When he was still in medical school, Brian Rubinstein, M.D., imagined he’d become a general otolaryngologist, or head and neck surgeon.

His life vision changed soon after he completed a medical mission to Ecuador. During his time there, he performed reconstructive surgeries on children with facial deformities such as cleft lips and palates; he helped children who would never have been able to afford the procedures otherwise. “We were able to change their lives, bring back their hope,” Rubinstein recalls.  

Moved by his experiences, he changed his specialty to pediatric surgery, and is now chief of pediatric otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Kaiser Permanente in Sacramento. He is also the founder and managing director of Faces of Tomorrow (facesoftomorrow.org), an organization that goes on regular missions to locations such as Ecuador and the Philippines, providing life-altering plastic and reconstructive surgeries to those in need. For Rubinstein, it’s all about being a role model for his three children and teaching them the importance of appreciating their blessings in life. He also encourages others to step outside their comfort zone and give back where they can. “Going on a medical mission opened my eyes to the world,” Rubinstein shares. “I’m grateful for that opportunity. It showed me I could make a difference.”

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