The compleat otolaryngologist: Burton Alexander Randall

The practicing otolaryngologist and resident is the beneficiary of a highly organized educational system which has evolved over the past 100 years. A number of social, scientific and technical advances were involved in the evolution of these training programs; however, one of the most important developments was the emergence of the Clinician Educator Concept. Burton Alexander Randall was prominent in the profession in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century and is an example of the clinician‐teacher who participated in the development of otorhinolaryngologic instruction. His unpublished memoirs, recently made available, illustrate the difficulties in obtaining appropriate training, organizing clincial services, and establishing professional relationships. These interesting documents provide insight into the present and illustrate that although there have been great technical advances, some problems in interpersonal relationships remain the same.