Forty Under 40: Dr. Missy Clifton

Entrepreneurship runs in the family for Dr. Mildred Missy Clifton.

Following the examples of her grandparents and parents, both of whom owned successful retail businesses in her hometown of Dardanelle, Clifton opened a solo practice only one year after finishing her residency at the University of Arkansas medical school in Little Rock, where she also graduated first in her class in 1999.

In 2003, Clifton joined the Northwest Dermatology Clinic and became the first female dermatologist in Northwest Arkansas.

Recognizing an increased demand for cosmetic procedures in Benton and Washington counties, Clifton decided to open her own practice by December of 2004.

Since then, Cliftons patient load has increased from 1,000 per year to more than 5,000 and shows little sign of slowing.

Despite this growth, Clifton refuses to sacrifice quality of care. While she plans to hire additional ancillary staff to lessen her workload, she insists on performing all major procedures herself.

Outside of work, family remains Cliftons top priority. She spends her spare time serving on the board for the Arts Center of the Ozarks and playing Bunco with friends.