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ePaper created 2014-09-15, 12:31:02 | version 1.32.01
96 History The town’s spirit of innovation and market orientation has inspired the department of dermatology since its beginning more than 56 years ago. During the first three decades allergology and phlebology were important areas of clinical care and research. Non-invasive methods to measure the skin barrier, sweating and vascular functioning were important innovations which were recognized internationally as ‘Nijmegen made’. Since the 1980s research on pathogenetic and clinical aspects of psoriasis has achieved international recognition. From 1985 onwards the department has developed an interest in genetics, at first related to genodermatoses and subsequently related to the molecular genetics of psoriasis. More recently, innovations in pathogenesis and treatment of psoriasis have included real clinical practice research in children and adults, evaluation of experimental treatments, quality-of-life research, studies on immunopathogenesis and molecular biology and development of biomarkers. In the meantime, innovations in skin cancer management have included the development of non- invasive diagnostic tools, clinical characterization, as well as epidemiological studies of skin cancers in special populations and cooperative projects with general practitioners to improve quality of care for skin cancer patients. Johannes Wilhelmus Henricus Mali Johannes Wilhelmus Henricus Mali (1918-1996) was the founding chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, which was opened on the 18th of June, 1957. Established in a centrally located villa, the site accommodated both an out-patient unit and an in-patient department. Mali created a multidisciplinary research group consisting of pharmacologists, an organic chemist and a physical chemist. This group developed non-invasive methods to measure skin barrier functions, and performed extensive analyses on the composition of allergens and irritants. Non-invasive methods for measuring the venous system and microcirculation were developed by a group of medical physicists. Already, in the very first years of the department, medical psychologists made an active contribution to patient care. There was an important unmet medical need with respect to allergic contact dermatitis and leg ulcers in the region of Nijmegen. Nijmegen dermatology clinic (1958-1992). BWEADVSMGFINCORR:Opmaak 1 21-07-2014 17:40 Pagina 96