A Texas native, Dr. Melissa Costner began her journey as a Dermatologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where she completed her training as a resident in dermatology, and where she developed an early and enduring interest in the skin manifestations of autoimmune disease.

 Under the tutelage of Dr. Richard Sontheimer, an icon of dermatology, she honed the special skills needed to take effective care of patients with conditions such as lupus dermatomyositis and scleroderma.  After graduation from her residency, Dr. Costner joined the faculty at UT Southwestern in 1997 and quickly established a reputation as a specialist in the skin manifestations of rheumatic diseases. She went on to write book chapters, contributed to research, published new findings, and participated in the development of clinical guidelines for dermatologic manifestations of rheumatologist disease.  She is one of the founding members of the Rheumatologic Dermatology Society.

​In 2007, Dr. Costner further expanded the scope of her influence on the Dallas community by entering private practice, developing collaborative care pathways with the DFW metroplex physicians for the care of patients with autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis and eczema.  Dr. Costner also supports a number of general and specialty physicians with her expertise in skin manifestations of several other general and specialty diseases.