Meet Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Andrew Beckler, MD

What drives someone to spend a life in medicine? In this Q&A series, a group of leading local physicians share the moments that set them on their path, the breakthroughs shaping their fields, and the realities behind the work. Their answers are candid, occasionally surprising, and grounded in experience. Together they offer a clear-eyed look at the people delivering care in our community, and what continues to motivate them every day.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, and how did you select your particular specialty?

A. My decision to pursue medicine was influenced by my desire to help people and directly impact their lives. After college, I was doing cancer research in a lab and although the work was challenging, it did not provide the direct human connection you get with medical care. I chose Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as my specialty because it requires great attention to detail while necessitating a broad knowledge base of the most up-to-date techniques and methods. It also allows me to exercise my creativity and artistic side.

What’s one misconception people often have about your field? 

A common misconception about the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery is that all we do is cosmetics and are focused on making people look better. A significant portion of my job focuses on reconstruction of skin cancer defects, surgery to improve nasal breathing, and upper eyelid/brow surgery to improve people’s vision. I really appreciate the balance between the two areas (cosmetics and reconstruction) and the challenges of each.  

What inspires you to get up every day and take care of your patients? 

We have a truly fantastic team at Sutter Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and I’m inspired by their hard work and dedication to making our patients’ experience the best that it can be. From the check-in process, to coordinating surgery times, to making the patient feel comfortable throughout their visit, our team is committed to providing the best care possible in a safe and comfortable environment.  

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? 

My favorite activities outside of work include surfing, snowboarding, running, hiking and just generally being outdoors. I also really enjoy reading, music and travel.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self starting out in medicine?

To a younger version of myself or anyone considering a career in medicine, I would tell them you have to do it because you want to help people, and you can’t imagine doing anything else. The amount of time, dedication and training required to become a physician is significant, and the medical landscape physicians practice in continues to change; therefore, you have to dedicate yourself to a life of service and sacrifice, and you have to be adaptable. Without these qualities and this perspective, you are not likely to succeed. Medicine has changed significantly since I started medical school, but the reasons I chose medicine have not changed. As long as you keep that perspective, you can have a rewarding and impactful career despite the changes around you.

As Sansum Clinic begins a new chapter as part of Sutter Health, we remain united by a shared mission: to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to the communities we serve. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare on the Central Coast.

Sponsored by Sutter Health | Visit www.sutterhealth.org