The origins of The Midland Institute of Otology date back to the 11th February 1947 when William Stirk Adams (Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham) wrote to twelve consultant colleagues from within the Midlands suggesting the establishment "in association with the University of Birmingham of an Otological Institute for teaching and research in the subjects of our specialty".

Full membership of the Institute is now offered to all ENT consultants within the Wider Midlands region and to interested ex-trainees from the region who become Consultants elsewhere. All trainees within the region become non-subscribing Associate Members.

The Institute Founder: W Stirk Adams