Dr. Rudolph has been in solo private practice in Wyomissing, PA, since 1975. He’s also been Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia since 1997. He has served on several committees and taskforces for the American Academy of Dermatology, including the Committee for Physician Practice (from 1996 to 1999) and the Computer and Internet Taskforce (from 1999 to 2005).
He has 58 peer-reviewed dermatology articles and several book chapters to his credit, along with positions on three dermatology
editorial boards.
Q. What part of your work gives you the most pleasure?
A. Diagnosing, treating and talking with patients who exhibit every kind of dermatologic problem or disease. I especially enjoy non-cosmetic dermatologic surgery.
Q. Do you recall a memorable patient encounter and what you learned from it?
A. I once had a patient who had disseminated oozing and crusted lesions. In the folly of my youth I was certain this patient had pemphigus vulgaris. In fact I was so sure that I started the patient on prednisone while awaiting the biopsy and immunofluorescence results.
The biopsy showed widespread impetigo. He cleared on antibiotics. I learned that even I can be wrong, and that a differential diagnosis is really, really important. It also brings up what I call Rudolph’s Rule — which I’ve been telling residents and med students for years. The rule goes like this: “If the condition doesn’t respond to what it’s supposed to, then it’s probably not what you think it is”. I’ve learned humility in the face of dermatologic disorders.
Q. What is the best piece of advice you have received and from whom?
A. Always be nice, considerate and compassionate to patients — no matter what. I learned this from my father (of beloved memory) who was also a physician, as well as from many other older and wise doctors over the years, including Walter Shelley, Albert Kligman, and M. Samitz.
I always felt, when I was young, that they were simply being silly and old-fashioned; but in fact, they were right. This maxim is the true basis for the doctor-patient relationship, and it’s the guiding principle behind a thriving practice.
Q. How do you envision the future of dermatology?
A. Sadly, I think it’s going to be taken over by non-dermatologists — and even non-physicians.
Q. Outside of work, what are you most passionate about in life?
A. Many things, including the following:
My wife, son, daughter-in-law, mother and family!
Collecting fine Japanese scroll paintings by Hiroshige, Hokusai, Kaigetsudo Doshu, and others. I am busily being pauperized by continually acquiring many fine scroll paintings by them and other artists from dealers all over the world.
Collecting fine Japanese woodblock prints, especially those by Yoshitoshi and Hiroshige. I am one shy of a complete collection of his “large fishes” series. I love dealing worldwide with print purveyors, and have met and talked with wonderful people during my crusades.
I have assembled a very extensive and large collection, including many complete series and rare prints.
Collecting fine antique ivory carvings, especially netsuke.
Collecting and reading books about all aspects of art history. I also enjoy traveling to seek out fine art of all kinds, in all kinds of venues.
Dr. Rudolph has been in solo private practice in Wyomissing, PA, since 1975. He’s also been Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia since 1997. He has served on several committees and taskforces for the American Academy of Dermatology, including the Committee for Physician Practice (from 1996 to 1999) and the Computer and Internet Taskforce (from 1999 to 2005).
He has 58 peer-reviewed dermatology articles and several book chapters to his credit, along with positions on three dermatology
editorial boards.
Q. What part of your work gives you the most pleasure?
A. Diagnosing, treating and talking with patients who exhibit every kind of dermatologic problem or disease. I especially enjoy non-cosmetic dermatologic surgery.
Q. Do you recall a memorable patient encounter and what you learned from it?
A. I once had a patient who had disseminated oozing and crusted lesions. In the folly of my youth I was certain this patient had pemphigus vulgaris. In fact I was so sure that I started the patient on prednisone while awaiting the biopsy and immunofluorescence results.
The biopsy showed widespread impetigo. He cleared on antibiotics. I learned that even I can be wrong, and that a differential diagnosis is really, really important. It also brings up what I call Rudolph’s Rule — which I’ve been telling residents and med students for years. The rule goes like this: “If the condition doesn’t respond to what it’s supposed to, then it’s probably not what you think it is”. I’ve learned humility in the face of dermatologic disorders.
