1924–2009
Born in Tonawanda, New York, John Thorne Crissey earned his medical degree from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine in 1946 at the age of 21. After serving as a U.S. Army dermatologist and venereologist in Germany and Austria (1947–1949), he began an academic career that spanned decades at institutions including the University of Southern California. Dr. Crissey’s scholarship bridged clinical dermatology, venereology, and medical history.
Dr. Crissey became one of dermatology’s most influential historians. Together with Lawrence C. Parish and later Karl Holubar, he co-authored The Dermatology and Syphilology of the Nineteenth Century (1981) and Historical Atlas of Dermatology and Dermatologists (2002) — foundational works documenting the evolution of dermatology as a specialty. His historical bibliographies remain key references for scholars of the field.
Beyond his historical writings, Dr. Crissey co-edited classic texts on venereology and maintained a strong interest in sexually transmitted diseases, ensuring that the specialty’s syphilologic roots remained visible in modern training. His deep respect for dermatology’s intellectual lineage made him a sought-after speaker and mentor.
Crissey’s central belief was that dermatology’s progress depends on understanding its past. He saw the specialty not only as science but as art and culture, often reminding trainees that every new therapy stands on the shoulders of earlier observers. His legacy is that of a physician-scholar who married historical depth with clinical excellence.
A gifted musician, Dr. Crissey was known for his warmth, curiosity, and humor. His artistic side reflected his belief that creativity and observation enrich medicine equally. He passed away on January 29, 2009, in Los Angeles, California.
