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(1917-2000) Eugene M. Farber, M.D., the Jane and Hugh S. Center Professor of Dermatology Emeritus, died November 10, 2000, after a brief illness at 83 years of age. Dr. Farber served for 36 years as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine, and President of the Psoriasis Research Institute of Palo Alto, Dr. Farber was a native of Buffalo, New York, receiving his B.A. from Oberlin College, and his M.D. degree from the University of Buffalo in 1943. His residency years were spent at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he also received a M.S. degree from the University of Minnesota. For four decades, Dr. Farber served Stanford University's Department of Dermatology as clinician, educator, research investigator, and chairman. In his long career, which continued until a few days before his death, Dr. Farber lectured in 44 different countries, received honorary membership and awards from 26 different foreign dermatological societies, and was author or co-author of 225 publications including monographs, textbooks, chapters in textbooks, and original journal articles. Even as a resident in training at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Farber began to fulfill his lifelong passion for furthering understanding and improving the treatment of skin diseases, collaborating as principle investigator in clinical studies, demonstrating the effectiveness of the first antihistamine, Benadryl. There was no effective treatment for allergic reactions before these studies. In 1948, Dr. Farber came west to join the faculty of Stanford Medical School. He supported himself in private practice while beginning his effort to build a clinical care and teaching service for dermatology at Stanford. In 1951 he was appointed Director of the Dermatology Division at Stanford and was given a 4'X8' cubicle for research. From this humble beginning, Eugene Farber built a world-famous Department of Dermatology over the next 36 years. His program was known for well-funded, insightful research by top scientists into the biology of the skin and in particular, the epidemiology and treatment of psoriasis. Until well into the 20th century, published knowledge of psoriasis was almost entirely descriptive. From the beginning of his career, Dr. Farber linked clinical observation with laboratory studies, and at all times he and his associates used the investigative laboratory to expand clinical knowledge. Dr. Farber worked towards improving the treatment of psoriasis with safety and efficacy. He supported anthralin as the treatment of topical choice, first developing an extremely effective low strength hospital and day care regimen. Then in 1990, he and his colleagues developed a concept of short contact therapy with anthralin, which made this remarkable topical much more effective. Dr. Farber also established one of the first hospital-based psoriasis day care centers in the early 70's, where patients received individual treatment on an ambulatory basis. In 1982, he initiated the concept of self-help workshops, which are now used in many dermatological centers. Patients and their families are provided with information on the natural history, treatment and psychosocioeconomic data through lectures and handout materials in the workshops. During his tenure, Dr. Farber collaborated with skin biologists and clinicians around the world, establishing the first International Symposium on Psoriasis at Stanford in 1971. Several more symposia followed in five-year intervals, documented with published proceedings. In spite of his love of research, Dr. Farber's greatest academic pleasure was found in teaching the art and science of dermatology to medical students and physicians. He always emphasized to his faculty that teaching was a very important part of their responsibilities. This was reflected in the fact that members of his staff received the students' "best teacher" award on several occasions. In the 1950's and 60's, Dr. Farber pioneered bringing a broad spectrum of dermatologic experience to teaching and training, offering exposure in pediatric, veterinary and podiatric dermatology before any other program in this country. Stanford was also the first program on the West Coast to have a full-time dermatopathologist and photographer for teaching and research. More than 180 dermatologists graduated from the Stanford Residency Program under his guidance from 1952-1986. In his lifetime, dermatology departments and societies honored Dr. Farber all over the world, including the very singular award of Master In Dermatology, given to him by the American Academy of Dermatology. He also received the most Distinguished Alumni Award from his alma mater, the University of Buffalo. Gene Farber spearheaded and assumed leadership positions in many dermatological societies and organizations. He wason the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Dermatological Association, the Association of Professors of Dermatology, the Pacific Dermatological Association, and the Society for Investigative Dermatology. In addition, Dr. Farber held editorial positions for many publications including the JIC, Scientific American, Skin and Allergy News, and Cutis. He also served as President of the Association of Professors of Dermatology, the Pacific Dermatology Association, and the Society for Investigative Dermatology. On 33 occasions, Dr. Farber was invited as visiting professor and guest lecturer in countries throughout the world. Upon retiring from his position at Stanford University in 1986, Dr. Farber assumed the presidency of the Psoriasis Research Institute, a unique non-profit foundation, established by Russell Smith, Alejandro Zaffaroni, the founder of Alza Pharmaceuticals, and himself. They created a skin biology unit with a focus on the etiology, epidemiology and treatment of psoriasis. Scholars from nearly a dozen countries outside the United States have studied at the Psoriasis Research Institute on fellowships or during sabbatical leaves. In addition to being an exceptional student in high school and college, Dr. Farber was an excellent athlete, having performed as a champion hurdler and basketball player. He remained a loyal supporter of Stanford University athletics throughout his life. Dr. Farber was also a devoted family man, marrying his life's companion and "best friend", Ruth, in 1944. They remained together for 56 years, raising four children and many large animals at their Portola Valley home. His wife; a son, Donald; daughters Charlotte and Nancy; grandchildren Elinor and Ben; and his great grandchild Henry survive Dr. Farber. Dr. Gene Farber will be dearly missed by many who were influenced or cared for by him, including two generations of fellow physicians, students and thousands of grateful patients. Committee: Dr.Robert Walton Dr. Al Lane Dr. David Harris, chair
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Stanford Report, October 17, 2001
