
By Meredith Knight Photos by Amber Boykin Photography
Care at Dermatology Center of McKinney is never one-size-fits-all. That’s because each patient James Ralston, MD, FAAD, meets is unique with unique challenges and health goals. For him that has meant investing in a “toolbox” of the very latest diagnostic, treatment, and aesthetic technology and fervently pursuing continuing education above that which is required of him. Plus, he’s been blessed with an enthusiastic partner in this pursuit—his wife, Rachel.
Together, they’ve built a thriving dermatology practice from the ground up. “We started the practice together 17 years ago and Rachel has been practice administrator since our very first patient,” Dr. Ralston said. Over the years, they have been honored to receive multiple Best Dermatologist awards annually and countless five-star patient reviews. This means even more to them each year as our area continues to grow and their patients have continued to endorse them as number one.
Beyond these official awards, however, the Ralstons credit robust patient referrals for growing their practice. “This is the best compliment we can receive,” Rachel said. “Not only do patients recommend us to their family and friends, but we have patients who have moved away but still travel back to us for dermatological care and cosmetic services.” They’ve also had the privilege of watching patients grow up in their practice then return with their own children.
With this kind of growth and as a medical preceptor for several PA schools, Dr. Ralston was able to choose one of the best PAs in the business to join his team. “Physician Assistant Madison Gilmore, PA-C, is phenomenal,” Dr. Ralston said. Madison is a local sweetheart born and raised in Prosper, Texas. Dr. Ralston goes on to say, “We’re grateful for her compassion, careful diagnosis, and extensive knowledge of dermatology. She’s an integral part of the practice.”
Holistic Care
Many breakthroughs of medicine have happened in the past 17 years, and the Ralstons have led that endeavor. “The new generation of patients doesn’t want to simply treat a condition with medication,” Dr. Ralston said. “They hope to find and address the root cause of their issue. We’ve seen this not only in our medical dermatology services but in cosmetic dermatology, and we embrace it wholeheartedly. We look at the patient as a whole person, not just a skin issue, taking into account their overall health and well-being and offering guidance on lifestyle, wellness, and skincare routines to complement our medical treatment.”
Cosmetic Dermatology
Dr. Ralston’s extensive expertise in laser technology drives his ongoing research into innovative, efficient procedures that offer minimal to no downtime. As the practice expanded, he brought on board his esteemed Senior Laser Technician, Reagan Gros, LE. “Reagan is an expert in laser technology and understands the safety considerations involved with helping patients exceed their aesthetic and wellness goals,” remarked Dr. Ralston.
They now have over 35 state-of-the-art aesthetic dermatology devices and are seeing phenomenal success by not just offering a single treatment but combining treatments to enhance the results of each. “These technologies have a symbiotic relationship,” Rachel said. “When you know how to combine them, there’s a gestalt effort where the sum is greater than its parts. We work with patients who are interested in medical weight loss, for instance, and are able to offer them technology that can not only contour their body afterwards but also improve their posture and balance and help strengthen their core.”
In addition to the usual medical aesthetic offerings of Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels, facials, microneedling, skin rejuvenation, and hair removal, Dr. Ralston oversees treatments for many non-surgical treatments to reduce wrinkles, tighten the skin, and contour the body.
Skin Cancer Screening and Treatment
If there’s one message Dr. Ralston wants to get out, it’s the importance of regular skin cancer screenings. “This is one of the most treatable types of cancer, especially
when caught early,” he said. “That’s why
we’ve invested in screening technology that
can assist to detect cancerous and even precancerous skin earlier than ever before.” Some of the cutting-edge technologies they employ are dermoscopy, Nevisense, and AI-assisted mole mapping.
As part of his medical training, Dr. Ralston completed a fellowship in skin cancer and photodynamic therapy, developing a technique to treat skin cancer using lasers, and a second fellowship in advanced skin-cancer surgery. He employs the latest and least invasive technology to remove benign and malignant skin lesions, cysts, and lipomas. “We also offer GentleCure image-guided superficial radiotherapy, which is a highly effective way to treat non-melanoma skin cancers without surgery or pain,” Dr. Ralston said.
Meet the Team
Dr. Ralston offers over two decades of expertise in dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and aesthetics. Madison Gilmore, PA-C is a highly skilled and compassionate physician assistant (PA) known for her expertise in dermatology and aesthetics as well as her patient-centered approach. Reagan Gros, LE, is a licensed aesthetician and senior laser tech with a wealth of experience and passion for aesthetics. These providers are supported by a skilled team of healthcare professionals dedicated to providing the highest standard of care and patient satisfaction.
Empowering Patients
“We believe an informed patient is an empowered patient,” Dr. Ralston said. “We take the time to educate each patient about their conditions, treatment options, and preventative care strategies with the goal of equipping them to make informed decisions about their skin health.”
To make care convenient and accessible, they offer flexible appointment times, including early morning and late afternoon slots, to accommodate their patients’ busy schedules. They also offer convenient self-scheduling and teledermatology services, allowing patients to consult with Dr. Ralston, Madison Gilmore, or Reagan Gros from the comfort of their own homes. You can also communicate with your provider by phone, secure texting, or a patient portal.
The providers at Dermatology Center of McKinney are actively involved in the community, supporting local schools and nonprofits and volunteering their time through teaching students, outreach programs, educational seminars, and health fairs. Find out more at DermatologyMcKinney.com.
CONTACT
5801 Virginia Parkway, Suite 102 | McKinney, Texas 75071
(972) 548-0333 | DermatologyMckinney.com
- McKinney/Allen Living Magazine – “Best Dermatologist” for the last seven years
- McKinney Magazine/Online (Chamber of Commerce) – “Best Dermatologist” for
the last 14 years - LivingWell Magazine – “Best Dermatologist” and “Top Doc” for the last seven years
- D Magazine – “Best Doctor”
- Best Clinical Science Report from Roswell Park Cancer Institute
- National Authority and published author on aesthetics, fire ants, and photodynamic
therapy for 23 years
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