John Epstein, MD '56, by his account, is a dermatologist because that was what he was supposed to do. "I was always going to be a dermatologist," he says. His father was a UCSF graduate and clinical practitioner, so Epstein went to UCSF and did the same, father and son practicing together for many years.

What Epstein doesn't mention is that his career includes running a private practice in San Francisco that accepts indigent and Medi-Cal patients, that he has been on faculty for more than 50 years, that he is the author of 273 papers (including many studies on the carcinogenic effects of sun exposure), and that his leadership of countless professional societies reads like a veritable list of who's who. For the distinguished physician, it's all just part of what he does.

When UCSF Vice Dean and Chair of the Department of Dermatology Bruce Wintroub, MD, approached Epstein about naming an endowed chair after the dermatologist, Epstein's response was as one might expect. "That's very nice," he said. "Why me?"

"John is too humble," says Wintroub. "He is a man who has given far more to his profession than he has taken from it. John is an inspiring role model for people who practice dermatology as well as for those in academic dermatology."

To honor Epstein and recognize the significance of education, the department aims to raise $2.5 million to endow a distinguished professorship in his name. Through the support of committed donors — including co-chairs and former residents Peggy Crawford, Don Kay, MD '62, Amelia Kaymen, Jack Resneck and Greg Thompson — the John H. Epstein Master Teacher Endowed Chair campaign to-date totals more than $600,000.

For decades ("since God was a boy," he says), Epstein has devoted every Monday morning to resident clinic, where he volunteer teaches. "It's remarkable," he says of the experience. "You learn so much doing that. It keeps you alert."

The clinic treats chronic and management-intensive skin diseases — among Epstein's specialties. The teaching relationship is a perfect fit, according to Tim Berger, MD, director of clinics for, and executive vice chair of, the Department of Dermatology. "I think the residents who work with John feel both a responsibility to these kinds of patients but also pick up from him the joy of caring for patients whom others have difficulty managing," he says. "Training with John gives the residents confidence to do the hard work."

Berger explains that the large number of patients seen in a short time makes teaching dermatology unique to other medical disciplines. "What John can do is figure out the best thing to learn from each of the patients, which is a unique gift," says Berger. "When you leave having worked in the clinic with him, you have the perfect picture of that disease in your brain."

Berger adds that the department's top ranking is a testament to Epstein's invaluable influence. Teaching residents is not only what Epstein does, but what he does best.

To support the John H. Epstein Master Teacher Endowed Chair, contact Rachel Lowrey at 415/502-8389 or RLowrey@support.ucsf.edu.