In the competitive world of aesthetic medicine, Heather Rohrer stands out not just for her clinical expertise but for her approach to life. We sat down with the owner of Center for Aesthetic Medicine to discuss her journey from art school dropout to neurosurgery and trauma medicine, and ultimately to becoming a leader in aesthetic medicine, as well as her life as an entrepreneur and shell-collecting enthusiast.
Your path to medicine wasn’t traditional. Can you share how you went from art school to becoming a PA?
(Laughs) “I started out in art school, actually. I had always been creative and had a good eye for visual composition and spatial relationships. But ultimately, I dropped out. At the time it felt like a failure, but looking back, it was just part of finding my true path. Those artistic foundations ended up being incredibly valuable later in my career, just not in the way I had originally imagined.
“After art school, I regrouped and earned my bachelor’s degree in respiratory medicine. I worked as a respiratory therapist for several years, which gave me valuable clinical experience and confirmed that healthcare was where I belonged. But I wanted to do more, so I applied to PA school at a program in Staten Island, New York. It was incredibly competitive—I was one of just a handful accepted from across the country. I still remember getting that acceptance letter and just being overwhelmed with emotion.”
That must have been an intense educational experience. What was PA school like for you?
“PA school was rigorous, and I worked multiple jobs to put myself through the program. But what really defined that time was something I never could have anticipated—9/11. I was on call at a New York hospital when the twin towers were hit. (pauses) That day changed everything for me, both professionally and personally.
“Being in healthcare during a disaster of that magnitude… it’s hard to put into words. We were preparing for mass casualties, not knowing what was coming next. That experience instilled in me a level of vigilance and awareness of how quickly life can change that I carry to this day. I still feel anxiety when I think about it or when I’m in certain situations—it’s something that became part of me. But it also reinforced my commitment to helping people and making a positive difference, even if my path eventually led me to a different aspect of medicine than I initially imagined.”
You’ve had quite a diverse medical career before aesthetics. Can you tell us about your journey as a PA?
“My journey as a Physician Assistant spans over 20 years now, but I didn’t start in aesthetics or even medicine initially. After leaving art school, I found my way to medicine, which combined my interest in science with my desire to help others. I cut my teeth in some of the most demanding specialties—neurosurgery, level 1 trauma, and orthopedics. Those early years were intense but incredibly formative. Working in trauma and neurosurgery teaches you precision, quick thinking, and the importance of meticulous attention to detail. In orthopedics, I developed a deeper understanding of anatomy and structural relationships that still informs my work today.”
What prompted your transition to aesthetic medicine?
“I became interested in aesthetics in the early 2000s when the field was still relatively new for PAs. What fascinated me was how it brought together my artistic background and medical skills in a perfect fusion. My time in art school, though brief, gave me an eye for proportion, balance, and beauty that’s absolutely essential in aesthetics.
“Coming from neurosurgery and trauma, where every millimeter matters, I brought a surgeon’s precision to injection techniques. But what makes me unique as an injector is this combination of surgical hands from my years in the OR coupled with an artist’s eye for aesthetics. I see the face as a three-dimensional canvas with underlying structures that need to be understood and respected.”
Many consider you among the top injectors in Las Vegas. What do you think sets you apart?
“I credit my success as an injector to this unique combination of experiences—art school dropout meets neurosurgeon physicians assistant. (Smiles) It’s actually the perfect background for aesthetics. From my art training, I developed an eye for visual harmony, proportion, and spatial relationships. I see faces differently—not just as areas to inject, but as compositions with balance and flow.
“Then from neurosurgery, I gained extremely steady hands and precision under pressure. When you’ve assisted in brain surgery, you develop a level of control and attention to detail that’s rare. I can visualize anatomy in three dimensions and understand how different facial planes interact.
“This blend of artistic vision and surgical skill allows me to achieve results that look natural, not ‘done.’ I often tell patients that the best compliment they can receive isn’t ‘your filler looks great’ but rather ‘you look so refreshed—did you change your hair?'”
Beyond your clinical work, you’re also an educator for Allergan. How does your diverse medical background influence your teaching?
“My experience across multiple specialties gives me a unique perspective when teaching other providers. When I’m demonstrating injection techniques, I can explain the underlying anatomy in a way that stems from years of working directly with those structures in surgical settings. Having been in aesthetics since the early 2000s, I’ve witnessed the evolution of techniques and products, which gives me historical context that newer providers appreciate.
“The precision required in neurosurgery and level 1 trauma informs how I teach safety protocols. I often find myself saying, ‘This isn’t just about creating beauty—it’s about medicine.’ I emphasize complication management based on real scenarios I’ve encountered across my career. When you’ve worked in trauma, you develop a level of preparedness that I believe is essential to pass on to other aesthetic providers.”
