King James IV Professorship

Dr Chung H Kau, Chair and Professor for the Department of Orthodontics at UAB SOD has been awarded the prestigious King James IV Professorship for 2010/11. This Professorship is awarded by the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh in Scotland, United Kingdom. Dr Kau also serves as an External and International examiner for the Membership in Faculty of Dental Surgery Exam held in the United Kingdom and the Middle East.

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh has enjoyed a continuous existence as a corporate body since 1505 when the Barber Surgeons of Edinburgh were formally incorporated as a Craft Guild of the Burgh. This recognition is embodied in the Seal of Cause or Charter of Privileges granted to the Barber Surgeons by the Town Council of Edinburgh on 1 July 1505, allowing them to practise surgery within the city. The Seal of Cause was confirmed under the Privy Seal on 13 October 1506 by King James IV of Scotland. The King had an interest in all matters scientific, including medicine and surgery, and was particularly proud of his skill as a dental surgeon, adopting the somewhat unusual practice when he operated of paying the patients. To mark the Millenium, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, with the Faculty of Dental Surgery, proposed the establishment of lectureships to be awarded annually by the College in open competition to practitioners of Surgery or Dental Surgery who have made a significant contribution to the clinical and/or scientific basis of surgery, and that they be called King James IV Professorships. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II graciously gave her permission for the College to use the title King James IV. Up to five Professorships may be awarded annually - two to Dental and three to Surgical Fellows of the College. The courtesy title of Professor will be accorded to King James IV Lecturers for the duration of the College year in which their lecture is delivered.