Dr. Melody Vander Straten, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist whose scope of practice includes general dermatology (treating medical conditions of the skin, hair and nails in adults and children), as well as surgical and cosmetic aspects of the skin. She routinely performs surgical procedures for the treatment and removal of skin cancers, as well as many benign lesions. She enjoys and is experienced in the use of Botox and fillers for cosmetic purposes. She also has considerable experience with cosmetic lasers and other treatments consistent with those routinely performed at Lone Star Dermatology (microdermabrasion, Photofacial, laser hair removal, chemical peels, etc.). Dr. Vander Straten graduated with a B.S. in biology from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, in 1990. In 1994, she obtained her Doctorate of Medicine from Texas A&M University School of Medicine. After graduating, she devoted 5 years of her life to serving in the U.S. Navy. During her service, she completed a family practice internship at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, FL before rounding out her military commitment as a general medical officer. She served these remaining years in several capacities, including shore-based primary and urgent care settings as well as shipboard deployments as squadron medical officer on the USS Spruance, part of the USS John F. Kennedy battle group. It was during her time aboard ship that she earned the coveted Surface Warfare Medical Officer pin, awarded to those physicians who devote their time not only to exceptional patient care, but also to demonstrating excellence in understanding the ship’s mechanical, navigational, and weapons systems. She went on from there to Parris Island, SC, where she accepted duty as Crucible Medical Officer. There she oversaw all medical issues related to The Crucible, the culminating and defining event in Marine Corps recruit training. Dr. Vander Straten left the Navy in 1999 to engage in numerous clinical investigations of the safety and efficacy of a myriad of new medications and potential vaccines for dermatologic conditions including: psoriasis, eczema, herpes virus, human papillomavirus, and HIV. Many of these medications continue to benefit patients today. She completed her dermatology residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland/Case Western Reserve University in 2005, and was subsequently awarded board certification in the same year. She is a fellow of the AAD, and a member of the Texas Medical Association and the Travis County Medical Society. She joined Lone Star Dermatology in November of 2008. Dr. Vander Straten is married and has two active children. She and her family enjoy reading, being outdoors (walking, jogging, or cycling) and love camping and kayaking as time allows. Memberships & Fellowships | | 
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