Development of Distal Illumination

Dear Colleagues.

For many years I have been fascinated by the legacy of the founder of our organization, Dr. Chevalier Jackson and have been studying his accomplishments from a variety of perspectives. In this historical presentation to be placed on the ABEA web site, I will tell you about the early years in the career of Dr. Jackson and how his journey relates to the story of the development of distal illumination for aerodigestive endoscopy.

The desire to see the innermost functions of the human body is an ancient quest. Realizing this goal into the practice of medicine in a safe, dependable and reproducible manner did not happen till the beginning of the 20th century. At its core, it is a narrative about the technology of light; creating it, capturing it, directing it, and then understanding what it reveals. It is also a very human story of genius, creativity, compassion and competition. It is the story of how Chevalier Jackson established the discipline of Bronco-Esophagology. I hope you enjoy this historical stroll and are inspired as I have been, realizing what giant shoulders we stand on.

Peter J. Koltai, MD
Emeritus Professor of Otolaryngology and Pediatrics
Stanford University School of Medicine
Past President, American Broncho-Esophagological Association