You’re clearly passionate about your medical career, but you’re also a business owner with rental properties. How did that aspect of your life develop?
(Laughs) “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. The rental properties started as a way to diversify income, but honestly, I enjoy the business side almost as much as the medical. There’s something satisfying about building something tangible and creating financial security for my family. It uses a different part of my brain than my medical work—it’s actually refreshing.”
Speaking of family, how do you balance your busy professional life with family time?
“It’s all about quality over quantity. When I’m with my daughter and stepson, I’m fully present—no checking emails or thinking about work. My husband has been an incredible partner in this journey—we support each other’s goals while making sure our family remains the priority. We’ve learned to be intentional about scheduling family time just like we schedule business meetings. If it’s on the calendar, it happens.”
Let’s talk about your passion for Sanibel Island. What makes that place so special to you?
(Her face lights up) “Oh, Sanibel is my happy place! There’s something magical about that island. The moment I cross the causeway, I can physically feel the stress leaving my body. It’s preserved its natural beauty in a way that’s rare these days—no high-rises, just beaches, wildlife preserves, and the most incredible shelling in the continental U.S.”
I understand you’re quite the shell collector. How did that hobby begin?
“It started on my first trip to Sanibel years ago. I was walking on the beach at sunrise and found myself mesmerized by the variety and beauty of the shells. What began as casual collecting has become a full-blown passion. There’s something meditative about walking slowly along the shoreline at dawn, eyes focused on the sand, completely present in the moment. In my busy life, it’s rare to find activities that quiet my mind so completely.”
Do you have a favorite shell find?
“Every perfect shell feels like a gift, but I’m always hunting for a Junonia. They’re incredibly rare—they live in deep water and only wash up after major storms. Finding one is like winning the shelling lottery! I haven’t found my Junonia yet, but the search is part of the joy.”
And I hear sand dollars have a special significance for you?
(Nods) “Sand dollars connect to my faith in a beautiful way. There’s a Christian legend that says they represent the story of Christ—the five holes representing his wounds, the star pattern on one side symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem, and the ‘doves’ you find inside when they break open representing peace. Finding an intact sand dollar always feels like a little message from God, a reminder that beauty and meaning can be found in the simplest things.”
Beyond shelling, what other activities do you enjoy on the island?
“Biking is a must—the island has miles of bike paths through beautiful natural areas. I love kayaking through the mangroves, watching for dolphins and manatees. It’s a different perspective of the island. Being active outdoors is my form of therapy.”
You seem to prioritize physical fitness. Is that connected to your work in aesthetics?
“Absolutely. I’m a big believer that true beauty starts with health. My routine includes yoga, Pilates, and weight training. It’s not about appearance—it’s about feeling strong and energized. In my field, I see how outward appearance and inner wellbeing are connected. I can provide aesthetic treatments, but the best results come when patients are also taking care of themselves from the inside out.”
What advice would you give to women who are trying to balance a demanding career with personal fulfillment?
“First, recognize that balance doesn’t mean equal time for everything every day. There are seasons when work demands more attention, and seasons when family or personal needs take priority. When I was working in neurosurgery and level 1 trauma, the demands were intense. Moving into aesthetics allowed me more control over my schedule, but building a practice brought its own challenges.
“And finally, don’t compare your journey to others. My definition of success includes professional achievement across multiple medical specialties, yes, but also time for shelling on Sanibel and family movie nights. Define success on your own terms.”
What’s next for you professionally?
“We’re expanding our services at Center for Aesthetic Medicine, particularly in the wellness and longevity space. I’m excited about the integration of aesthetic treatments with broader wellness approaches. After working in areas of medicine that were often reactive—like trauma and neurosurgery—I’m passionate about preventative care and helping patients age well from the inside out.
“I’m also developing more advanced training programs for providers. When I started in aesthetics in the early 2000s, there weren’t many structured educational pathways. Now, I want to create comprehensive training that incorporates the medical rigor I brought from my surgical background.
“But personally? I’m heading back to Sanibel in a few months for more shelling adventures. That Junonia is waiting for me somewhere!”
Heather Rohrer, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, is the owner of Center for Aesthetic Medicine in Las Vegas. With a background spanning art school, neurosurgery, level 1 trauma, orthopedics, and over two decades in medicine, she brings a unique blend of artistic vision and surgical precision to aesthetic care. When she’s not transforming patients’ lives or teaching other providers, you might find her at dawn on a Sanibel Island beach, searching for that elusive Junonia shell.
