The history of pediatric otorhinolaryngology in Poland

The past few decades have been a time of rapid and constantly-accelerating development in every field of medicine, including pediatrics and laryngology. The first pediatric laryngology unit set up in Poland was in the Warsaw Kopernik Hospital in 1908, and consisted of seven beds in the surgical ward. The actual development of the specialty in Poland began in the nineteen-forties. The first modern department of Pediatric Laryngology was set up in the Mother and Child Institut in 1947, and next in Warsaw University Hospital in 1956. These two were both set up and headed by Associate Professor Jan Danielewicz who is considered to be the father of pediatric otolaryngology in Poland, and one of its co-founders in Europe. The first conference of Polish Pediatric ENT was the result of the efforts of Associate Professor Danielewicz in Zakopane, in 1958. Professors Kossowska and Danielewicz were the joint organisers of the First European Congress of Pediatric Laryngologists in Warsaw, in 1979. At present in Poland exist five Clinic of Pedatric ENT and about 25 ward of this speciality. Pediatric ENT is independent medical specialization.