Dr. Robert Vallis said he would be leaving at the end of January, but declined to give his reasons.

"It's very personal. I don't wish to make any comment,'' he stated.

Dr. Vallis is understood to have worked from his private practice in Point Finger Road, Paget, for about seven years.

Medical sources told The Royal Gazette there was no legal requirement to replace Dr. Vallis, a Bermudian.

But one source commented: "Because of Dr. Vallis's unique position as Bermuda's only current ear, nose and throat specialist I think both he and the medical community will try to fill the gap.''