Michael Steppie, MD

Committed to the Fight Against Cancer

“From practice to research and outreach, I’ve devoted my career to one goal,” says Dr. Steppie, a board-certified physician with residencies in internal medicine, dermatology and dermatologic surgery. That goal? To raise awareness about skin cancer.

Dr. Steppie’s practice, Associates in Dermatology, has provided medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatological care to Central Floridians for more than a quarter of a century, reflecting his combined focus on research and patient care.

“From our experienced physicians to our highly trained professional staff, every member of my team takes pride in providing outstanding results,” Dr. Steppie says. “Whether treating skin cancer or providing esthetic services, each one puts the patient first.”

Associates in Dermatology’s Dr. Phillips and Ocoee locations are “centers of excellence” in skin cancer treatment, equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies. Each practice offers comprehensive dermatologic and cosmetic services, including treatments for non-cancerous skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, eczema, allergic dermatitis and diseases of the hair and nails. Especially crucial are cutting-edge treatments for skin cancer.

“MOHS micrographic surgery is one of the most effective skin cancer treatments we offer,” Dr. Steppie says. “This procedure can cure up to 99 percent of basal cell carcinomas, the most common form of skin cancer. We’ve added Michael McClure, MD, a skilled board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in reconstructive procedures and performs most MOHS surgery repairs, as well as cosmetic procedures.”

Skin cancer is a central focus of Associates in Dermatology, but it’s not the only one.

“People want to have healthy, youthful-looking skin,” Dr. Steppie explains. “To satisfy this need, we provide expert esthetic services, too.”

Research with Results

Dr. Steppie goes beyond clinical practice to pursue dermatologic research that may advance skin cancer detection. One of his lines of research, in collaboration with Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute at Lake Nona, involved identifying biomarkers that may predict susceptibility to melanoma.

“The promise of finding cancer early, when it can be most effectively treated, is really exciting,” Dr. Steppie says. “Identifying melanoma biomarkers could be the first step in developing earlier, more reliable diagnostics that could, in turn, reduce deaths.”

This collaborative melanoma research was published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology in April 2017. Dr. Steppie also contributed to a breakthrough study on vitiligo, published only five months later.

Spreading the Word

“Nearly 8 million Americans have skin cancer, yet only 4.4 million cases have been diagnosed and treated,” Dr. Steppie says. “We need to close that gap. That’s why I work with local and national media to let people know it’s important to be vigilant.”

An elite member of the Amonette Circle of the Skin Cancer Foundation, Dr. Steppie has committed significant personal resources to this goal. Through every available medium, he tells people that skin cancer, although the most common cancer in the US, is treatable.

“Vigilance is key to detection,” he says. “Be alert for scaly or crusty patches, wart-like spots and new, growing or dark moles. Ask your dermatologist to examine anything suspicious.

“If you have any questions about skin cancer or skin health in general, reach out to us at Associates in Dermatology. From lifesaving cancer treatments to skilled esthetic procedures, we strive to provide state-of-the-art care delivered in a welcoming environment.”