Pediatric urology founder Dr. David Innes Williams dies at 93
Sir David Innes Williams, MD, MChir, who is credited with founding the specialty of pediatric urology, has died. He was 93.
Sir David Innes Williams, MD, MChir, who is credited with founding the specialty of pediatric urology, has died. He was 93.
“Sir David Innes Williams founded the surgical specialty of paediatric urology and was its acknowledged world leader for 25 years from 1953 to 1978,” wrote the Times of London. “He was admired not just as a superbly deft operating surgeon but as a first-rate teacher and professional leader.”
As a trainee after World War II, Dr. Williams saw an unmet clinical need and focused his practice on pediatric urology, ultimately teaching a number of colleagues through his experience and publications. Those trainees formed the first generation of pediatric urology.
Born in London, Dr. Williams was appointed as a senior genitourinary surgeon at that city’s Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in 1951. He worked there until 1978. Dr. Williams is known for conducting in-depth studies of posterior urethral valves and emphasizing to pediatricians the need to recognize urinary obstruction in the neonate and its treatment prior to the onset of infection.
He is survived by two sons and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Margaret.
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