Dr. Tarbox earned her medical degree at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine where she graduated at the top of her class and was recognized for her outstanding surgical skills with the Francis C. Jackson Award for Excellence in Surgery. Dr. Tarbox then completed her internship and dermatology residency at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic in Ohio where she was recognized for her patient care and dedication to teaching. 

During her senior year in residency, Michelle successfully applied for a Women's Dermatologic Society Mentorship Grant and traveled to Sydney, Australia to study dermoscopy with Scott Menzies at the Sydney Melanoma Diagnostic Institute. She completed a dermatopathology fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic following successful completion of her residency.

She then served as an assistant professor of dermatology and dermatopathology for three years at St. Louis University in Missouri where she was recognized as the Teacher of the Year for her department in 2012. 

In 2013, she returned to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center where she currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the departments of Dermatology and Dermatopathology and as the Assistant Dean for Medical Student Affairs. She was awarded the Dean's Clinical Teaching Award in 2016 and has been recognized on the Healthgrades Honor Roll, as a Compassionate Doctor, On Time Physician, Patient's Choice, and as one of America's Top Honored Professionals, Top 5% by the American Registry. 

Dr. Tarbox has lectured for the AAD, the Brazilian Dermatologic Society, The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, and the American Society of Dermatopathologists on topics ranging from dermoscopy to cosmetic dermatology, to infectious diseases, maintenance of certification, patient satisfaction, and dermatopathology.