Dr. Michael Steppie and the providers at Associates in Dermatology have spent decades educating the community about establishing a consistent skin care routine.

Springtime in Central Florida means a wealth of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, whether that’s taking in the natural beauty of the area, visiting one of the many local attractions or spending an afternoon on the golf course. Of course, all of that time soaking up the sunshine comes with a lot of risk, and can ultimately lead to serious skin damage and dangerous outcomes.

Skin cancer rates are steadily rising in the United States where more than 3.6 million cases are diagnosed each year, equating to more than all other cancers combined. In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one out of every five people will develop a form of skin cancer by the age of 70. On the surface, those figures may seem daunting, but thanks to advancements in technology and treatment protocols, there’s never been more ways to combat the disease.

Here in Central Florida, expert care can be found nearby at Associates in Dermatology, founded 36 years ago and proudly continuing to deliver an unrivaled level of care to communities across the region. Its president and medical director Dr. Michael Steppie is still as motivated as ever to make a difference in his patients’ lives.

“I feel my most important goal,” he says, “is to help patients avoid the effects of overexposure to the sun, premalignant growths and skin cancer.”

And while May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Steppie knows full well that the battle against the disease is a prolonged fight. “Regularly practicing good skin care habits is important because Florida’s near year-round high temperatures puts us at an increased risk for cancer,” he says. “By taking simple and responsible measures to protect yourself, you can make a real impact in protecting the largest organ in the body.”

Just ask reality TV personality Teddi Mellencamp, who was diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma in 2022 after a suspicious mole was discovered on her back. She underwent surgery to have the disease removed and also had several follow-up procedures. But, earlier this year, a MRI revealed that Mellencamp had developed new tumors in her brain and lungs, and that her cancer has evolved to stage 4 melanoma. While sharing her cancer journey so publicly, Mellencamp has been vocal encouraging others to get routine skin checks and be aware of any suspicious spots that may appear. 

“Keeping a close eye on your skin can give you greater peace of mind, and if needed, improves your chance for successful treatment,” Dr. Steppie adds. “Most importantly the daily use of sunscreen and other forms of UV protection can greatly reduce your risks of developing precancers and skin cancer.”

There are three main types of skin cancer—basal cell carcinoma (the most common), squamous cell carcinoma (the second-most common) and melanoma (the most deadly). Because of the aforementioned exposure to the sun in our area, residents are particularly susceptible to the dangers of melanoma. In the past decade, melanoma rates have skyrocketed nearly 45% and continue to be at an all-time high.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 1,100 new residents move to Central Florida each week, and as they adapt to the year-round warm weather, a visit to one of Associates in Dermatology’s 16 locations can help them stay on top of their health.

Dr. Steppie’s highly influential work has earned him a mantle full of prestigious honors, including Compassionate Doctor awards and inclusion on Orlando Family’s Top Physicians list for seven consecutive years. Having completed residencies in dermatology and dermatologic surgery, Dr. Steppie is renowned for his years of service in the field and is an accomplished surgeon with vast experience in the highly specialized treatment known as Mohs surgery, regarded as the gold standard in skin cancer treatment with a cure rate of up to 99%.

Thanks to Dr. Steppie’s extensive training and expertise, it’s no wonder then why so many area residents entrust Dr. Steppie and Associates in Dermatology with their skin care needs, where the highly skilled team of experts is focused on proper diagnosis and treatment.

“At the end of the day, it’s important to regularly go for routine skin checks because the results can be more surprising than you might expect. Scheduling an appointment with a professional is your best chance for a proper diagnosis and individualized treatment plan. After all, that’s what we are here for: to keep your family’s skin healthy for all the seasons to come,” says Dr. Steppie.

Thanks to the practice’s many convenient locations, including in Celebration, Clermont, Dr. Phillips and Ocoee, patients can visit any number of centers that are close to home, work or otherwise.

“Being accessible to our patients is a hallmark of the practice and it gives them comfort to know that they don’t have to travel great lengths to receive the expert care they are accustomed to,” Dr. Steppie says. “I’m honored that so many patients have relied on Associates in Dermatology for their various dermatology needs, whether dealing with skin, hair or nails.

“While the month of May certainly raises heightened awareness in the fight against skin cancer, I truly understand that the battle is waged all year long,” he adds. “That is why we will always go above and beyond to offer the utmost in personalized care for all of our patients. Expert care is just a call away.”

Associates in Dermatology
16 locations in Central Florida including:
Celebration | Clermont | Dr. Phillips | Hunter’s Creek | Ocoee
(800) 827-7546
DermOrlando.com