Mites and the Mighty: The Last Work and Lasting Legacy of Albert M. Kligman, PhD, MD

Albert M. Kligman, a renowned figure in dermatology, passed away on February 9, 2010, at the age of 93. His career spanned over six decades, during which he made significant contributions to the field, including the invention of the periodic acid-Schiff stain for identifying fungi and pioneering work on skin diseases such as acne and photodamage. Kligman's research led to over 700 original papers and several books, and he continued to publish into his 90s. He was recognized with prestigious awards and was known for his mentorship, having trained over 30 dermatologists who became professors and department chairs. Kligman's philanthropy extended to funding young dermatologists' research training and donating royalties from his patents for topical tretinoin, which significantly benefited the University of Pennsylvania's Department of Dermatology. His legacy is seen in the many investigators who continue to build upon the foundations he laid in the field of dermatology.