Susanne Lockhart, MD, a dermatologist at Lockhart Matter Dermatology & Aesthetic Center, has been recognized as a 2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctor. This marks the first time Dr. Lockhart has received this prestigious honor, which is awarded to only about 7 percent of the nation's licensed physicians annually across various specialties.
Dr. Lockhart co-founded Lockhart Matter Dermatology & Aesthetic Center in 2021 alongside Dr. Christie E. Matter, who is also a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. The practice is set to expand with the opening of a second location in Plano in September 2024, named Lockhart Matter Dermatology, Mohs and Cosmetic Surgery Center.
With over 20 years of experience in private practice, Dr. Lockhart is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology. Her expertise spans a broad spectrum of skin conditions, including inflammatory and immune-related conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, and rosacea; growth and pigmentation issues such as moles, birthmarks, folliculitis, and alopecia; and bacterial, viral, and fungal infections such as warts, shingles, nail fungus, and herpes. She is also proficient in diagnosing and treating various forms of skin cancer, including atypical moles, basal-cell and squamous-cell carcinomas, and melanoma.
Dr. Lockhart is known for her empathetic approach and diagnostic acumen, treating patients of all ages. She emphasizes the importance of skin cancer prevention and education, often conducting skin cancer screenings and educating patients about early detection. According to Dr. Lockhart, melanoma awareness is particularly crucial. "According to the American Cancer Society, this year alone over 100,000 people in America are predicted to be newly diagnosed with melanoma. Over 8,000 deaths are predicted as a result of melanoma," she states. "Educating my patients about early detection and stressing the importance of routine skin exams can help save someone's life."
Dr. Lockhart's dedication to her patients is evident in her long-term relationships with multigenerational families. She values patient education, ensuring that individuals understand their skin conditions and treatment options. This approach encourages active participation in discussions about their care.
A graduate with honors from the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine and a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society, Dr. Lockhart completed her internal medicine internship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas and a three-year dermatology residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch, where she served as chief resident in her final year. She also holds a bachelor's degree in biomedical science from Texas A&M University.
Castle Connolly Top Doctors are nominated by their peers and selected based on rigorous criteria, including medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories. "Being nominated by my peers as a Connolly Top Doctor is an enormous honor," Dr. Lockhart says. "The trust in my patient care and medical decisions is much appreciated and encourages me to continue serving patients of all types in my community."
