Career Journey
Surgical Oncologist Changes Career Trajectory and Finds a New Purpose
September 2026
Claudia Lago Toro, M.D.
Co-Founder & Medical Director Renaissance Medispa & Wellness Center
Photo Courtesy: Claudia Lago Toro
Co-Founder & Medical Director Renaissance Medispa & Wellness Center
Photo Courtesy: Claudia Lago Toro
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By Karen Maserjian Shan Medical doctor Claudia Lago Toro has devoted her career to advancing women’s health and patient-centered care. A board-certified general surgeon with more than fifteen years of experience in high-acuity patient care with evidence-based medicine and complex clinical decision-making, Claudia is also passionate about aesthetics and wellness.
Long before aesthetics became a formal focus of her practice, Claudia was known among friends and family as a trusted source for skincare guidance, a role she jokingly notes began in her early teens. As the medical director and co-founder of Renaissance Medispa and Wellness Center in Poughkeepsie, New York, she brings the same rigor, prevision, and safety standards that defined her surgical career into aesthetic and wellness medicine. Her philosophy emphasizes natural results, longevity, education, and highly personalized care, helping patients feel confident, empowered, and truly cared for at every stage of their journey. |
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Karen Maserjian Shan, assistant editor, recently spoke with Claudia about her new direction and the path she took to realize her dream.
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You recently transitioned from your work as a board-certified surgeon, fellowship-trained in breast surgical oncology, to becoming medical director of Renaissance MediSpa & Wellness Center. As the co-founder of this center that provides an integrated approach to aesthetics, wellness services, and medical care, what was behind your decision to make this change?
After many rewarding years as a breast surgical oncologist, I realized I wanted to help people in different ways. We created Renaissance from a desire to build a physician-led space where aesthetics and wellness are approached with the same integrity, safety and personalization that define high-level medical care. Our approach helps people feel their best through wellness services like hormone replacement optimization in a healing environment that allows people to feel more confident and empowered. How did you make the switch from oncology to your current position? Switching careers is a step-by-step process. It’s very scary and very exciting at the same time. I needed a team of people to help me make the switch. My co-owner and life partner, a cosmetic dentist, consulted professionals, friends and family, and we worked with a consulting firm. |
Dr. Claudia Lago Toro at Renaissance Medispa and Wellness Center
Photo Courtesy: Claudia Lago Toro |
Claudia Lago Toro, M.D. (right) Consults with a Client at Renaissance Medispa and Wellness Center
Photo Courtesy: Claudia Lago Toro |
We established our medispa at the end of December 2025, at first offering EMFACE and EXION [non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatments]. Our current team includes a full-time aesthetician trained to work with laser devices. We also have a part-time registered nurse who does infusions and a nurse practitioner, along with a director of operations. I never thought I was going to be able to accomplish this and feel very blessed. How does your medispa’s mission “to help individuals look refreshed, feel confident, and experience wellness in a way that is natural, elevated, and medically guided” differ from traditional medical spas?
Our philosophy is on enhancing a person’s natural beauty. Our services are individualized and physician-lead but not surgical. It’s all about a person’s outlook and expectations. [For instance], if you have chronic joint pain related to a knee replacement procedure or from stress on the joint from playing sports years ago, you’re not going to be demonstrating the best version of yourself. Functional rehab helps with pain and mobility and can get you back to activities in a much healthier place. When you feel internally balanced and in a much better place medically, you will want the best version of yourself, and you will radiate that. |
How does Renaissance combine medical expertise with aesthetic and wellness services?
Our consultations start with full medical intake form. We sit down and have a conversation with each client, most of whom are women, although we also treat men. People tell us their needs and, according to that guide, we decide on the best approach. Hormone therapy is usually done every three to four months, rehabilitation is done in six weekly sessions. It depends on a person’s needs. We also help with weight management.
We’re not an integrative doctor and don’t provide psychotherapy. Our scope of services goes from functional rehab to hormone optimization and aesthetic services. All three address internal health and external appearance and that’s how you get the best version.
Please talk about the role of aesthetics in personal wellness and how a person’s appearance contributes to the individual’s self-perception and overall wellbeing.
Our consultations start with full medical intake form. We sit down and have a conversation with each client, most of whom are women, although we also treat men. People tell us their needs and, according to that guide, we decide on the best approach. Hormone therapy is usually done every three to four months, rehabilitation is done in six weekly sessions. It depends on a person’s needs. We also help with weight management.
We’re not an integrative doctor and don’t provide psychotherapy. Our scope of services goes from functional rehab to hormone optimization and aesthetic services. All three address internal health and external appearance and that’s how you get the best version.
Please talk about the role of aesthetics in personal wellness and how a person’s appearance contributes to the individual’s self-perception and overall wellbeing.
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Looking good isn’t about perfection. It’s about feeling like yourself; and when people feel confident in their appearance that confidence moves into every area of their lives.
It goes down to: How confident do you feel? Do you just want to perk up? Maybe you’re not [feeling good] about certain aspects of your face or body and [want to regain your confidence again]. And sometimes it’s about health care. For instance, a series of facials with laser can help with acne. What advice do you have for people who are changing the direction of their career?
Surround yourself with hardworking, good people that will have your back. Have a vision. Consult with people who can help you narrow down what you want. It’s a lengthy process. Educate yourself before you decide to take a new route because it can be overwhelming. I do miss my patients and helping people extend their lives. I’m planning to go back to breast surgical oncology, juggling that and my medispa practice. We’re curious. Where do you find sanctuary? I find sanctuary by spending quality time with friends and family. We just celebrated my partner’s milestone birthday with a huge party here at home. That fills me. |
A Path to Change
Transitioning from work as a medical physician into an aesthetics practice often begins with education, mentorship, and hands-on training. Here are some points to consider:
More from the American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery |
Karen Maserjian Shan is an award-winning writer, editor and journalist with an expertise in connecting people and businesses across print and digital platforms, including more than 1,600 articles for such publications as Professional Office Design, Interior Design, the Poughkeepsie Journal, Chronogram, Hudson Valley Magazine and Hudson Valley Parent, where she also was the magazine' editor. She is Sanctuary's assistant editor.
