Arnold Pieter Oranje, MD, PhD
August 7, 1948 - October 19, 2016
Written by Tor Shwayder, MD
Dr. Arnold Oranje, master clinician, pediatric dermatologist extraordinaire, author, mentor, teacher, bon vivant, raconteur, and friend, died October 19, 2016, at age 68. He had been running and collapsed with a massive myocardial infarction. Taken to the ICU, he lasted less than 24 hours before dying.
Arnold was born, was raised and lived all his life in The Netherlands. He studied medicine at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, then trained in dermatology and venereology also at Erasmus University. His PhD was in clinical microbiology.
Arnold was a giant in our field. Consider the following to gauge his impact.
- 7 Patient support group or committee advisory boards
- 10 Named awards or orders, including recognition from the Dutch royal family, "Orde van Oranje-Nassau"
- 10 Dutch state committees relating to pediatric dermatology
- 11 Positions of leadership in Dutch, European and international dermatology societies
- 11 Editorial boards
- 14 Congresses or courses that he organized
- 18 Memberships of medical societies at home and abroad, plus 6 honorary memberships
- 18 Current journals that he served as reviewer
- 23 Thesis committees for Erasmus University
- 52 International books published as lead editor and author
- 82 Dutch article publications
- 141 Dutch books published as lead editor and author
- 249 International scientific publications
The publication that had the most impact on our society was the seminal "Harper, Oranje, and Prose: Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology. First edition 2000." This masterpiece of a text book is certainly a gold standard for us all. In addition, he was international section editor for our journal,
Pediatric Dermatology, for many years. Arnold taught generations of dermatology residents at the Erasmus University from 1978 - 2013. Arnold attended our SPD meetings frequently and was known by many of our colleagues by his writing, his effusive demeanor, and his hearty laugh.
To work with Arnold on a project was a lesson and a joy. He was smart, tenacious, exacting and reliable. He had boundless ideas and energy to match. He always had a glint in his eye, a ready smile, and a list of projects to complete. Arnold had a unique penchant for snappy bowties, fancy fountain pens and colorful "Swatch" watches. His appetite for local beers, double espressos and great ice cream made exploring a city with him a joy. Anyone within earshot will remember "The Laugh." Arnold's humor would bubble up with a guffaw, then he would tilt his head back, open his mouth unabashedly wide and let loose with a resonating roar, hoot and howl of laughter that could compete in sheer decibels with a Lear jet.
In memory of a wonderful man, a great teacher, a great author, a great friend: we will miss you, Arnold. "His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world 'This was a man!'" (Shakespeare).
Arnold is survived by his wife of many years, Carla Coors, as well as his son Floris and daughter Marleen. Our colleagues at the ESPD have indicated that if you wish to send your condolences to the family, Carla would appreciate hearing from you. Her email address is
c.coors16@gmail.com.
