The Art of Dermatology: Lessons Learned from Master Morphologist, Dr. Irwin Braverman

Abstract

In dermatology, the art and skill of morphologic assessment is key to generating logical differential diagnoses and understanding disease pathogenesis. Dr. Irwin M. Braverman, Professor Emeritus of Dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, is a master morphologist and his book, Skin Signs of Systemic Disease, provided key insights into the relationships between cutaneous lesions and internal disease. In an interview with Dr. Braverman, he stressed the importance morphology plays in how dermatologists diagnosis skin disorders. From Dr. Braverman, we learned an approach to the study of morphology through the lens of an art connoisseur, in addition to how to appreciate subtle clues that suggest a diagnosis and how examination of the skin brings us closer to understanding our patient, what ails them, and how we can heal them.

Keywords: History of dermatology; Medical education; Morphology; Observation; Skin signs of systemic disease.