Arnold Klein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arnold Klein
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|---|---|
| Born | February 27, 1945 |
| Died | October 22, 2015 (aged 70) |
| Known for | Michael Jackson's dermatologist |
| Medical career | |
| Profession | Physician |
| Sub-specialties | Dermatology |
Arnold William Klein (February 27, 1945 – October 22, 2015) was an American dermatologist. This is a doctor who specializes in skin, hair, and nail conditions.
Dr. Klein was one of the first doctors in Los Angeles to find a rare skin cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma in a young patient during the early days of the AIDS epidemic. He also worked closely with the famous singer Michael Jackson. Dr. Klein helped diagnose Jackson with skin conditions like discoid lupus erythematosus (a type of lupus affecting the skin) and vitiligo (a condition where skin loses its color in patches).
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Early Life and Education
Arnold Klein was born on February 27, 1945, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. His father was a Jewish Orthodox rabbi. Arnold grew up in Michigan and North Miami, Florida, and finished high school in 1963.
In 1967, he earned his first college degree in biology from the University of Pennsylvania. He then went to the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where he became a doctor in 1971. He completed his medical training at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He also specialized in skin care (dermatology) at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). In 1975, he was the main resident doctor for dermatology at UCLA.
Medical Career and Contributions
Dr. Klein was a volunteer professor of Medicine and Dermatology at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. He taught students without being paid.
He often spoke out against the wrong use of certain medicines, toxins, and cosmetic fillers. He played a role in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adding a special warning to Botox. The FDA is a government group that makes sure medicines and foods are safe. Dr. Klein was also a consultant for the FDA, meaning he gave them advice. He passed away on October 22, 2015, at age 70.
Helping Health Organizations
Dr. Klein was very involved in helping different health groups. In 1985, he joined the board of the National AIDS Research Foundation (NARF). This group later joined with another to become amfAR, which is a major organization for AIDS research.
He also helped establish the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and Art for AIDS in Orange County, California. These groups work to fight AIDS.
In 2007, Dr. Klein started The Elizabeth Taylor Endowment for the UCLA CARE Center. This center focuses on finding new treatments and research for HIV/AIDS. It was reported that Dr. Klein and the groups he helped start raised over $274 million for HIV research and care.
Dr. Klein also served on the boards of other foundations. These included the Jennifer Jones-Simon Foundation and The Hereditary Disease Foundation. With his friend Frank Gehry, he helped raise money and awareness for diseases that people inherit from their families.
He also helped create the Rose Tarlow-Arnold W. Klein Breast Cancer Foundation at UCLA. This foundation helps people who cannot afford breast cancer treatment.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Klein received many awards and honors for his work. He was recognized in "Who's Who in the World" and "Best Doctors in America." He also received awards from the AIDS Services Foundation of Orange County and was named one of the "10 Masters of Medicine in Los Angeles."
In 2004, UCLA honored him by naming a special position in their Dermatology Division after him.
