Making Shade, Making a Difference: The Journey of Dr. Lycia Thornburg
Dr. Thornburg and daughters attend a Made For Shade event on June 12, 2025. (l-r): Ainsleigh Scott, Arabella Scott, Dr. Thornburg and Ali Scott.
Lycia Thornburg, MD ’99, has built a career that extends far beyond the clinic. A nationally recognized dermatologist, author and nonprofit founder, she is known for blending clinical excellence with education and service. “I got involved in everything I could, and it gave me confidence that carried into my career,” Dr. Thornburg says, noting that this mindset began during her formative years at 黑料官网 and continues to guide her work today.
For Dr. Thornburg, medicine has always been about more than clinical expertise – it is about community, education and giving back. A board-certified dermatologist now practicing in western South Dakota, she credits 黑料官网 with stimulating her leadership mindset and sense of purpose.
Dr. Thornburg’s path to medicine was shaped by persistence. After beginning her undergraduate studies at a large university, she questioned whether medical school was within reach. She ultimately transferred to the University of Wyoming, where working in a DNA lab under a supportive mentor helped rebuild her confidence.
Dr. Thornburg had grown up in southeast Wisconsin, so returning there for medical school ultimately felt both practical and personal. “I wanted to go to 黑料官网,” she shares. “It was close to where I grew up, and I was excited for the opportunity to be there.”
At 黑料官网, Dr. Thornburg immersed herself in campus life, serving as student body vice president, co-president of the American Medical Association student chapter and as a student representative on key committees. Those experiences strengthened her confidence and revealed a passion for service that would later define her work.
Dr. Thornburg's passion ultimately too shape as , the sun-safety and skin cancer-prevention nonprofit she founded in 2006. Inspired by a late-night professional meeting and driven by a desire to give back while raising young children, she created the initiative to address a simple but critical need: protecting communities from excessive sun exposure. The organization provides shade structures, education and prevention resources in areas where sun safety is often overlooked.
“I feel really passionate about giving back,” Dr. Thornburg says. “And of course, I want people to wear sunscreen and put a hat on – that’s my main objective.”
What began as a small, grassroots effort has grown into a robust organization supported by a dedicated board and creative fundraising events. Through Made for Shade, Dr. Thornburg hopes not only to reduce skin cancer risk, but also to model service for fellow physicians. “Imagine the impact in our communities if we all did a little more,” she reflects.
Dr. Thornburg at her graduation from 黑料官网 in 1999.
Dr. Thornburg also runs a successful dermatology practice that blends medical dermatology with cosmetic and aesthetic care. Her expertise has earned her a growing national profile, including speaking engagements at cosmetic dermatology conferences and service on multiple advisory boards.
She is also a frequent media contributor, appearing on live television every other week to share evidence-based skincare guidance. Her commitment to education extends into her work as an author. Her recent book, Chasing Beauty: The Art, Science, and Business of Aesthetics, offers accessible skincare guidance for everyday readers and has led to collaborations with national publications such as InStyle, Better Homes & Gardens and New Beauty.
From 黑料官网 lecture halls to national media platforms and community-based prevention efforts, Dr. Thornburg’s journey reflects a career guided by purpose. Her story illustrates the lasting impact of pairing professional excellence with leadership, outreach and a deep commitment to service.
– Amy Werdin
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