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Michael Leslie, MD, PhD

Board-Certified Dermatologist
& Dermatopathologist

Education & Credentials

  • Doctor of Medicine at University of Texas Medical School (Houston)
  • Dermatology residency at University of Texas Medical School (Houston)
  • Dermatopathology fellowship at University of Texas Medical Branch (Galveston)
  • PhD in Biomedical Science, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Specialties & Services

  • Dermatopathology
  • General & Surgical Dermatology
  • Diagnosis & Treatment of Skin Cancer
A light gray and white abstract background with soft brush strokes and textured paint streaks in the top left corner, creating a serene space perfect for a single physician’s professional or personal needs. Michael Leslie, MD, PhD

Bio

Dr. Michael Leslie’s journey in medicine is shaped by deep scientific curiosity, athletic discipline, and a love of home. Growing up in Kansas City, Missouri, he played Division I tennis for the University of Missouri (“Mizzou”) while excelling academically, earning degrees in biology and geography, and making first-team Academic All-Big XII each year.

His undergraduate research on meningitis transmission sparked a passion for biomedical science that carried him to Houston, where he earned a PhD focused on a novel genetic vaccine for melanoma at the MD Anderson/UT Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Following that, Dr. Leslie earned his medical degree at UT Medical School at Houston (Alpha Omega Alpha) and completed his dermatology residency—where he served as chief resident—before pursuing a fellowship in dermatopathology at UT Medical Branch in Galveston, where he also taught as a faculty instructor.

In 2014, Dr. Leslie and his wife, Shana, relocated to Colorado Springs to join Vanguard Skin Specialists, drawn by the practice’s culture of excellence, compassion, and positive community impact.

Outside the clinic, he enjoys Colorado’s outdoors—hiking peaks, exploring breweries, and cooking authentic Kansas City-style BBQ—while cheering on the Missouri Tigers and Kansas City Chiefs. Grounded in science yet committed to patient-centered care, Dr. Leslie believes in offering the highest medical precision alongside human warmth to every patient he serves.

Dark blue graphic with white text at the top saying "Meet the Provider." At the bottom, Landon Barton, PA-C, along with the Vanguard Skin Specialists logo and name are displayed. Abstract brushstroke patterns appear in the corners.
Michael Leslie, MD, stands on a snowy frozen lake in a red beanie and dark snowsuit, smiling and holding a fish. Snowy mountains and pine trees fill the background, with a red chair nearby.

Dr. Leslie loves to go fishing in the summer and winter.

A man in a cowboy hat and plaid shirt, Michael Leslie, PhD, smiles while standing behind a large smoked brisket on a wooden table outdoors, surrounded by dishes of chips, salad, and a drink, with trees in the background.

Dr. Leslie knows how to brew beer, play guitar, and cook an amazing steak.

A smiling man, Dr. Michael Leslie, MD, wearing blue scrubs cradles a fluffy gray dog in his arms indoors, standing in front of a doorway.

Dr. Leslie has an adorable dog named Truman.

Publications and Awards