Dr. Christie Matter Recognized as 2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctor in Dermatology

In a significant achievement for the field of dermatology, Dr. Christie E. Matter has been named a 2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctor. This marks the first time Dr. Matter has received this prestigious honor, placing her among the top 7 percent of licensed physicians selected annually as Castle Connolly Top Doctors in their regions and specialties.

Dr. Matter, a board-certified dermatologist, co-founded Lockhart Matter Dermatology & Aesthetic Center in Plano with Dr. Susanne Lockhart, who is also a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. The practice is set to expand in September 2024 with the opening of a second location in Plano, which will include a Mohs, facial reconstruction, and cosmetic surgery center.

With a diverse range of expertise, Dr. Matter treats patients of all ages for various skin conditions. Her practice encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of premalignant and malignant skin conditions, including actinic keratoses, atypical moles, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, and melanoma. She also addresses bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, as well as growth and pigmentation issues.

Dr. Matter's approach to dermatology is comprehensive, recognizing that skin conditions can have both physical and emotional impacts on patients. She emphasizes the importance of patient education and up-to-date treatments to minimize anxiety and give patients a sense of control over their skin health. Her philosophy, "I worry about your skin so you don't have to," underscores her commitment to patient care.

The dermatologist stresses the importance of regular skin exams, particularly for individuals over 50. "The cumulative effect of sun exposure over time leads to the development of skin cancers," Dr. Matter explains. She notes that older individuals may be more susceptible due to less access to sunscreens in their youth and potential medication interactions that can affect skin health.

Dr. Matter's educational background is impressive, having earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, where she graduated third in her class. Her residency training includes time at both Duke University Hospital and UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, where she served as chief resident in her final year.

The Castle Connolly Top Doctor recognition is particularly meaningful as it is based on peer nominations and selection by a physician-led research team. "Being selected by your peers for an honor such as this is one of the most rewarding recognitions. It means that your peers trust you as much as your patients do," Dr. Matter states.

This recognition not only highlights Dr. Matter's individual achievements but also underscores the importance of specialized dermatological care. As skin health continues to be a crucial aspect of overall well-being, the work of top dermatologists like Dr. Matter plays a vital role in improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of dermatology.

The expansion of Lockhart Matter Dermatology, Mohs and Surgery Center, along with the addition of Dr. Aahtman Shah to provide Mohs surgery and cosmetic procedures, further demonstrates the practice's commitment to comprehensive skin care. This growth will enable the team to offer an even wider range of services, including blepharoplasties, face, neck, and brow lifts, and hair transplants.

As the field of dermatology continues to evolve, recognitions like the Castle Connolly Top Doctor award serve to identify physicians who are at the forefront of patient care and medical expertise. Dr. Matter's inclusion in this prestigious list reflects her dedication to her patients and her significant contributions to the field of dermatology.