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ePaper created 2014-09-15, 12:31:02 | version 1.32.01
Breaking with tradition, Cormane did not write a textbook and, after his early death in 1987, there was no evidence that he had ever intended to do so. His preferred ambition clearly had been to strengthen the scientific signature of the discipline of dermatology. This is substantiated by the fact that he, together with several other European dermatologists, established the European Society of Dermatological Research (ESDR). His discovery of skin-bound complement and immunoglobulin in patients with chronic discoid lupus erythematosus and systemic lupus erythematosus, resulted in probably two of the most cited publications by a Dutch dermatologist.[1,2] Cormane’s value is indisputable and his influence on Dutch dermatology is demonstrated by the fact that several of his pupils became professors themselves. H.A. Martino Neumann was appointed at the University of Limburg and William R. Faber succeeded Dick L. Leiker at the University of Amsterdam. Furthermore, Theo van Joost was appointed at the Erasmus University of Rotterdam, and Jan D. Bos became Cormane’s successor at the University of Amsterdam. Johannes Dositheus Bos Johannes Dositheus Bos (1951) accepted his appointment with an inaugural address in 1991, entitled “Skin and defence”. In turn, immunodermatology would remain the main line of his research. Attention was to be given to the immunopathogenesis, immunodiagnosis and immunotherapy of dermatological diseases. A solid foundation to this new emphasis was provided by the introduction of research management. Research was concentrated around the following themes: psoriasis, dermato-allergology, scleroderma, infection and immunity, wound healing, and pigmentation diseases. The new research theme of photo-immunology was also added. The focus on biomedical research was maintained, while significant investments were made in medical research with a more epidemiological accent, with an emphasis on developing protocols, guidelines and the introduction of principles of evidence-based medicine in research, education and patient care. A partnership was established with the Outpatient Clinic for Venereal Diseases of the Public Health Service in Amsterdam. Further, major changes in the department were introduced, with attention to the quality of patient care, training, research and education. In addition to maintaining a good international reputation, a policy was implemented to improve the clinic’s standing within the Academic Medical Center (AMC) itself. The Department of Dermatology was elected the best department of the AMC in 1993, by a jury headed by professor Els Borst-Eilers who, not long afterwards, would become the Dutch government’s Minister of Health. 31 BWEADVSMGFINCORR:Opmaak 1 21-07-2014 17:39 Pagina 31