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The Semon Lectures and the foundation of modern ENT

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2021

C Chapple Open the ORCID record for C Chapple [Opens in a new window]  and
J Watkinson
C Chapple*
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Ipswich Hospital, UK
J Watkinson
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK Department of ENT, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Dr Catherine Chapple, ENT Department, Ipswich Hospital, Heath Road, Ipswich IP4 5PD, UK E-mail: kchapple@gmail.com
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Abstract

Background

Sir Felix Semon established the Semon Lecture series in 1913 to advance the specialty of laryngology. The annual lectures continue to the present day (there have been 95 to date).

Objective

This review illustrates how instrumental these lectures have been in shaping otolaryngology.

Method

The period 1913–1970 preceded subspecialisation, and so forms the background of laryngology (as well as rhinology and otology) as we know it today. This era forms the focus of the article.

Results

Changes came about by a standardisation of practices and research, and in the treatment of conditions. The initial period was crucial.

Conclusion

Many lectures highlight the specialty's growth. Now, another vital resource, a dedicated website (semonlectures.org), has made this information more accessible to the wider public.

Keywords

Historical BiographyCommunicationInternetMedical Education
Type
Review Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 137 , Issue 1 , January 2023 , pp. 17 - 21
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED

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Footnotes

Dr C Chapple takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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