FRII-10 A TRIBUTE TO SIR DAVID INNES WILLIAMS: THE FOUNDER OF PEDIATRIC UROLOGY

Abstract

You have accessJournal of UrologyHistory of Urology Forum II1 Apr 2015FRII-10 A TRIBUTE TO SIR DAVID INNES WILLIAMS: THE FOUNDER OF PEDIATRIC UROLOGY Mohit Sirohi, Aizid Hashmat, Harris Nagler, and Zafar Khan Mohit SirohiMohit Sirohi More articles by this author , Aizid HashmatAizid Hashmat More articles by this author , Harris NaglerHarris Nagler More articles by this author , and Zafar KhanZafar Khan More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2015.02.501AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Sir David Innes Williams (1919-2013) was a renowned British surgeon and, arguably, the father of pediatric urology. We recount his life story highlighting his discoveries of some of the more common contemporary urologic diagnoses and his journey leading to the definition of the specialty of pediatric urology. METHODS A comprehensive literature search of primary and secondary sources, including books, journals and the internet was undertaken in order to learn about Dr. Williams's early life and work in the field. Additionally, personal recounts from Dr. Williams's colleagues are included. RESULTS Sir David Innes Williams was born in London, UK in 1919 and received his degree in medicine from University College Hospital in 1942. In 1945, he was called up to serve in the military and assigned to the Royal Army Medical Corps. After his three years in service, he realized that the field of Urology had not been advanced in terms of research or innovation during the war. This lack of advancement interested him and led him to pursue a residency in the field at St. Peter's Hospital for Stone in 1948. It was at this time as a resident in Urology that he decided to expand the extremely limited field of pediatric urology. Dr. Williams was a co-author of “The Urology of Childhood” in 1951, the first major text in pediatric urology. Subsequently, he was appointed to a senior urologist position at the Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in 1952 as the country's first full-time pediatric urologist. He remained in this position until he retired for an administrative role in 1978. During his time at GOSH, he studied the genitourinary system and broadened on several unknown diseases at the time, examining congenital anomalies and the embryology behind their mal-development. His novel surgical techniques, focusing on reconstruction of these anomalies rather than simply stabilizing the disease were revolutionary in the field. To this day, Dr. Williams's techniques are practiced by pediatric urologists around the globe. Furthermore, Dr. Williams was a great teacher, mentoring several future leaders in pediatric urology who are still carrying out his principles today. CONCLUSIONS The achievements of Sir David Innes Williams in the field of pediatric urology are unparalleled. As the founder of the modern field, his research and teaching has allowed for the subspecialty to grow and for millions of children to lead normal lives, uninhibited by several disorders that once plagued the population. © 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 193Issue 4SApril 2015Page: e592 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Mohit Sirohi More articles by this author Aizid Hashmat More articles by this author Harris Nagler More articles by this author Zafar Khan More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...