The Importance of Patient-first Approach To Innovation

Dr. Aivee Teo discovered her passion for dermatology at the University of Santo Tomas. International training in the U.S., Bangkok, and Singapore shaped her global perspective, but founding The Aivee Clinic with her husband, Dr. Z’Shen Teo, remains her most defining milestone. Through this article, Dr. Teo shares her vision of redefining dermatology in the Philippines through innovation, compassion, and patient trust. She reflects on her global journey and commitment to building a legacy rooted in science, heart, and holistic care.

SCIENCE, HEART, AND THE PURSUIT OF CONFIDENCE

When people ask me where my love for dermatology began, I always go back to my med school years at the University of Santo Tomas. I was fascinated by the science of skin—how something so visible could be so complex and deeply connected to identity. But what shaped me most were not just the books or the exams; it was the patients I encountered—the people who walked into clinics with fears, insecurities, and hopes written across their faces. That was when I knew this field would become my life’s work.

Later, my training abroad in the U.S., Bangkok, and Singapore exposed me to a different world of dermatology. I saw how technology was advancing, how global standards were being set, and how deeply patient care could be elevated when science and compassion worked hand in hand. Those years opened my eyes to what was possible. They made me determined to bring the same level of excellence home to the Philippines.

But if I had to name the single milestone that defined my career, it wasn’t the degrees or even the years overseas— it was starting The Aivee Clinic with my husband, Z. From nothing but a vision, we built a space where medicine, beauty, and humanity could meet. That has been the most meaningful part of my journey.

ROOTED IN WELLNESS

From the very beginning, I knew what kind of clinic I wanted to create. Integrity, excellence, and compassion were never negotiable. For me, dermatology could not be about chasing fads or offering temporary fixes—it had to be about treating people, not just symptoms. I wanted to show that beauty, when rooted in wellness, has the power to change lives.

Over the years, I have seen it happen countless times. A teenager struggling with acne walks in hiding her face, then months later walks out smiling with confidence. A mother who feels she has lost herself after years of giving everything to her family rediscovers her glow. These are the moments that remind me why we do this.

NOT LOSING THE SOUL

Scaling The Aivee Clinic into a brand with multiple locations came with its own set of challenges. Growth is exciting, but it also carries responsibility. It is easy to open new branches; it is far harder to ensure that every branch feels like the first—with the same culture, the same standards, and the same heart.

We knew early on that we could not compromise quality for expansion. That meant constant training, close oversight, and a refusal to settle. Patients trust us with their health, their safety, and their confidence. That trust is sacred.

Innovation, too, is a delicate balance. The industry moves fast, with new treatments and technologies appearing almost every month. But innovation is meaningless if it is not rooted in trust. At The Aivee Clinic, we never introduce a treatment without research, testing, and complete training for our staff. I even try procedures myself before we offer them. Our patients do not come to us for quick trends—they come because they know we prioritize their long-term well-being.

Leadership, for me, has always been deeply personal. Even as we grew into multiple clinics and new ventures, I made it a point to remain present. I still greet patients, listen to concerns, and take part in daily care whenever possible. Growth has never been about numbers; it has always been about people. A brand, no matter how successful, must never lose its soul.

PROTECTING LONG-TERM HEALTH AND CONFIDENCE

Of course, being a woman in both medicine and business came with its own challenges. From the start, the expectations placed on me were daunting. Patients often expected perfection. My staff looked to me for answers to every challenge. At home, my family deserved the best of me as well. In those early years, it felt like an impossible standard.

But over time, I learned to turn that pressure into fuel. Perfection, I realized, is not about being flawless. It is about striving for excellence with consistency and compassion, even when things are hard. And as a woman leader, I discovered that empathy—something the world sometimes sees as softness—is one of the strongest tools you can carry. Listening, showing vulnerability, and leading with care build a connection that toughness alone never could.

In recent years, regenerative medicine has excited me the most. Treatments using cell therapy, peptides, and exosomes are changing the way we understand skin and healing. Non-invasive procedures are becoming more precise, more personal, and more accessible. But beyond the science, I believe the future lies in integrating dermatology with overall wellness.

That vision is why we created ventures like Foleon, our specialized hair clinic, and the Aivee Skin Spa, which makes our signature care more accessible in a lifestyle-driven environment. For me, the future of aesthetics in the Philippines is not just about beauty—it is about confidence, health, and holistic care.

One story I often go back to involves a young woman who came to us asking for an aggressive treatment she had seen trending online. It promised fast results, but I knew it carried real risks for her skin type. Instead, I guided her toward a slower, safer program. Months later, she returned, her skin glowing, and thanked me for steering her away from what could have harmed her. That encounter reaffirmed what I have always believed: true dermatology is not about shortcuts or fast results—it is about protecting long-term health and confidence.

SERVING WITH HEART. LEADING WITH INTEGRITY.

When I think of legacy, I do not see it in terms of awards or even the size of our clinic network. I hope my legacy will be measured by inspiration. I want young Filipino dermatologists—especially women—to know that they can build something world-class while staying true to who they are. I want patients to feel that their experiences with us left them not just looking better but feeling empowered, seen, and whole.

To the young doctors and entrepreneurs I mentor, I share one lesson again and again: build with both science and heart. When Z and I started, we did not have all the answers, but we had vision and values. Success comes not from rushing, but from resilience, consistency, and integrity. Above all, never forget that behind every case is a person whose life you have the privilege to touch. That truth has sustained me through every challenge and every triumph.

Dermatology, for me, has never been about skin alone. It has been about people and their stories—about restoring confidence and elevating what care can mean in this country. As I look ahead, I remain as inspired as ever. The science will keep evolving, but my commitment remains unchanged: to serve with heart, to lead with integrity, and to show that beauty and wellness together can transform lives.