Dr. Ulrich T. Hinderer Meise, 1924 to 2007

Abstract

Dr. Hinderer passed away on January 1, 2007, at his home in Madrid. He was 82 years old. Born in Madrid of German parents in the renowned district of Chamberí, he always lived his life to the fullest in both the German and Spanish cultures. The outbreak of World War II found him in boarding school in Germany, and in 1941, he joined the armed forces at the tender age of 17, fighting on the front line for 3 years. Among other battles, he fought in Stalingrad and, later, as an officer, in the famous battle of the Ardennes, suffering severe injuries. Awarded the Iron Cross in 1945, he returned to Madrid more mature than his years, due to the harsh experiences he had endured during the war. He used to say, “What doesn't destroy you makes you stronger.” Dr. Hinderer studied at the Faculty of Medicine at the Complutense University of Madrid, obtaining his degree in 1950. He continued his training in plastic surgery there and at the University of Dusseldorf. As a result of his uncountable professional successes, Dr. Hinderer was everything in plastic surgery, including professor of plastic surgery at the Complutense University, chief editor of Spanish Plastic Surgery (now known as Ibero-Latinamerican Plastic Surgery), and founder and editor of the journal Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. His contribution and experience helped develop these journals into the well-known publications they are today. Undeniably, his major roles were as eighth general secretary of the International Confederation of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery and as president of the International Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery Foundation. Dr. Hinderer was honest, hard working, and disciplined. Blair Rogers called him the “indefatigable Hinderer,” and Tom Biggs used to say to his residents, “If you think you have found a new surgical technique, revise your bibliography, because either it is of no importance or you will probably find that Hinderer has already published it!” Ulrich was a great lecturer and published hundreds of articles in which he described original surgical techniques in plastic surgery (articles on congenital anomalies, otoplasty, hypospadias, and so on) and aesthetic surgery (such as lifting, mammaplasty, and blepharoplasty). A tireless doctor, plastic surgeon, founder of many scientific societies worldwide, and editor of national and international journals, his legacy is as valuable as it is unforgettable. We will remember him as a great human being and an excellent professional; he leaves us an entire life dedicated to medicine, showing true vocation until the last days of his life. Right now, he is probably discussing new surgical techniques with other great contributors, such as Tagliacozzi, Langenbeck, Dieffenbach, Sanvenero-Roselli, González Ulloa, Salvador Castañares, and others, and he is almost certainly trying to create a Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery in heaven! Rest in peace, “Uncle Uli.”Figure: Dr. Ulrich T. Hinderer Meise, 1924 to 2007.