Harry Burns (doctor) facts for kids

Sir Henry Burns, often called Harry Burns, is a well-known professor of global public health at the University of Strathclyde. He was the main doctor for Scotland, known as the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, from September 2005 to April 2014. He is famous for his efforts to make health fairer for everyone. He is also a member of the Council of Economic Advisers (Scotland), which helps the Scottish government with economic advice.

Early Life and Education

Henry Burns was born in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, in 1951. He went to St. Aloysius College, a private school in Glasgow. In 1974, he finished his medical degree at the University of Glasgow.

Career Highlights

From Surgeon to Public Health Leader

Sir Harry Burns started his career as a general surgeon. For five years, he was a top surgeon at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. He then moved into a management role as the medical director there. In 1990, he earned a master's degree in Public Health. This degree helped him focus on improving health for whole communities.

In 1992, he became a deputy director for planning in Greater Glasgow. The next year, he became the director of public health for Greater Glasgow. This meant he was in charge of improving the health of many people in the area. In 1999, he became a visiting professor in public health medicine at the University of Glasgow. He also became a senior research fellow at the university's School of Business and Management.

Chief Medical Officer for Scotland

On September 5, 2005, Sir Harry Burns became the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland. This is a very important job, as he was the top medical advisor to the Scottish government. In 2007, his report highlighted how important early childhood years are for a person's health later in life. He also helped lead the Scottish Government's Early Years Taskforce, which started in 2011.

Sir Harry helped Scotland think differently about improving health. He showed that many small improvements can add up to big changes for people's health.

Later Roles and Contributions

In January 2014, it was announced that Sir Harry would leave his role as Chief Medical Officer in April 2014. He then became a Professor of global public health at Strathclyde University. He also took part in Renfrewshire's Tackling Poverty Commission, working to reduce poverty.

In December 2014, he joined the Scottish Government's Council of Economic Advisers. Here, he helped look at ways to reduce inequality in Scotland. In September 2016, the Scottish Government asked him to lead a review of targets in Scotland's NHS. His first report and ideas were shared in spring 2017.

Awards and Honours

Sir Harry Burns has received many awards for his important work:

• In 2008, he received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Strathclyde.
• Also in 2008, he got the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland's award for his great work in environmental and public health.
• He was made a Knight in the 2011 Birthday Honours. This was to recognize his amazing achievements and service to society.
• East Renfrewshire Council gave him their highest honour, making him an honorary freeman.
• In December 2014, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave him the Lifetime Achievement Award. This was at the first Scottish Public Service Awards, recognizing his lasting contributions to public service in Scotland.

See also

• Glasgow effect