An adventure in dermatology: A personal history

This adventure in dermatology took place between 1960 and 1962. An immigration ruling forced Dr Bernard Gordon, a Canadian, to spend 2 years abroad before he could legally live and practice in the United States. Dr Gordon had just completed a 3-year residency at the New York University Skin and Cancer Unit. Dr Gordon met with his mentor, Dr Marion Sulzberger, for advice. This world-famous dermatologist took an interest in his situation and was able to arrive at an extraordinary solution. Dr Sulzberger consulted with his many dermatology colleagues and made arrangements for Dr Gordon to work abroad. He would spend 1 year in Caracas, Venezuela, teaching and conducting research in tropical skin diseases. The second year would be spent in Europe, beginning with 3 months in Madrid, Spain, followed by 3 months in Geneva, Switzerland, and concluding with 6 months at the Hôpital Saint Louis in Paris, France. Dr Gordon worked with the leading dermatologists at each hospital. These 2 years abroad led to a deeper understanding of world dermatology and lasting friendships.