The leading acne researcher, recently retired from a 30 year post at the Department of Dermatology at Leeds General Infirmary, talks to Kay Brennan about his career

"I was a spotty student," Cunliffe confesses, explaining his interest in acne, which began when he was a medical student in Manchester. "I went to see a dermatologist and was given a diagnosis of acne, but no one could tell me what caused it. I wanted to find answers. Very little was known back then about acne: you were supposed to accept and get on with it."

His acne persisted as a junior doctor and, after passing Member of the Royal College of Physicians exams, he applied for a post as a dermatology research registrar in Newcastle. "I was recommended to work with Sam Shuster, in Newcastle, an up and coming chap who was probably the first true clinical scientist in dermatology in the United Kingdom. He had very revolutionary ideas on the mechanisms behind acne and was a very inspiring and dynamic man."

Shuster was a demanding boss: "I learnt never to promise to be home for Sunday lunch and usually didn't make it for Monday lunch either. We were pushed hard and he was very critical of our work, but the training married clinical and scientific skills well and influenced many under him to move to other parts of the world and carry on the research."

In 1969, Cunliffe was considering going to the United States to begin a PhD but decided to take a consultant post in Leeds. "Leeds's dermatology department had a strong reputation. It was set up by Professor Ingram, who also gave advice to many other hospitals around the north of England who were also setting up independent dermatology departments."

Cunliffe quickly embarked on research in Leeds and set up the Leeds Dermatological Research Foundation in the early seventies, predominantly looking into acne. "As a registered charity there was backing from the Medical Research Council and various trusts. We had a group of 25 people working solely on acne research and were known as the acne mafia." Even today, the foundation is one of only five centres around the world that actively research acne.

"I've been lucky to have a very understanding family," Cunliffe says, concerning his dedication to work,. "As a student I fell in love with a nurse I met on the wards. We got married when I qualified and had a family early on. My wife took most of the responsibility for bringing up our children. Looking back, I know I was sometimes too enthusiastic about my research and didn't spend enough time in the non-medical world: my children thought all fathers came home at 11 o'clock every night."

Cunliffe retired from his dermatology chair in the summer of 2001, with family time becoming a priority, however, he confesses, "I'm busier now than ever, fundraising for the British Skin Foundation, the research limb of the British Association of Dermatologists. There isn't great public or political interest in acne research and a lot of money needs to be easily available to encourage younger doctors into the area."

He is also trying to encourage all dermatologists to join the British Association of Dermatologists to encourage funding. "If all dermatologists were to get together there would be more chances to ask for more money." Cunliffe is realistic in funding priorities, "I understand that acne is not emotive to the person in the street giving money to children's charities, but more skin research needs to be done."

In 2001, in Munich, Cunliffe was rewarded for his dedication to acne research by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. A scholarship in his name for (check)õ15 000 (£9200; $13 200) will be awarded yearly to a clinician or scientist planning research into acne.

Cunliffe's enthusiasm and energy for dermatology makes it doubtful that he will ever lay down his ultraviolet lamp and skin swab; however, he says, "I have a perceptive family who promise when I start spouting nonsense at meetings or fundraising events they will politely tell me that I am past it."

If you are thinking about dermatology as a career possibility, Cunliffe advises, "Most medics only get a flavour of dermatology at undergraduate or junior level: you really need to see the width and breadth of the subject. Look out for temporary specialist registrar jobs to get a real taster, before taking a permanent job to see if it's for you. A good year in research would be invaluable, but try to do some clinical work as well so as not to be seen as just an academic."

Cunliffe thanks and admires his patients for their cooperation in research: "People have always been willing to help with research and have been open minded about trying new treatments."

Cunliffe has no regrets about going into dermatology: "It is a great speciality, which is growing ever more attractive. When I trained, if you weren't interested in research, it was very limited, but today it is such a varied job, and you can offer many treatment options to patients. Surgery is now an important part of dermatology and will interest those physicians who are keen on intervention procedures. There are also many part time posts meaning the number of women in the field is growing rapidly."

There is no question that he would choose the same career path again, even without having acne: "What was needed back then was a dermatologist to knock some sense into science; there was so much to find out. I wanted to be involved and have never regretted it."

His biggest influence? "I always remember being caught speeding as a hard up medical student by a justice of the peace in Manchester who turned out to be dermatologist and let me off with a £1 fine. After that I thought dermatologists to be decent people; a belief I stand by today."