Pioneers in Dermatology and Venereology: an interview with Professor Jean Hilaire Saurat.

Abstract

Jean-Hilaire Saurat was born in France, in 1943. Initially, I should have been a surgeon (like my father) but while rotating in paediatrics as a resident, I decided to become a paediatrician. Then, when confronted with all these mysterious skin problems in childhood, I felt mandatory to visit the Masters responsible for the mysteries at Hôpital Saint-Louis. I found so many exciting mysteries to be solved there that I felt, presumptuously, that I should contribute, from bench to bed, to clarify a few. In Dermatology: Robert Degos, Bernard Duperrat, Jean Civatte (Paris Hôpital Saint-Louis). In Paediatrics: Pierre Royer, Claude Griscelli (Paris Hôpital Neker-Enfants-Malades). In Research and Biology: Michel Prunieras (INSERM and Rothschild Fundation Paris). In Medical & Academic Management: Alex Muller (University Hospital, Geneva). From my compulsory readings of others, both in science and literature. From many younger and bright training persons in my department. From patients in my practice. And of course, from my wife Michèle. ‘Bibliometrics’ is like democracy (not perfect, but anyhow the best). Every morning I take 5 minutes to open an email from RG (Research Gate) indicating that one or more papers which I authored have just been cited. Some are so old that it is refreshing to remember how, why, and with whom the paper was elaborated. This illuminates my breakfast! It is also fascinating to see how apparently trivial papers are still cited and sometimes have a higher quote over years, whereas ‘painful-to-produce-and-to-publish’ ones appear to be buried. Difficult thus to make a short list of five. I dare ignoring many of those published in top journals, because readers can go to RG to get that list. It is very reasonable. I have been president of the European Society for Dermatological Research, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, the International League of Dermatological Societies and the Medical Society Geneva, and cofounder/treasurer of European Society of Pediatric Dermatology. Each one of these offices had some specificity during my term: ESDR was negotiating for partnering in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. EADV was switching to adulthood. ILDS was fighting to obtain from the WHO that skin diseases have their own section in the forecoming International Classification of Diseases 11. Our specialty should thank Robert Chalmers to have brought this incredible task to a world recognized success. The percentage of young dermatologists I had trained who subsequently went to aesthetic dermatology (in French one would say ‘tout ça pour ça’) and as cause and effect, the growing number of patients with skin diseases looking for guidance. What looks funny for some may not looks so for others. I prefer skipping this question. I am unable to answer this question. My list amounts 100 names with no ranking. I am unable to answer this question. My list amounts 500 names with no ranking. We all see the risks of losing specific academic status, the weakening of dermatology departments, the granularity of private practice, the pharmas’ hegemony, the loss of patients’ confidence, the devilish attractiveness of aesthetics and more … A great task for the 500 top ten living dermatologists! Many common diseases still lack sound strategic targets for treatments. Senolytic drugs may soon be available for the skin, with broader applications than ageing. *Note: The Pioneers in Dermatology and Venereology interview was conceived and conducted by Johannes Ring.