Kenneth Walker: An exploration of 20th century medicine, media and sexuality

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C - Individual entry (external students, pensioners)

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£3.00

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Kenneth Walker (1882–1966) lived through an era of profound change, from Victorian prudery to the sexual revolution, witnessing advances in anaesthesia, blood transfusion, minimally invasive surgery, and the NHS. He played a part in many of these innovations. Dominic Hodgson’s PhD research delves into Walker’s life to illuminate into major developments: the transformation of military medicine in WWI, the rise of medical specialization, rejuvenation trends, shifting attitudes to homosexuality, and doctors’ roles in media. Walker’s story is anything but ordinary. After a troubled early stint at the British Hospital in Buenos Aires, WWI gave him a chance to shine as a medical officer in France, paving the way to a consultant post at St Bartholomew’s Hospital. Though successful, he sought deeper meaning, turning to philosophers Petr Ouspensky and George Gurdjieff—ideas that shaped his writings on science, faith, and health. Walker became a familiar voice on the BBC and in Picture Post, tackling controversial questions with surprising openness. His influence was such that he chaired the Homosexual Law Reform Society, helping push change that came just after his death. Walker was a progressive in a conservative profession—a delicate balance that helped transform medicine and society.

Dominic Hodgson is currently a PhD student in History at the University of Winchester, but he is coming from a career in medicine, sharing the same specialty (urology) as Walker whom he has chosen to investigate as a vehicle to throw new light on a wide range of innovations in 20^th century medicine, social attitudes, and masculinity. He works at the Department of Urology, Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust and as Senior Lecturer in Medical Education also at the University of Winchester. 

Chairs: Dr Graciela Iglesias-Rogers (University of Winchester) and Prof Chris Aldous (University of Winchester)

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