"My intentions are to spread knowledge; I consider this the most important happiness."
Biruni, a Persian encyclopedic scientist
“Our writings will remain, while we will go. Nothing will remain in the world from us except our writings.”
Ferdowsi, a Persian giant poet
"Do not coil on the treasure of science like a snake and deprive science-seekers from acquiring it."
Ali-ibn-Abitaleb, an Arab leader
During my 20-year dermatology practice, including my residency period, I have frequently encountered important clinical challenges that could not be solved by referring to major dermatology textbooks, making me search dermatology papers and the less well-known books to solve these problems. Also, during the past two decades, I have been practicing both medical and procedural dermatology as well as conducting research and writing papers; therefore, I have gained a lot of experience which is not mentioned anywhere. Not to mention my experience in teaching as a university academic staff and in business as a founder and director of my private dermatology clinic.
I thought it would be a big pity not to share the interesting practical points I learned and also my laboriously achieved experience with my colleagues and future dermatologists, believing that any person should write at least one book during his lifetime to share his unique experience with his/her fellow human beings. Actually, this was the motivation to start writing this book. Later on, I became interested in encouraging the collaboration of other colleagues, some being the world leaders in their specific fields, to strengthen this book. I would like to extend my deep gratitude to these dear colleagues who have greatly honored me with their marvelous contributions.
The present book is composed of 5 sections: Teaching Pearls, Medical Pearls, Procedural Pearls, Publication Pearls, and Business Pearls, therefore, encompassing the broad realm of dermatology and filling the large gap in the major dermatology textbooks. Importantly, this book does not aim to provide detailed information on each topic, rather it aims to provide interesting tips which cannot be found or can hardly be found elsewhere.
Therefore, as an advanced dermatology textbook, much important essential information that can easily be obtained from other publications is not included in this book.
I would like to thank all my dear colleagues who have kindly referred surgical patients to me, especially Drs. Ali Mohammad Namiyan, Amir Kalafi, Mahsa Naseri, Masoud Koraee, Ahmad Moradi, Arash Abtahiyan, Yasaam Khosravi, Khalil Hamedpour and other colleagues whom I may not remember.
I would also like to thank my assistants, Mr. Mohammad Khanchefalak and Ms. Bahar Bayat, for their help in taking photos and Prof. Nasrin Shokrpour for editing some parts of this book.
This preface cannot be concluded without sincerely thanking Bentham’s publishing staff, especially Miss Humaira Hashmi, Ms. Simra Nasir and Ms. Ambreen Irshad, for their help in making the dream of this book a reality.
"This well-arranged composition will remain for years,
When every atom of our dust is dispersed.
The intention of this design was that it should survive
Because I perceive no stability in my existence…”
This poem is from Saadi Shirazi, a great Persian poet (translated by Edward Rehatsek into English).
Mohammad Reza Namazi
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and
Dr. Namazi Skin and Hair Clinic, Shiraz, Iran