07.10.13
Dr. James Edwin Fulton, Jr., a skin care innovator, has died after a battle with colon cancer. He was 73.
"Jim devoted his life to dermatology and his passing will leave a void in the world of skin care," said Sara Fulton. "He achieved much during his career, but his greatest contributions may have been the hope and confidence he instilled in his acne patients."
Born in Ottumwa, IA, Fulton's interest in dermatology stemmed from the acne struggles he endured as a pre-teen and throughout adulthood. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine degrees from Tulane Universityin 1965. While in residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Fulton met his close friend and mentor Dr. Albert Kligman; together they co-developed Retin-A. At the request of Dr.Phillip Frost, he relocated to South Florida and earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry under the noted dermatologist Harvey Blank,M.D.from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicinein the early 1970s. Dr. Fulton and Dr. Blank developed benzoyl peroxide gel (Panoxyl) and topical erythromycin (E-Gel).
In the early 1970s with his wife Sara, Fulton launched a successful chain of 12 acne clinics called Acne Healthcare Centers, opened the Acne Research Institute and developed and manufactured a line of patented skin care products under the AHCand Face Upbrands in their FDA-approved manufacturing facilities. Here he invented a high-speed diamond fraise for dermabrasion and was the first to use aestheticians in the medical office developing a paramedical aesthetician training program.
In 1990, Fulton opened JEF Medical Group, a cosmetic surgery and dermatology practice where he pioneered fat transfer and laser surgery and was the first to use hyperbaric oxygen chambers for post-surgical recovery. In addition, Fulton and Sara co-founded Vivant Skin Care in 1990, a clinical skin care line rooted in Fulton's patented vitamin A therapies.
Fulton served as mentor and role model for countless leaders in dermatology and aesthetics across the nation. Most recently he was volunteer faculty at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Department of Dermatology.
A popular international speaker and teacher, he authored the definitive book Acne Rx and published more than 300 medical articles, the most recent ones being released earlier this year in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology and presented at the Skin of Color Seminar Seriesin New York City and the Orlando Dermatology & Aesthetic & Clinical Conference.
Dr. Fulton volunteered his dermatology services to His House Children's Home, a private, non-profit, faith-based foster children organization, to which he provided no-charge medical treatment to the children and hosted a yearly Thanksgiving luncheon.
Among his noteworthy achievements were creating more than 50 original skin care formulations, stabilizing benzoyl peroxidein gel form, qualifying as a Full Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, membership in the American Society of Lipo Suction Surgeryand election to the Dermatology Foundation's Leader Society.
In lieu of flowers, the Fulton family is asking for donations to be made to the Dr. Robert Hsia Memorial Fund, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, 1600 NW 10th Ave., Suite 2023-A, Miami, FL 33136.
An open memorial service will be held at on Wednesday, July 17 at the St. Stephens Churchin Coconut Grove, FL.
"Jim devoted his life to dermatology and his passing will leave a void in the world of skin care," said Sara Fulton. "He achieved much during his career, but his greatest contributions may have been the hope and confidence he instilled in his acne patients."
Born in Ottumwa, IA, Fulton's interest in dermatology stemmed from the acne struggles he endured as a pre-teen and throughout adulthood. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine degrees from Tulane Universityin 1965. While in residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Fulton met his close friend and mentor Dr. Albert Kligman; together they co-developed Retin-A. At the request of Dr.Phillip Frost, he relocated to South Florida and earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry under the noted dermatologist Harvey Blank,M.D.from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicinein the early 1970s. Dr. Fulton and Dr. Blank developed benzoyl peroxide gel (Panoxyl) and topical erythromycin (E-Gel).
In the early 1970s with his wife Sara, Fulton launched a successful chain of 12 acne clinics called Acne Healthcare Centers, opened the Acne Research Institute and developed and manufactured a line of patented skin care products under the AHCand Face Upbrands in their FDA-approved manufacturing facilities. Here he invented a high-speed diamond fraise for dermabrasion and was the first to use aestheticians in the medical office developing a paramedical aesthetician training program.
In 1990, Fulton opened JEF Medical Group, a cosmetic surgery and dermatology practice where he pioneered fat transfer and laser surgery and was the first to use hyperbaric oxygen chambers for post-surgical recovery. In addition, Fulton and Sara co-founded Vivant Skin Care in 1990, a clinical skin care line rooted in Fulton's patented vitamin A therapies.
Fulton served as mentor and role model for countless leaders in dermatology and aesthetics across the nation. Most recently he was volunteer faculty at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Department of Dermatology.
A popular international speaker and teacher, he authored the definitive book Acne Rx and published more than 300 medical articles, the most recent ones being released earlier this year in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology and presented at the Skin of Color Seminar Seriesin New York City and the Orlando Dermatology & Aesthetic & Clinical Conference.
Dr. Fulton volunteered his dermatology services to His House Children's Home, a private, non-profit, faith-based foster children organization, to which he provided no-charge medical treatment to the children and hosted a yearly Thanksgiving luncheon.
Among his noteworthy achievements were creating more than 50 original skin care formulations, stabilizing benzoyl peroxidein gel form, qualifying as a Full Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, membership in the American Society of Lipo Suction Surgeryand election to the Dermatology Foundation's Leader Society.
In lieu of flowers, the Fulton family is asking for donations to be made to the Dr. Robert Hsia Memorial Fund, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, 1600 NW 10th Ave., Suite 2023-A, Miami, FL 33136.
An open memorial service will be held at on Wednesday, July 17 at the St. Stephens Churchin Coconut Grove, FL.