Pioneers in Dermatology and Venereology: An Interview with Professor Alain Taieb.

Abstract

Among the research conducted, those that had the most impact concern: I was hesitant about choosing between pathology (I graduated in pathology too) and dermatology, but seeing just dead bodies or biopsies was less fun than the clinic with living children and adults. I made my decision after my first semester in dermatology when I had the chance to see the masters of the discipline coming to Bordeaux for a clinical meeting organized by my chief, Prof Texier. I remember Prof Robert Degos came and was presented with a case of his disease (malignant atrophic papulosis) and agreed upon the diagnosis (not very reassuring for the patient, however!). I was very enthusiastic after my rotation in paediatric dermatology under Prof Maleville, and this was the second landmark that defined the focus of my career. Retrospectively, I think of my chefs de Clinique Jean Pierre Méraud in Prof Texier's department for dermatology, and Pascal Massicot for paediatrics and paediatric dermatology in Prof Maleville's department when I was a beginner. The teachings of the professors were probably more important relative to overall clinical judgement and decision-making. I purchased the book of Fitzpatrick (red one), and I found it very complementary with the Degos, which was the French authoritative dermatology textbook. The Fitzpatrick and the Harrison for internal medicine were overall good guides for me, and I learnt a lot from my readings, and I feel myself a bit as an autodidact. Yes, formerly president of the Société de Recherche Dermatologique (SRD), of the Société Française de Dermatologie Pédiatrique (SFDP), and currently of the International Society of Atopic Dermatitis since 2018. Probably to have built a very good team in the clinic and the lab and to have created with other colleagues international task forces on atopic dermatitis and vitiligo. Not to be able to promote gifted young individuals to the level they would deserve. I think having fun is essential in your life, especially in your professional milieu where you spend most of your time, and joking was important daily. Probably, I remember the more tragic events more easily, such as the loss of a young patient you are caring for since a long time. On the funny side, I laughed a lot at the movies made by my teams for my retirement; one on a grand round caricature, another one depicting me in the rare diseases unit and the last one on melanocyte research. From the pioneers of the modern times—since the second half of the XIXth century—I know based on my own historical work and senior contemporaries, I would mention Louis-Anne-Jean Brocq, Ferdinand-Jean Darier and William Dubreuilh from the French-speaking side; Moritz Kaposi, Josef Jadassohn and Otto Braun Falco on the German-speaking side; and also Stefania Jablonska (Poland), Albert Kligman, Thomas Fitzpatrick (USA) and Hiroshi Shimizu (Japan). Jean Hilaire Saurat, Peter Elias, Martin Röcken, Rudi Happle, Johannes Ring, John McGrath, Eli Sprecher, Amy Paller and Thomas Kupper. Not only taking care of my family especially my grandchildren but also reading, travelling and enjoying football matches. Writer: Among contemporaries, I like Michel Houellebecq, our most original French writer, but I am very eclectic. Composer: Varies according to periods of life but I prefer classical music. I was rather Wagner-Bruckner when younger, now surprisingly more Puccini, who I could hardly tolerate before. Bach and Mozart are steadier in my appreciation. Painter: I have difficulties selecting one among classical painters Velasquez, Rembrandt, Goya and Manet to name a few. To adapt modern technology, including AI, to the needs of primary care. Access to basic knowledge limiting skin aging and translating it into practice. Take your time to decide what you want to do, and then work hard to achieve your goals. Follow your own ideas, and do not remain mainstream. *Note: The Pioneers in Dermatology and Venereology interview was conceived and conducted by Johannes Ring.