Story and Photos by: Brent Kastner
Dr. Lycia Thornburg, a respected dermatologist, author, and dynamic community leader, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Wolfenson Ratner Community Service Award, an honor recognizing the profound impact she has made in her profession and throughout the Rapid City tennis community.
In the field of dermatology, Dr. Thornburg has emerged as a standout voice known for her clinical expertise, innovative approach, and commitment to patient-centered care. Her leadership has earned national attention, leading to multiple high-profile invitations to share her knowledge at dermatology and aesthetic conferences across the country. Most recently, in October 2025, she served as one of only three invited panelists at the Global Aesthetic Conference in Miami, where she also presented on Advanced Botox Techniques for Platysmal Bands and the Aging Neck. That same month, she completed an elite training in Atlanta with world-renowned Plastic Surgeon Mauricio DiMeo, MD, participating in an invite only Allergan-sponsored MD Codes Training, further sharpening her already advanced injection skills.
September also provided another milestone: Dr. Thornburg had the rare opportunity to film a commercial, with details yet to be released, another testament to her rising influence within the aesthetics industry.
Her expertise and perspective continue to be sought by leading aesthetic companies, which frequently invite her to educate, collaborate, and serve on professional panels. Beyond the podium, Dr. Thornburg has also made her mark as an author. Her bestselling book, Chasing Beauty, which she wrote, designed, and published, explores the art, science, and business of aesthetics. The book serves as a call to action for fellow practitioners to elevate their knowledge, refine their skills, and pursue a more thoughtful, patient-centered approach to aesthetic care.
Yet, while her professional accomplishments are remarkable, Dr. Thornburg’s dedication to service extends far beyond the walls of Rapid City Medical Center. For years, she has been a driving force behind the growth and revitalization of the Rapid City tennis community. Her advocacy and leadership were essential during the planning and development of the Parkview Tennis Complex in 2009–2010, a project that expanded access to high-quality public courts. More recently, she played an instrumental role in the 2023 rebuild of the Sioux Park Tennis Facility, ensuring that athletes of all ages have access to vibrant, modern courts.
Dr. Thornburg has raised substantial funding for local high school tennis programs and has long championed opportunities for young players. She also founded Made for Shade, a nonprofit dedicated to installing shade structures at public courts, ensuring that players, families, and spectators can gather, play, and cheer in comfort. Her vision continues to enrich the playing experience and strengthen community connections across Rapid City.
The Wolfenson Ratner Community Service Award highlights what so many in Rapid City already know: Dr. Lycia Thornburg is a catalyst, a builder, and an unwavering champion for her patients, her profession, and her community. Whether speaking on a national stage or cheering from the sidelines of a local match, her influence reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership, and lifting others up.
Her ongoing work continues to shape both the future of dermatology and the landscape of community athletics, leaving a legacy that will benefit families, athletes, and patients for generations to come.
