industry. We’re always looking at new and innovative ways that will help enhance the way we support and educate practitioners around the world.
