T. G. Wilson facts for kids

Thomas George Wilson (born July 1, 1901 – died November 6, 1969) was a very important surgeon and medical leader. He was known as 'T.G.' and specialized in otorhinolaryngology, which is the study of ear, nose, and throat problems. He made many important discoveries in this field.

Wilson was also a talented writer, artist, and sailor. He was a well-known person in Dublin until he passed away suddenly in 1969.

Early Life and Education

Thomas George Wilson was born in Belfast on July 1, 1901. His father, Robert Charles Wilson, was a stockbroker. His mother was Frances Lucinda Kellett. He had an older brother, Charles Herbert, and a younger sister, Frances Edna.

He went to Mountjoy School, which is now part of Mount Temple Comprehensive School. Later, he studied at Trinity College, Dublin.

Surgical Career and Contributions

After his studies, Wilson became a surgeon at the ENT Department of the Cheltenham General and Eye Hospital. In 1927, he earned a special qualification from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (FRCSI).

He then worked as an assistant surgeon at the Royal City of Dublin Hospital in Baggot Street. Over the years, he held many important positions as a specialist. He worked at hospitals like Dr Steevens' Hospital, Drumcondra Hospital, and The National Children's Hospital. From 1928 to 1966, he was a throat specialist at Mercer's Hospital.

Wilson also worked at the Royal Hospital, Donnybrook, and was an ear and throat specialist for other institutions. He managed his own private practice while also holding many honorary positions.

He was a key member of the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland. In 1956, he started its section on the History of Medicine. He was also elected a member of the Royal Irish Academy and a fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine in London in 1937.

Wilson was very influential at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He joined its council in 1944. He became vice-president in 1956 and then president in 1958. He served as president for three years, which was a record at the time. During his time as president, he helped create new departments for anesthetics and radiology. He also helped set up agreements with other medical groups around the world.

Awards and Lasting Impact

Wilson received special honorary awards from other important medical colleges. These included the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1961, the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1963, and the American College of Surgeons in 1963.

He gave important lectures and was elected president of the Laryngology section of the Royal Society of Medicine in 1966. He also led an international group of scientists called CORLAS during their meeting in Dublin in 1958. He helped start the Irish Otolaryngological Society and was its first president. The T.G. Wilson Medal is named in his honor.

Wilson was also given an honorary membership to the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA). He became a professor of anatomy at the National College of Art and Design.

In 1968, he became the chairman of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, which manages lighthouses. He wrote a book called Irish Lighthouse Service, which included his own drawings and paintings. For his writing and art, he received an honorary Doctorate of Literature from Dublin University in 1941.

He also wrote articles suggesting that Jonathan Swift suffered from Ménière's disease, which is now a widely accepted idea in medicine.

Personal Life and Later Years

In 1928, Thomas Wilson married Mary Hume Babington. They had two sons and two daughters. His oldest son, Anthony Babington Wilson, became a business executive, artist, and author.

During the Second World War, Wilson helped British servicemen who were stuck in Ireland to cross the border into Belfast. He faced some legal issues for helping them.

Thomas George Wilson passed away suddenly from a heart attack on November 6, 1969. He was staying at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea at the time.