Dr. Wirt B. Dakin: Pioneer of Urologic Filmography and Ultrasound History

Dr. Wirt B. Dakin (1883-1975) is a seminal figure in the history of urology, renowned for his pioneering work in urologic filmography and his dedication to preserving the field’s history. After earning his medical degree from the University of Southern California in 1908, Dakin established a practice in Los Angeles, focusing on prostatic surgery. He played key roles within the American Urological Association (AUA), including serving as the secretary of its Western Section in 1927, president in 1929, and historian from 1947 to 1965. Dakin’s contributions to urology extended beyond clinical practice—he co-founded the History of Urology Club, now known as the History Forum. In 1916, he created the first-ever urologic motion picture, filming an open prostatectomy in a hospital rooftop setting due to inadequate lighting in the operating room. This 22-minute film, shown at the 1917 AUA meeting, became an important educational tool and is now housed in the William P. Didusch Museum in Baltimore. Dakin also made notable contributions to urological research, publishing “Urological Oddities” in 1948, a comprehensive study of foreign bodies in the genitourinary system, which compiled 212 global cases. As AUA’s historian, he meticulously documented annual meetings with photographs, now stored at the William P. Didusch Center for Urologic History. Dakin’s legacy in urology, from his innovative films to his archival work, continues to impact the field. His pioneering use of visual media in urology prefigured the later integration of ultrasound technology in diagnostic and therapeutic practices, further advancing urology’s evolution. Dakin’s work remains a valuable resource for understanding the history and development of modern urological techniques.