Shani Francis, MD, FAAD

Specialties
Cosmetic Dermatology
Medical Dermatology
Surgical Dermatology
Languages I Speak
English
About Me
Dr. Shani Francis is a board-certified dermatologist whose approach to care centers on understanding the whole person. She believes that excellent dermatologic care goes beyond treating skin disease and involves partnering with patients to restore confidence, support overall wellness, and achieve meaningful long-term outcomes. By combining rigorous science with compassionate, patient-centered care, Dr. Francis works to help individuals feel healthier and more confident in their skin.
Before pursuing medicine, Dr. Francis studied chemical engineering, an experience that shaped her analytical and systems-based approach to complex medical problems. Her path to dermatology was also personal. As a child, she experienced hair loss and saw firsthand how deeply skin and hair conditions can affect identity and self-confidence. That experience continues to inform her clinical focus and her commitment to empathetic, thoughtful care. She is particularly interested in the intersection of medical science and quality of life, an area where dermatology plays a uniquely meaningful role.
Dr. Francis’s clinical expertise includes hair loss and scalp disorders, skin cancer detection and prevention, and inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. She is also active in dermatologic clinical trials and translational research, with a focus on advancing evidence-based, data-driven dermatology and integrative approaches to skin health. In addition, she contributes to patient education on skin health as a physician reviewer and editor for AAD Skin Healthy magazine.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Francis enjoys spending time with her husband and children and pursuing creative and cultural interests, including music, visual arts, travel, and exploring global wellness traditions. She is also committed to community engagement through skin cancer awareness initiatives, dermatology advocacy, and patient education efforts, as well as supporting organizations focused on alopecia, psoriasis, and dermatologic health.
Education
Residency, Dermatology
Chief Resident
University of Chicago Hospitals
Chicago, Illinois
Internship
University of Chicago Hospitals
Internal Medicine
Chicago, Illinois
Doctor of Medicine
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Excellence in Dermatology Award
Post Grad
Licensure and Certifications
- Board Certified Dermatologist
- Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD)
Professional Organizations
- California Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery
- American Academy of Dermatology
Where I Practice
West Dermatology Arroyo Grande
200 Station Way
Suite E
Arroyo Grande CA 93420

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