Oldřich Ferdinand, MD –⁠ a notable figure of moravian phoniatrics. A remembrance on the 115th anniversary of his birth

Overview

Oldřich Ferdinand, MD (1910–1997) was a prominent figure in Czechoslovak phoniatrics and the founder of modern phoniatric care in northern Moravia. After graduating from the Faculty of Medicine at Masaryk University in Brno in 1934, he served in various medical positions, including military service and work at the otolaryngology clinic under professor František Ninger. In 1940, he completed a study stay with professor Miloslav Seemann, a leading global expert in phoniatrics, which influenced his lifelong dedication to caring for individuals with hearing and speech disorders.

In 1945, he became the head physician of the otorhinolaryngology department at the hospital in Hranice, where he established a modern phoniatric clinic. He was instrumental in founding phoniatric departments in Ostrava (1949) and Olomouc (1951), as well as an inpatient phoniatric department in Hranice (1966). His organizational skills led to the development of speech therapy services in the North Moravian region.

Alongside his medical practice, he was an active educator, leading courses for speech therapists and serving as an external lecturer at several faculties. His scientific work includes over 50 publications, including studies on Jan Evangelista Purkyně and Gregor Mendel. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the J. E. Purkyně Medal and other honours.

Ferdinand's dedication and contributions to the development of phoniatrics and speech therapy influenced thousands of patients and colleagues. His life and work remain an inspiration for future generations of physicians and have significantly contributed to the advancement of healthcare in Czechoslovakia.

Keywords:

history – ENT – Oldřich Ferdinand – Hranice – phoniatrics – Moravia