The Midland Institute of Otology and its founder: William Stirk Adams (1896-1978)

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Midland Institute of Otology (MIO) a meeting was held in the Belfry Hotel, West Midlands, 19-21 September 1997. The meeting comprised an excellent academic conference, social events and a golf tournament. A report on the academic conference has been published (Stansbie and Pahor, 1997). The MIO has been established to further the cause of ENT in the Midlands and it has succeeded in its aim to a great extent. An historical overview of the Institute is of interest and would serve perhaps as a model for similar organizations, especially in the provinces. The Institute was the brainchild of William Stirk Adams. He remained the President from the conception of the Institute till his death. It is befitting to present a biography of such a dedicated personality.