Dr Ludwig de Jager - otolaryngologist / ENT surgeon
Otorhinolaryngology is a tongue twister and just an elaborate way to say: ear, nose, and throat! This fascinating discipline combines four systems [including 3 of our special senses] which are in close proximity and indeed can impact each other from time to time in various ways. The specialty, as we know it today, was established in the early 20th century when the fields of otology and laryngology were joined. Up to then, otologists were surgeons and laryngologists were physicians who also treated diseases of the nose and chest. It is ironic that as knowledge exploded during the 20th century this unity [out of necessity] has again diversified resulting in the emergence of various sub-specialties - otology and neuro-otology, rhinology, laryngology, head-and-neck and plastic surgery and pediatric otolaryngology. This phenomenon is true also of other medical disciplines. However, the 'general otolaryngologist' remains the backbone of the industry - particularly in the community setting.
Otolaryngology is known for its inherent complexity: tricky anatomy and intriguing pathology many a time challenging to unravel and treat. The discipline significantly benefitted from technological advances during the 20th century facilitating examination [of all the nooks and crannies] and expanding treatment possibilities. Today, complex surgery is literally being done through keyholes! And not to forget about the wearables where we have advanced from the [hearing] trumpet to brainstem implants in a vey short time span. The discipline also heavily relies on the expertise of ancillaries to facilitate holistic patient care - speech therapists, audiologists, physiotherapists and even psychologists.
I completed my pre-graduate training at the University of Pretoria and specialized in otorhinolaryngology at the University of the Free State with Prof Andre Claassen as program director. I was fortunate to be a member of faculty [Dept ORL, UFS] for almost a decade after qualification and then moved to Canada where I practiced on Vancouver Island as general otolaryngologist. I recently opened an ENT practice at the Mediclinic in Potchefstroom.