Q. What is the best piece of advice you have received and from whom?
A. Always be nice, considerate and compassionate to patients — no matter what. I learned this from my father (of beloved memory) who was also a physician, as well as from many other older and wise doctors over the years, including Walter Shelley, Albert Kligman, and M. Samitz.
I always felt, when I was young, that they were simply being silly and old-fashioned; but in fact, they were right. This maxim is the true basis for the doctor-patient relationship, and it’s the guiding principle behind a thriving practice.
Q. How do you envision the future of dermatology?
A. Sadly, I think it’s going to be taken over by non-dermatologists — and even non-physicians.
Q. Outside of work, what are you most passionate about in life?
A. Many things, including the following:
My wife, son, daughter-in-law, mother and family!
Collecting fine Japanese scroll paintings by Hiroshige, Hokusai, Kaigetsudo Doshu, and others. I am busily being pauperized by continually acquiring many fine scroll paintings by them and other artists from dealers all over the world.
Collecting fine Japanese woodblock prints, especially those by Yoshitoshi and Hiroshige. I am one shy of a complete collection of his “large fishes” series. I love dealing worldwide with print purveyors, and have met and talked with wonderful people during my crusades.
I have assembled a very extensive and large collection, including many complete series and rare prints.
Collecting fine antique ivory carvings, especially netsuke.
Collecting and reading books about all aspects of art history. I also enjoy traveling to seek out fine art of all kinds, in all kinds of venues.
Dr. Rudolph has been in solo private practice in Wyomissing, PA, since 1975. He’s also been Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia since 1997. He has served on several committees and taskforces for the American Academy of Dermatology, including the Committee for Physician Practice (from 1996 to 1999) and the Computer and Internet Taskforce (from 1999 to 2005).
He has 58 peer-reviewed dermatology articles and several book chapters to his credit, along with positions on three dermatology
editorial boards.
Q. What part of your work gives you the most pleasure?
A. Diagnosing, treating and talking with patients who exhibit every kind of dermatologic problem or disease. I especially enjoy non-cosmetic dermatologic surgery.
Q. Do you recall a memorable patient encounter and what you learned from it?
A. I once had a patient who had disseminated oozing and crusted lesions. In the folly of my youth I was certain this patient had pemphigus vulgaris. In fact I was so sure that I started the patient on prednisone while awaiting the biopsy and immunofluorescence results.
The biopsy showed widespread impetigo. He cleared on antibiotics. I learned that even I can be wrong, and that a differential diagnosis is really, really important. It also brings up what I call Rudolph’s Rule — which I’ve been telling residents and med students for years. The rule goes like this: “If the condition doesn’t respond to what it’s supposed to, then it’s probably not what you think it is”. I’ve learned humility in the face of dermatologic disorders.
Q. What is the best piece of advice you have received and from whom?
A. Always be nice, considerate and compassionate to patients — no matter what. I learned this from my father (of beloved memory) who was also a physician, as well as from many other older and wise doctors over the years, including Walter Shelley, Albert Kligman, and M. Samitz.
I always felt, when I was young, that they were simply being silly and old-fashioned; but in fact, they were right. This maxim is the true basis for the doctor-patient relationship, and it’s the guiding principle behind a thriving practice.
Q. How do you envision the future of dermatology?
A. Sadly, I think it’s going to be taken over by non-dermatologists — and even non-physicians.
Q. Outside of work, what are you most passionate about in life?
A. Many things, including the following:
My wife, son, daughter-in-law, mother and family!
Collecting fine Japanese scroll paintings by Hiroshige, Hokusai, Kaigetsudo Doshu, and others. I am busily being pauperized by continually acquiring many fine scroll paintings by them and other artists from dealers all over the world.
Collecting fine Japanese woodblock prints, especially those by Yoshitoshi and Hiroshige. I am one shy of a complete collection of his “large fishes” series. I love dealing worldwide with print purveyors, and have met and talked with wonderful people during my crusades.
I have assembled a very extensive and large collection, including many complete series and rare prints.
Collecting fine antique ivory carvings, especially netsuke.
Collecting and reading books about all aspects of art history. I also enjoy traveling to seek out fine art of all kinds, in all kinds of venues.
