Meet Dr. Shawn Younessi | Internal Medicine Physician, Primary Care

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Shawn Younessi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Shawn, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
There are many habits which have helped me succeed both professionally and personally. Respect, compassion, and empathy are very important and fundamental habits/traits that every physician should possess. Everyone is a human being, and regardless of one’s socioeconomic status, profession, age, or any other differences, it is important to treat them just as you would your best friend, sibling, parent, or grandparent. Outside of those core habits, other habits which are integral for a physician include communication, organization, and accepting the fact that you’re a lifelong student.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey began at Chicago Medical School, where I graduated in 2017, followed by my Internal Medicine residency at Harbor UCLA Medical Center from 2017 to 2020. After completing my training, I began volunteering as a primary care physician at Lestonnac Free Clinic, a non-profit organization providing free medical care to uninsured and low-income communities in Southern California. I also chose to work as a Locum Tenens physician, a flexible career path that gave me invaluable experience across a wide range of healthcare settings, including workers’ compensation, private practices, community health centers, urgent care facilities, and medical spas.

Getting to where I am today was anything but easy. It required immense dedication, focus, and perseverance. While friends were enjoying vacations and social events, I often found myself in the library or working 24-hour shifts. Life throws challenges at you from all directions, but I’ve learned that overcoming these obstacles requires discipline, seeking help from friends and family when needed, and always keeping an eye on the future.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that life’s challenges shape who you become, and for that, we should be grateful. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited to be in a profession where I can contribute to the improvement and maintenance of what matters most—people’s health.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
During the day, I love staying active and enjoying the outdoors when possible. You’ll often find me playing pickleball at some of the great recreation centers in Los Angeles, hiking scenic spots like Runyon Canyon or Malibu, or relaxing at the beach, soaking up the sun and serenity. At night, I enjoy a lively dinner at places like Catch LA or Ysabel. I also love catching a comedy show or going to the Magic Castle. Everywhere I go would include friends and loved ones.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this Shoutout to everyone I’ve had the privilege of working with—my fellow physicians, pharmacists, nurses, nurse practitioners, and especially the incredible office staff, including the front and back staff such as medical assistants, PSRs, and administrative team members. Many patients believe that physicians handle everything, but the reality is that without the tireless efforts of these individuals working together, the essential tasks of patient care would never be accomplished. Physicians have a full plate each day, and the support of this entire team ensures that everything runs smoothly. Their behind-the-scenes contributions are absolutely vital, not only in delivering exceptional patient care but also in lightening the load for providers. They truly deserve the highest praise and recognition for their integral role. Major Shoutout!!!

Website: https://www.shawnyounessi.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnyounessi/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shawn-younessi-md-los-angeles-3