I was so saddened to hear about Phil's passing, he was truly an incredible mentor and teacher. I learned so much from him, and he gave feedback in such a way that did not make you feel small, instead made you feel empowered. But I think what most stands out to me is the fact that he was also continually learning and seeking to better himself not just academically but also personally. I can only strive to be the type of physician and person that he was!

Dermatology has truly lost a gentle giant not only for the University of Washington, but nationally, and internationally.

I had the pleasure of crossing paths with Phil back in the mid 1980s. Throughout my research career at the University of Washington, Phil always treated everyone with fairness, kindness, and respect. His love and dedication to patient care, scientific research, and family were evident. We shared lab space, collaborative research, and more importantly, I felt that he shared his friendship. I will never forget his eyebrow-raised, questioning smile, his clinic day bowtie, and gentle hand on my shoulder when he felt that it was needed. He genuinely cared about my family.

I will forever be grateful that he was not sitting at his 13th floor office desk during the 2001 Nisqually earthquake as his “unbolted” almost floor to ceiling cabinet fell directly onto his chair. The outcome would have been catastrophic.

My heart goes out to his shining Star, his beautiful daughters Mahri, and Morgen and their families.

Marcia Usui

I am another who is deeply saddened by this news. Phil has been present throughout my journey in Dermatology as a mentor but it was not until we sat back to back in Thursday clinic that he became my friend. I am honored to be able to call him this. While kind and gentle, he was also a fierce advocate for his patients, his colleagues and everyone he taught. He was the epitome of a life-long learner and dove head-first into any challenge whether it was a challenging case or a frustrating Epic update or an issue related to equity. I would sit and listen as he combed through a chart note with a trainee, setting the bar high as he expected that we all work hard to be better. He would share his carrots with me while we talked about Star and his children and family gatherings at what sounded like a magical place at Dabob Bay. Stories that were filled with the deepest love and respect and joy. I could ask a question about a challenging patient and he would go directly to a paper he thought he “might have seen one time” that answered the question directly. When my schedule had to change, I missed those Thursdays the most because of my time with him. I feel so fortunate to have known and learned from him and I will miss him very much.

Phil was one of the most genuine and kind people I've known. He was a mentor and role model who forever shaped how I view medicine, dermatology, and patient care. I remember meeting him on my interview day, and I was so terribly intimidated (the VA chief, the dermatology legend), but within 30 seconds, I was put at ease by his tenderness and caring; a gentle giant. I feel so privileged to have been able to share an office with him at Roosevelt for even a brief time after my training, where he was a constant support to me in my early career, always providing sage advice and mentorship. My heart hurts at this loss, and my deepest condolences to Star and family. I will miss him.

I am deeply saddened to hear about Phil's passing. He was a mentor and guide to me, providing valuable insights and guidance as I pursued my scientific research and clinical training. Phil instilled in me the importance of rigor and critical thinking, always encouraging me to question results and seek out the truth. His famous phrase, "Show me the evidence," said with a big smile, will always remain with me. Over the years, Phil was a constant source of support and encouragement, helping me to grow and develop in my career. Rest in peace, Phil, you will always be remembered.

Phil Fleckman was a breath of fresh air when he arrived in buttoned-down New Haven in 1976. He was an incongruous combination of a proud Texan with a beard and a bowtie (when he wore a tie), who had a beautiful, accomplished wife, a three-legged dog named Dammit, a ready smile and a serious interest in research and scholarship. We immediately hit it off. We vied for who would be Santa at the department Christmas party. We shared lab space. 47 years and 3000 miles did little to change my affection for him. Phil was a worker and a quiet leader who never sought the limelight. He cared deeply about his patients and his local and academic communities. He would get a twinkle in his steely blue eyes when asked about his family. He had no hard edges and always could be counted on for an honest, straightforward opinion. Ellen and I, and many others, will miss him.

My heart goes out to Star and family as they grieve the loss of this wonderful man. So many of us are deeply saddened by this news. I worked with Phil for almost 30 years in the Division of Dermatology and can attest to his greatness as a physician, scientist, teacher and friend. He was kind and compassionate to everyone. His patients adored him. His clinics always ran late because he spent as much time as necessary to provide exceptional care. He shared many stories about his family throughout the years and it was so apparent the love he had for them. He was very proud of his daughters’ accomplishments and was thrilled to become a grandpa. He is definitely going to be missed!

Phil was a champion for patients with skin disease and was deeply dedicated to the training and support of faculty in dermatology, including me. I already miss starting our clinic sessions on Thursdays with a brief chat, a shared enthusiasm for the specialty or wise advice for my life or career. He modeled dedication, persistence and dependability. I think he served in almost every role in our division and we are better for it. He impressed me with his enthusiasm to learn and grow personally. Phil shared his own love of family and took interest in ours, a gentleman, always with a kind word and smile. His reach was far and wide and his absence will be felt similarly.

Phil was a great mentor and always willing to help. For example, If I had a question about a certain drug causing nail pigmentation, he would go to his filing cabinet and provide a reference of the 250 or so drugs that can do this. When the VA was in need of a new chief, he stepped into this position well aware of the mountain of bureaucracy he was about to climb. We worked together on the 13th floor and every day he took the stairs. When I asked if he always did this, his response was true to himself, “As long as I am able.” A phrase that will forever stay with me when I think of Phil.

Phil was an amazing person. What a beautiful laugh, twinkling eyes and witty sense of humor. I will always remember Phil.