Obituary Notice

Dear colleagues,

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Professor Jean-Marie Lachapelle, Emeritus Professor of Dermatology at UCLouvain and a major figure in our field.

He graduated in medicine from the Université catholique de Louvain in 1962 and quickly devoted himself to dermatology, in which he pursued a remarkable academic and clinical career. Following his specialist training, he was successively appointed Lecturer, Clinical Professor, and subsequently Full Professor at UCLouvain. He worked for many years at Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, where he also served as Head of the Department of Dermatology, playing a pivotal role in its development and influence.

Professor Lachapelle made a lasting impact on dermatology, both in Belgium and internationally. His expertise, particularly in contact dermatitis, occupational dermatology, and dermatopathology, established him as a widely recognized authority. Through his research, publications, and scientific engagement, he contributed significantly to shaping and advancing the discipline.

He also profoundly influenced the training of generations of dermatologists. Many of us recall the reference textbook “Saurat”, of which he was a co-author, and which guided our learning and professional development. Through his demanding and rigorous teaching, he conveyed far more than knowledge: he conveyed a way of thinking about dermatology.

Beyond his academic contributions, he was an outstanding clinician and a highly respected teacher, combining clinical insight, precision, and a constant commitment to education.

For many, he was a mentor and a source of inspiration. His rigor, integrity, and dedication will remain deeply embedded in our memories.

The Board of the Royal Belgian Society of Dermatology and Venereology received the news of his passing with great sadness. Our deepest condolences go to his wife, Marie-Jeanne, his family, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

May his legacy continue to live on through the generations of physicians he trained and inspire those who will follow.

With our deepest respect,

The Board of the Royal Belgian Society of Dermatology and Venereology