Pioneers in Dermatology and Venereology: An interview with Professor Leena Bruckner‐Tuderman

Year of birth: 1952 Research interests initially drew me to Dermatology. While attending the medical school in Finland, I begun conducting experimental research in medical biochemistry for my academic dissertation. After graduation, I pursued postdoctoral fellowships in the USA and in Switzerland, focusing on connective tissues, their diseases and extracellular matrix biology. In the long run, I aimed to combine research with clinical practice, either in Dermatology or internal medicine, since these specialities fit well to my research interests. It was by chance that Dermatology became my chosen path. I have never regretted it. First, two Professors of medical biochemistry: Kari Kivirikko, my thesis advisor at the University of Oulu, Finland, and Darwin J. Prockop at Rutgers Medical School in Piscataway, NJ, USA, in whose laboratory I completed a postdoctoral fellowship. From these excellent scientists, I learned the importance of asking the right questions in research and conducting rigorous, well-controlled experiments. In Dermatology, my most influential teacher was Urs W. Schnyder, Professor of Dermatology at the University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland, where I did my specialty training. Prof. Schnyder was an excellent clinician and very research oriented. From the above three teachers and mentors. But later, I also learned a lot in the interesting dermatological environment at the Department of Dermatology at the University Hospital Muenster, Germany, where three 'dermatology schools' converged in the 1990s: the Muenster tradition of Egon Macher, the Vienna tradition that Thomas Luger and Thomas Schwarz brought with them, and the Zürich tradition I brought along. We all learned from each other, recognizing that there are many ways of practicing excellent dermatology. Yes, it was important for me to participate in the activities of professional societies to establish networks and advance research-oriented dermatology and medicine. I have served as board member and president of the German Experimental Dermatology Society (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Dermatologische Forschung, ADF), the European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR) and the German Dermatological Society (Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft, DDG). A special recognition for me and for dermatology was my election as a Vice-President of the German Research Foundation (DFG), a position that I held for 7 years. During this time, the DFG initiated and promoted structured clinician scientist programs in Germany that have facilitated the academic careers of many young physicians. The fact that I could motivate and support young dermatologists to become interested in research, work as clinician scientists, and to successfully pursue academic careers. As Department Chair at the Medical Center, University of Freiburg, and through my engagement in professional societies, I was able to create good conditions for research-oriented Dermatology. I am optimistic and forward-looking, I don't dwell on disappointments. Reading and cultural and culinary activities. As an avid reader, I enjoy fiction and biographies of interesting people. There are many excellent authors in these fields of literature, so it is not easy to name a favourite. As a Finnish-born person, my favourite composer is Jean Sibelius, whose music captures the country's sentiments so well. Regarding painters, I especially like the Impressionists and painters of modern art from the early 20th century. I foresee a great, positive challenge in effectively implementing artificial intelligence in the dermatological practice to ensure high-quality and error-free outcomes. This technology should assist dermatologists in well-founded and wise decision-making and provide them with more time for patients and keeping pace with the fast-developing field. A strong expansion of the spectrum of biologically valid therapies based on specific molecular pathways. In addition to treatments of inflammatory dermatoses and of skin tumours, as we know them today, such therapies will become much more common, also in the treatment of rare skin diseases. Furthermore, there is potential for the development of curative therapies for numerous genetic disorders. However, we will also face a challenge: with the emerging of novel drugs and therapies, continuous medical education for all dermatologists will be crucial to understand the underlying skin pathophysiology and the mechanisms of action of these new drugs. Combine clinics and research, it is more interesting that way. Be optimistic, grab opportunities, tackle challenges and participate in international networks. This all brings great satisfaction and joy. Being a research-oriented dermatologist is the best profession one can pursue! Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL. None declared. *Note: The Pioneers in Dermatology and Venereology interview was conceived and conducted by Johannes Ring.