For over 36 years, Dr. Elizabeth McRae has been a pillar of the Boerne medical community. As the town’s first female doctor, she built her career in internal medicine, dedicating herself to providing quality healthcare in a small-town setting. But in 2005, her passion took an unexpected turn—one that allowed her to help patients in a whole new way.
“I was helping people feel better, but I realized that sometimes, people needed to see their well-being reflected in the mirror,” McRae shares. Her journey into medical aesthetics was driven by a desire to bridge the gap between how her patients felt on the inside and how they looked on the outside. “It’s about helping them look as vibrant and youthful as they feel.”
Her interest in aesthetics began when a friend playfully told her she needed a facelift—an idea she quickly dismissed because of how invasive the procedures tend to be. “I wasn’t going to do that!” she says, laughing. Instead, she began exploring and offering non-invasive cosmetic treatments, starting with Botox in the mid-90s, long before it was widely used for cosmetic purposes. By 2005, she had fully embraced medical aesthetics, launching what is now known as McRae MD Medical Laser Center.
“The shift was challenging at first,” she admits. “I was a ‘real doctor,’ and I wondered if this was serious enough work. But then I saw how much it meant to my patients. It wasn’t just about vanity—it was about confidence, self-esteem, and feeling like themselves again.”
McRae and her team specialize in advanced, medically supervised rejuvenation treatments—from laser therapies and injectables to weight loss programs. She believes that what sets her practice apart is her extensive medical background and commitment to patient safety. “There are so many new med spas popping up, but not all of them have experienced medical professionals on-site,” she cautions. “Patients should always do their homework. Your health and safety should come first.”
Beyond aesthetics, McRae has a long history of service. In the late ’90s, she co-founded the Kendall County Medical Society and helped launch the Mission for Health, a free clinic for uninsured patients. “I love medicine,” she says. “Whether it’s internal medicine or aesthetics, my goal has always been to help people feel their best.”
Her philosophy is simple: she wants her patients to feel safe, empowered, and informed in their journey toward self-improvement. “I take a very serious, medical approach to this work,” she explains. “We don’t just follow trends—we test and research treatments extensively before offering them to patients. If I offer it, it’s because I truly believe in its effectiveness and safety.” With that in mind, McRae and her practice have been leading the way for years. She founded the first aesthetic medicine clinic in Boerne, and for 20 years, companies have sent doctors from around the country to learn from her.
While her practice keeps her busy, McRae also finds joy in her personal life. She’s a proud mother of three, a new grandmother, an avid traveler, and a passionate equestrian. “Riding horses keeps me feeling young and fit—it’s part of my own self-care,” she says with a smile.
After nearly four decades in Boerne, McRae remains as committed as ever to her work. “Some people think about retiring, but I feel like we’re just getting started,” she says. “Every day, I get to help someone feel more confident, whether it’s a woman preparing for her daughter’s wedding or a man launching a new business venture. That’s what keeps me going.”
With her blend of medical expertise, compassionate care, and dedication to helping people live confidently, McRae has undoubtedly left her mark on Boerne—and she’s not slowing down anytime soon. When asked how she wants to be remembered, her answer is clear: “I hope people think of me as someone who truly cared—who made them feel safe, valued, and beautiful, inside and out.”
mcraemd.net | 830-268-6131 | 117 S. Saunders St.
“I love medicine! Whether it’s internal medicine or aesthetics, my goal has always been to help people feel their best.”