Introduction

Dr. Rustad, being the most highly trained and experienced dermatologist in Nebraska, has conducted his practice in Nebraska for more than thirty-five years. While the practice has centered in Lincoln, it has reached out to twelve Nebraska communities from Norfolk to Beatrice and Falls City to North Platte. He still attends satellite offices in Grand Island, Hastings, Beatrice and Falls City.

Dr. Rustad believes that a close, caring patient doctor relationship is the most important element in health care and has always personally seen every patient, every time. Establishing diagnoses, ordering substantiating tests and prescribing medications are never left to a practice associate.

Experience and Training

Dr. Rustad received a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry and biology from St. Olaf College, where he was individually selected to be a professor’s assistant and was uniquely honored to be offered a fully underwritten teaching fellowship at the University of Chicago. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and later a degree of Doctor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Minnesota.

While a medical student, he was the first and last to receive a two-year fellowship in dermatology where he participated in dermatology teaching sessions, conferences, clinical rounds and attending staff grand rounds with dermatology residents. For three years, he uniquely served as an extern and mycologic laboratory consultant in Deacones Hospital in Minneapolis. As a first choice internship, he received general medical training in Santa Clara County Hospital, which was staffed by Stanford University medical professors. Being short a residency in dermatology, he was asked to function as such in the dermatology clinic, in addition to serving as a general intern.

During a three-year residency in dermatology at the University of Minnesota, he was the first one ever to be chosen after his first year to serve as chef resident at the Veterans Administration Hospital, the largest and most recognized Veterans Administration teaching hospital in the United States. Subsequently, Dr. Rustad held that head resident’s position in both the Minneapolis and St. Paul city county hospitals. Especially selected to become a professor of dermatology, he was directed into a program to receive a doctorate in biochemistry and a master’s degree in dermatology. Dr. Rustad also went beyond residency requirements to attend clinics, office practices and teaching sessions in allergy, podiatry, oral pathology and plastic surgery in addition to his dermatology training. Evenings and weekends he served for three years in Fairview and St. Mary’s hospitals as a hospitalist and emergency room physician.

Techniques

Dr. Rustad brought Mohs technique of microscopically monitored skin cancer removal to Nebraska. This technique has produced nearly a 100% cure rate for basal and squamous cell carcinomas. We believe that this office was the first to employ fresh tissue with Mohs technique rather than a technique of using chemically fixed tissue. For ten years, Dr. Rustad managed his own histopathology laboratory and interpreted over 60,000 biopsy slides.

Rustad Dermatology

Dr. Rustad was a University of Nebraska medical staff member for 15 years, was a clinical instructor at the Nebraska University Medical School and served in Veteran Administration hospitals in Nebraska for 25 years. When he first came to Nebraska he conducted a clinic in allergy as well as dermatology.

Rustad Dermatology has always emphasized the treatment of skin cancer, skin aging, acne, psoriasis, heredity conditions and pediatric dermatology. Currently his local office at 1919 South 40th Street, Suite 330 is a state-of-the-art facility. It features two surgical suites and the latest in laser technology. Currently the practice is offering a wide range of cosmetic procedures which include: Botox®, injectable fillers, laser skin refurbishment, hair removal, hair replacement, tattoo removal, as well as scar revision and correction. This office allows him to treat many conditions without the expense or inconvenience of hospitals or surgery centers. If a hospital visit is required, Dr. Rustad maintains privileges at Bryan LGH and St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center. He also offers free group periodic cancer screening and mole evaluations to businesses, retirement centers, service clubs, health fairs and churches. Also, Dr. Rustad has provided low-cost acne treatment and supplemental medications for students.

Community & Family

Dr. Rustad is a long-time member of the Lancaster Medical Society, the Minnesota Dermatology Society, the Missouri Valley Dermatological Society and the American Dermatological Society. Dr. Rustad is a fourth generation cattleman who still owns and manages the family farm, which has a herd of Red Angus Cattle and working quarter horses.

Dr. Rustad is a United States Army veteran who served as a physician at the Pentagon in Washington DC. Only two percent of physicians are promoted ahead of schedule and Dr. Rustad made advanced promotion both years. When he volunteered, he was given the rank of captain who then was promoted to Major and again to Lieutenant Colonel. He regularly attended weekly teaching sessions in Walter Reed hospital and the D.C. area, teaching hospitals in dermatology, allergy and plastic surgery.

Dr. Rustad and his wife, Lynne, have been strong supporters of the Child Advocacy Center and are involved in the Make-A-Wish Foundation, community organizations, Rotary Club #14, Lincoln Independent Business Association, membership in 1st Plymouth Church, and have participated in functions of other local charities.

Dr. Rustads wife owns Ellyne Bridal located in Lincoln, NE and she is also a strong community leader. They have four children, Troy a dermatologist and internist in Minneapolis, MN; Todd an otorhinolaryngology and plastic surgeon in Boise, Idaho; Ann a special education teacher in Lincoln, NE and Zachary, a marketing and computer science specialist in Lincoln, NE.