Dr. Melinda O’Rourke received her Bachelor of Sciences degree from the University of Colorado (CU), Boulder, and her M.D. degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is a member of the academic honorary societies, Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha. After an internship in OB/GYN, Dr. O’Rourke was a general practitioner and active in ophthalmic research at CU. Her research was published and presented at professional meetings in British Columbia and Oxford University in England. Dr. O’Rourke continued postgraduate training at CU, completing her Ophthalmology Residency. Board certified by the
American Board of Ophthalmology, Dr. O’Rourke has over 20 years of surgical experience. Dr. O’Rourke was one of the first surgeons to perform CO2 laser skin resurfacing, and since then, her interest and experience in cosmetic procedures has evolved, with an emphasis on promoting healthy skin through technology. She opened Essence Laser & Wellness in 2011, and has been an innovator in Aesthetic Medicine, and advanced therapy for Dry Eyes through IPL, and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma).
Dr. O’Rourke feels very fortunate to have the opportunity to offer a wide spectrum of services at Essence with assistance from her professional, and highly trained staff, and yet she still remains involved with the care of every patient. The services offered at Essence reflect Dr. O’Rourke’s philosophy of maintaining not only healthy skin, and eyes, but a healthy body and state of mind as well.
Volunteering her time at the Stout Street Eye Clinic over the past 20 years, Dr. O’Rourke brings eyecare to the homeless in metro Denver. She and husband, Paul, have been active participants with Vision Health International, participating in numerous cataract surgery projects worldwide over 25 years, providing indispensable eye care to those in need. Dr. O’Rourke also serves on the Board of Directors at the Red Rocks Community College Foundation, which provides academic scholarships to non-traditional students who need a second chance. Dr. O’Rourke was awarded the prestigious Ethics in Business Award, presented by US Congressman Ed Perlmutter, and was recognized by the then Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi for her volunteer work. Dr. O’Rourke has two children, and an adorable grandson. She enjoys hiking (with Golden/Lab Mix, Olive), yoga, skiing, the movies, mountains and beaches, and traveling to places where she doesn’t understand the language.