The UIP and indeed the entire phlebology world today has been saddened by the news of the passing of Professor Hugo Partsch. Prof. Partsch was a pioneer, a great thinker and a great mind. Prof. Partsch was dermatologist and phlebologist of great stature, with a special interest in compression science.

Prof. Partsch was President of the International Union of Phlebology from 1999 to 2003, achieving major reforms to the UIP and its structure. Prof Partsch was a contributor to almost every guideline and consensus document of the UIP for the past 25 years and was an inspirational speaker, teacher and mentor.

We have all benefitted from his friendship, guidance and wisdom; a legacy that remains today and will continue into the future.