Phlebology has lost a master
In memory of Michel Perrin, MD
(Editor in Chief of Phlebolymphology)
by Oscar Maleti, MD
Agreat vascular surgeon, Dr Michel Perrin, was particularly dedicated to research in phlebology, publishing prolifically, with nearly 500 articles, as well as chapters and books, during his career. His passionate dedication to the advancement of this field is evidenced by his service as president of most French societies and as an honorary member in most European societies for vascular diseases; he was the first president of the European Venous Forum (EVF), founded together with Andrew Nicolaides in 2000. Across the ocean, in the United States, he was an honorary member of both the American College of Phlebology (ACP) and the American Venous Forum (AVF).
An assiduous speaker at most international conferences, he brought his scientific thought to every continent. It is not surprising then that his delivery of the AVF’s prestigious Eugene Strandness Memorial Lecture in 2005 was on the topic of “The Importance of International Collaboration for Developing a Scientific Approach in Venous Disease.”
In recognition of his achievements in vascular medicine, he has received the highest awards, such as the Ratschow Memorial Medal in Germany, bestowed by the Curatorium Angiologiae Internationalis; the 2015 Gold Medal from the Saint-Petersburg Society of Phlebology (SPSP) in St. Petersburg, Russia; and in 2018, the inaugural Gold Medal awarded from the International Union of Phlebology (UIP).
Throughout his career, he was integrally involved in weaving the very fabric of the tools used to classify and to communicate about venous disease. Indeed, envisaging a better classification, he participated in the creation of the CEAP (clinical, etiological, anatomical, and pathophysiological) classification system for chronic venous disease, becoming its promoter in Europe; and in 1998, he organized a meeting around classification of recurrent varicose veins (REVAS). He participated in creation of the VEIN TERM consensus document that defines the terms used in Phlebology has lost a master In memory of Michel Perrin, MD (Editor in Chief of Phlebolymphology) by Oscar Maleti, MD phlebology and of the SYM Vein consensus document on venous symptoms, finishing in 2018 with publication of the VEIN GLOSSARY, which defines more than 1000 terms used in phlebology and which has been translated into 6 languages.
His deep enthusiasm extended far beyond medicine, to history, cuisine, and culture. Michel was highly educated in other fields, including naval history. An expert in naval battles, he was often invited to lecture on this subject. Other loves included great French wines, but also those of Tuscan and Piedmontese origin, and cooking, with a particular appreciation of Italian food, especially pasta and charcuterie—including sweet ham and Emilian salami, and with what could best be described as a veneration for culatello. He also had an unbridled passion for the cathedral of Modena, whose history he learned to the point that he became an expert on the subject, which he would describe in detail as we listened to one of his favorite composers, Mahler.
Michel’s vivacity did not stop with the manner in which he pursued his interests but encompassed as well his fighting spirit, commitment to work, and sense of humor. Never did he allow the limitations imposed on him from his health weigh on others; despite those, he continued to attend congresses with unheard of tenacity. Indeed, Michel did not know a day without work, choosing to spend a few hours at least working even on Sundays, Christmas, and Easter. And yet, in the many meetings in Modena with other phlebologists—Bob Kistner (USA), Andrew Nicolaides (UK), Bo Eklöf (Sweden), Peter Neglén (Cyprus), our mutual friend Jérôme Guex (France), and many others—Michel was the pivot around which humor revolved. While being frank and honest in his opinions and interactions with others, his commitment to friendship, as to all his passions, was total.
Michel was Editor in Chief of Phlebolymphology.
Phlebology has lost a master.
