Sir Victor Horsley (1857–1916): lessons for the modern clinician

Abstract

Sir Victor Horsley is well known for his pioneering work as a neurological surgeon but his vital contributions to the regulation and advancement of the medical profession are less well understood. This archived literature review of The Horsley collection of papers (UCL Special Collections Library) documents Sir Victor's campaign for the autonomy of the stagnating medical profession of over a century ago. These lessons should empower modern clinicians to retain the professionalism they worry about losing.

Key words:

• Victor Horsley
• European working time directive
• governance
• leadership

Acknowledgements

Part of this work was presented to the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries in fulfilment of the Diploma in History of Medicine. The authors are most grateful to The UCL Special Collections Library for access to The Horsley Papers during August 2009.

Declaration of interest:

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.