Saint Blase, patron saint of otorhinolaryngology.
Otorhinolaryngology is one of the few medical specialities which has a patron saint, Saint Blase (born 317-AD). He was a Doctor and Bishop in Sebaste, Armenia, and he suffered martyrdom under the rule of the Roman Emperor Licinio (Iliria 250 AD - Tsalonica 325 AD). He was acknowledged as having the ability to protect people against throat infections, after curing a child who had choked on a fishbone. The feast of Saint Blase is on February 3rd, and it is celebrated all over the Western world. There are many other Saints related to our speciality, who protect people against ear, nose and throat disorders. We have reviewed the world literature on this subject.
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Son Dureta, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
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Til-Pérez
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Tomás-Barberán
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Magri-Ruiz
D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000266:history*; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D018597:Saints; D014421:Turkey