Professor Sergio Chimenti: 1949–2016

Professor Sergio Chimenti died in Rome on 27 February, aged 66.

Professor Chimenti was a distinguished Professor of Dermatology and Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’. He trained in dermatology at the prestigious Roman School of Dermatology of Sapienza University, chaired by Professor Antonio Ribuffo. After a 2-year dermatopathology training period at the Bernie Ackerman Department in New York, in 1987 he was appointed at a very young age (38) as Full Professor and Director of the Department of Dermatology at L'Aquila University. There he built his scientific career in the field of cutaneous lymphomas and on new technologies for melanoma diagnosis. He was successful in both fields: he is one of the authors of the highly cited European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer classification of cutaneous lymphomas and was the pioneer in the introduction of dermoscopy in dermatological clinical practice worldwide. He hosted and chaired the first World Congress of Dermoscopy held in Rome.

In November 1999 he was appointed as Full Professor and Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at Tor Vergata University in Rome. Back in Rome he decided to rebuild the Roman School of Dermatology. To do this, he invested his efforts and capacities in the field of psoriasis, anticipating a high scientific and clinical potential in biotechnology drugs. In only a few years his clinical and research centre became the leader in Italy, and was recognized internationally for research and treatment of psoriasis. Proof of this is the number of clinical trials he attracted and the high level of scientific publications produced by his group, reaching Nature Medicine in 2009.

Throughout his career he promoted Italian dermatology in Europe and internationally through his active participation in international dermatology associations such as the European Dermatology Forum, the European Society for Dermatological Research, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and the European Association of Dermato Oncology. He always stimulated his collaborators to participate in these associations, to have part of their training abroad and to think internationally. As a result, many of the people he trained reached important academic positions in Italy and throughout Europe.

The last year of his life was marked by two important achievements: he was elected as president of the Italian Society of Dermatology and, after trying for about 10 years, he won the bid to have the next World Congress of Dermatology held in Italy (Milan) in 2019.

Any time we recollect our feelings about Sergio Chimenti, he will be remembered as a distinguished leader in his field and a dedicated teacher and mentor. I have worked with Professor Chimenti for many years and he influenced my life and the lives of many, and made it possible for so many people to get the opportunity to become successful dermatologists.

He was a caring father and grandfather and at the same time lived his life to the full, pursuing his extraprofessional interests with passion. In addition to playing tennis, soccer and golf, he acted in international movies and in theatre. He will be remembered for his renditions of Rolling Stones songs with his doctors’ band at famous clubs in Rome.

Few people are born not to get old. He was one of them.

He will be greatly missed.