Episode 113: A Woman on a MIssion with Julie Bass Kaplan, FNP-C

In this deeply personal episode of For The Record, we sit down with Julie Bass Kaplan, FNP-BC, NP-C, CANS, CPSN, HCMT, PHN, one of the industry's most trusted voices on safety and education. With over 25 years in aesthetic medicine, Julie's journey is a masterclass in the power of advocacy and giving back.

Julie's story begins in 1999, and what began as a personal quest evolved into an empire of education that has touched thousands of practitioners worldwide. But her defining moment came in 2010 when a filler complication left her with what she calls her "pizza face" for six months. Rather than hideout, this became her calling to ensure no other practitioner would face similar situations unprepared.

From Adversity to Advocacy

The 2010 adverse event became Julie's "come to Moses moment." With her face severely compromised, she returned to practice and began educating patients about potential risks. Their response – "That's okay, I trust you" – reinforced her commitment to safety education. This pivotal experience shaped her mission: preparing every practitioner for moments when things don't go quite right.

Julie's Jubilant Head & Breakfast workshops in Ashland, Oregon have become legendary for their intimate, comprehensive approach. Participants often arrive as strangers and leave as lifelong colleagues and collaborators.

Breaking Barriers and Building Community

This year, Julie achieved a historic milestone as the first nurse practitioner in US history to lead a mobile cadaver lab for an industry manufacturer (Allergan) – after personally leading 69 anatomy workshops. This recognition represents more than personal achievement; it acknowledges that anatomical expertise transcends medical degrees and highlights the critical role advanced practice providers play in aesthetic medicine.

Her approach to advocacy is relationship-based rather than confrontational. Julie emphasizes taking the field seriously as medicine, not "industry," building partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, and forging alliances with physician colleagues who value collaborative care.

What's Next

Looking ahead, Julie is passionate about the convergence of aesthetics and wellness, particularly in women's health. Regenerative medicine, hormone optimization, and peptide therapy represent her vision for the future – helping patients feel well from the inside out rather than simply addressing surface concerns.

Key Takeaways

For New Practitioners:

• Learn one technique at a time and master it before moving to the next

• Invest seriously in education through multiple channels – formal workshops, online communities, mentorship, cadaver labs

• Focus on patient connection and building a relationship rather than rushed appointments

• Don't jump into independent practice too early; master basics under expert supervision first

For Practice Owners:

• Hire people who share your values and ethics – consider hiring former patients

• Provide educational budgets and growth opportunities for team members – the better they are, the better you are

• Build relationships with industry partners who listen and value your expertise

For Injectors:

• Take aesthetic medicine seriously as healthcare, not just "industry"

• Prepare for adverse events before they happen – have a plan and community support

• Continuous learning is non-negotiable throughout your career

• Build a network of colleagues across specialties for collaboration and support

Throughout it all, Julie remains focused on her core mission: ensuring every practitioner has the knowledge, skills, and support network needed to provide safe, beautiful, and meaningful results.

Connect with Julie:

• Jubilant Head and Breakfast: https://www.jubilantheadandbreakfast.com/

• Julie’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Juvedermjulie/about?

• Disappearing Act Aesthetic Medicine: https://lovedisappearingact.com/

• Follow her on IG for her upcoming training events: https://www.instagram.com/jubilant.julie/