William Frankland (allergist)

William Frankland (19 March 1912 – 2 April 2020), also known as "Bill" Frankland, was a prominent British allergist whose pioneering work transformed the understanding and treatment of allergies. His career spanned over seven decades, during which he made significant contributions to medicine and allergy research. Frankland's work on pollen counts and the development of desensitization therapy for hay fever and other allergies has had a lasting impact on the field.

Early Life and Education

William Frankland was born in Suffolk, England, in 1912. He attended St Bees School in Cumberland before going on to study medicine at Queen's College, Oxford and later at St Mary's Hospital Medical School in London. His medical education was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the British Army. After the war, he returned to his studies and completed his medical degree.

Career

After qualifying as a doctor, Frankland was drawn to the field of allergies. He worked under Alexander Fleming at St Mary's Hospital, where he was influenced by Fleming's work on penicillin. Frankland's interest in allergies led him to develop the first reliable pollen count method, which became a crucial tool in understanding and predicting the impact of pollen on hay fever sufferers.

In the 1950s, Frankland introduced the concept of immunotherapy for hay fever, which involved exposing patients to gradually increasing doses of allergens to build up their tolerance. This method, also known as desensitization therapy, has become a standard treatment for many types of allergies.

Frankland's research extended beyond hay fever. He studied a wide range of allergic conditions, including asthma and eczema, and was a strong advocate for the importance of allergy research. He published extensively on the subject and was a key figure in raising awareness about the impact of allergies on public health.

Legacy

William Frankland's contributions to allergy research and treatment have had a profound impact on the field. He is credited with helping to establish allergy as a recognized medical specialty and has inspired generations of allergists. His work on pollen counts and immunotherapy has improved the quality of life for countless individuals with allergies.

Frankland received numerous awards and honors for his work, including being appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to medicine. He remained active in the field well into his later years, continuing to contribute to research and advocate for better allergy care.

Death

William Frankland passed away on 2 April 2020, at the age of 108. His death marked the end of an era in allergy research, but his legacy continues through the work of the many allergists and researchers he influenced.

See Also

• Allergy
• Immunotherapy
• Pollen count
• Alexander Fleming