In Memoriam: Jorge Luis Sánchez Colón, MD, May 9, 1942, to March 8, 2025

It is difficult to find the appropriate words to express all the emotions and feelings that the memories of a good friend and a great man evoke in my heart. His presence brought warmth, his laughter filled the air with joy, and his kindness left an everlasting mark on those who knew him. Every shared moment, from deep conversations to simple everyday gestures, lingers as a cherished memory, reminding me of the profound affect he had on my life. Dr Jorge Luis Sánchez (or Georgy, as Bernie Ackerman affectionately called him) died on March 8th while attending the meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. A LIFE OF DEDICATION AND EXCELLENCE Jorge L. Sánchez, MD, was born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, on May 9, 1942. He attended medical school in Puerto Rico and, after completing his degree, pursued a residency in dermatology at the same university. In 1977, he further honed his expertise with a fellowship in dermatopathology at New York University under the direction of A. Bernard Ackerman (Figure 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6).FIGURE 1.: Jorge L. Sanchez, MD.FIGURE 2.: Companion meeting ISDP.FIGURE 3.: Foundation of the Latin American Society of Dermatopathology 1994, Porto Alegre, Brazil. Jose Casas, Cleire Paniago Pereira, Jose Sampaio, Monstserrat Molgo, Francisco Bravo, Omar Sangüeza, Pastor Sangüeza and Jorge Sanchez.FIGURE 4.: Second meeting of SILADEPA, Santa Cruz, Bolivia.FIGURE 5.: Companion meeting ISDP. Jorge L. Sanchez, Omar Sangüeza, and Helmut Kerl.FIGURE 6.: Having a good time. Brasilia. Annual Symposium ISDP.On returning to his native San Juan, he quickly became one of the most—if not the most—influential dermatologists in Puerto Rico. He served as professor and chairman of the Department of Dermatology, later becoming dean of the Medical School in San Juan. His leadership extended further when he took on the roles of rector and interim president of the university, demonstrating his commitment not only to medicine but also to education and institutional advancement. PIONEERING CONTRIBUTIONS TO DERMATOPATHOLOGY In 1979, together with Bernard Ackerman, Helmut Kerl, and Gerald Pierard, Dr Sánchez cofounded the International Society of Dermatopathology (ISDP), with the mission to promote knowledge, research, and collaboration in the field worldwide. He later served as secretary (1994–1997) and president (1997–2000), leaving an indelible mark on the organization. Beyond his remarkable character, his contributions to dermatopathology were profound. His classic study with Bernie Ackerman on the patch stage of mycosis fungoides remains a cornerstone in the field. Through their work, based on specimens from patients with indisputable mycosis fungoides, they established nearly all the criteria we use today for recognizing these lesions. His influence extended beyond research. In 1980, when the ISDP held one of its first meetings at Condado Beach in Puerto Rico, the focus was cutaneous lymphomas. It was there that the “Working Formulation of the Lymphomas” was discussed—2 years before its formal publication as the classification of non-Hodgkin lymphomas by the National Cancer Institute. In addition to his groundbreaking studies, he coauthored with Bernie Ackerman the Second Edition of “Histologic Diagnosis of Inflammatory Skin Diseases,” a seminal text that remains a classic in dermatopathology. A MENTOR AND LEADER IN LATIN AMERICA Among the numerous legacies he leaves behind, perhaps the most meaningful is the number of dermatologists he trained in San Juan. He was a dedicated mentor who encouraged young physicians to pursue dermatopathology, identifying and nurturing future leaders to sustain and grow the ISDP. In 1994, he further advanced the field by establishing the Latin American Society of Dermatopathology, providing a platform for collaboration and growth among professionals in the region. A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON Those who knew him will always remember his easygoing personality, sharp sense of humor, and unwavering willingness to help and support young members of the dermatopathology community. His legacy is not only in the science he advanced but also in the friendships he cultivated and the lives he touched. Although he may no longer be with us, his spirit lives on—in the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the countless ways he made the world a better place. When a friend leaves A space remains empty That cannot be filled By the arrival of another friend When a friend leaves A fallen tree remains That will never sprout again Because the wind has defeated it —Alberto Cortez