“…what excites me the most is the intersection of genetics and immunology, really looking into the molecular pathways and understanding the pathological mechanisms of disease…”
Dr Antoni Gostyński is advancing the field of dermatology through his work on innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies. Based at Maastricht University Medical Centre, Dr Gostyński co-leads the hereditary skin diseases clinic and also practises at the Catharina Hospital in Eindhoven. His clinical and research interests centres on genodermatoses, particularly ichthyoses amd palmoplantar keratodermas (epidermal differentiation disorders), and he actively collaborates with national patient advocacy groups to support those living with these rare genetic conditions.
We’re proud to spotlight Dr Gostyński as a touchDERMATOLOGY Future Leader 2025. In this Q&A, he reflects on the personal experiences, pivotal moments, and emerging innovations that have shaped his journey in dermatology
There have been many people, mentors and moments. My journey really began when I was still a medical student, studying in Warsaw. Interestingly, my first encounter with dermatology wasn’t as a student, but more as a patient. That experience opened my eyes to the field.
Not long after, I attended a summer congress in Groningen, in the Netherlands. That’s where I met Prof. Marcel Jonkman, who would later become my mentor. I joined him for a short, two-week research internship, and I really enjoyed it and enjoyed working for him. I must have done well too, as a few months later, he emailed me to ask if I’d be interested in doing a research project with him. That moment was what started my dermatology career.
At the time, I was just a student so I was not entirely sure I wanted to become a dermatologist. I just knew I was drawn to research, especially related to the skin. From there, things started to fall into place. Along the way, I’ve had many memorable patient encounters. Some were emotional, some were unexpected and many left a lasting impression. Each experience helped me grow and shaped the direction I’ve taken in this field.
Dermatology is such a broad and rapidly evolving field, so there’s a lot to be excited about. Even though oncology isn’t my main focus, it’s fascinating to see how technology is transforming that area, particularly the use of AI and advanced imaging techniques for diagnosing skin cancers. In our own department, one of my colleagues, Prof. Mosterd, is working with some really impressive scanning technologies, and it’s incredible to see the potential they have.
However, what excites me the most is the intersection of genetics and immunology, really looking into the molecular pathways and understanding the pathological mechanisms of disease, so we can use that knowledge to develop new targeted therapies.
There’s an explosion of new treatments coming into dermatology. It can be hard to keep up, but it’s also a very exciting time to be part of this field.
Honestly, I’m not sure I set out with the intention of leaving a legacy. I don’t have a grand ambition or a fixed goal on the horizon. I just really enjoy what I do, it gives me energy, purpose and satisfaction.
For me, it’s more about doing meaningful work in the moment, trying to understand things better, improve care where I can, and follow the opportunities that come my way. If, at the end of my career, I can look back and know that I helped some patients, and maybe taught a few people something useful along the way, I’d be very happy with that.
Disclosures: This short article was prepared by touchDERMATOLOGY in collaboration with Dr Gostyński. No fees or funding were associated with its publication.
touchDERMATOLOGY is celebrating the brightest rising stars in the dermatology community, who are set to shape the future of the field.
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