H14 ‘Reflection for the day’

Abstract Thomas B. Fitzpatrick had a tremendous influence on the specialty of dermatology, including seminal scientific contributions, legendary ability to teach and train, remarkable innovations in clinical dermatology. Born Wisconsin 1919, he received his medical degree from Harvard, followed by PhD pathology. He served 2 years at an Army Chemical Centre, where interest skin pigmentation led discovery human tyrosinase. Further innovation basic sciences followed, with melanosome epidermal melanin unit. added academic accolades completing fellowship chemistry Oxford, then returned USA pursue dermatology training Mayo Clinic. At age 32 years, following substantial success early career, was appointed Professor Chair Dermatology University Oregon. By 39 age, Harvard Medical School Department, Harvard’s youngest Chair, while serving as Chief Massachusetts General Hospital. master motivating students sharing passion for often said ‘Practicing dermatologists are like woodwind section orchestra—small number, when they play must well’. In 1971, wrote first multiauthor textbook field entitled Fitzpatrick’s Medicine, now its eighth edition. Dr contributed heavily advances latter half 20th century. Alongside dermatopathologist Wallace Clark, established very pigmented lesion clinic 1966. From that clinic, studies enabled Clark devise level staging system melanoma. described diagnostic signs melanoma, concept sunlight factor aetiology. 1975, devised scale phototypes, which person’s type terms response ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. To huge success, experimented psoralen UVA treat psoriasis, coining term photochemotherapy, or PUVA. highly productive scholar, having many other notable qualities interests. avid lover music, skilled pianist Johannes Brahms enthusiast. The Boston Globe called him ‘dermatologist infectious enthusiasm philosopher’s love good quote’. For 20 co-edited Globe’s popular ‘Reflection Day’, alongside loving wife Beatrice. admired until passing 2003, leaving us so much remember by.