Harry Burns (doctor) facts for kids

Sir Henry Burns, often called Harry Burns, was born in 1951. He is a professor who teaches about health around the world at the University of Strathclyde. Before this, he was the top doctor for Scotland, known as the Chief Medical Officer. He held this important job from 2005 to 2014. Sir Harry is famous for trying to make health fairer for everyone. He also helps advise the Scottish government on money matters as part of the Council of Economic Advisers.

Early Life and Education

Harry Burns was born in 1951 in a town called Barrhead in Scotland. He went to a private school in Glasgow called St. Aloysius College. After school, he studied medicine at the University of Glasgow. He finished his medical degree in 1974.

Career Highlights

Harry Burns first worked as a surgeon, performing operations. For five years, he was a top surgeon at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary hospital. Later, he took on a management role at the same hospital.

In 1990, he earned a special degree in Public Health. This degree focuses on improving the health of whole communities. He then worked in public health for the Greater Glasgow area. By 1993, he became the director of public health for that region. This meant he was in charge of planning health services for many people.

Chief Medical Officer

On September 5, 2005, Harry Burns became the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland. This is a very important job. The Chief Medical Officer is the Scottish Government's main advisor on health matters. They help make decisions about healthcare for everyone in Scotland.

In 2007, he wrote a report that highlighted how important early childhood is for a person's health later in life. He also helped lead a special group called the Early Years Taskforce, which started in 2011. This group worked to improve the lives of young children.

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

In January 2014, it was announced that Harry Burns would leave his role as Chief Medical Officer. He then became a professor of global public health at Strathclyde University. This new job allowed him to teach and research health issues that affect people all over the world.

In December 2014, he joined the Scottish Government's Council of Economic Advisers. Here, he helps look at ways to reduce inequality, making sure everyone has a fair chance.

In September 2016, he was asked to lead a review of targets in Scotland's National Health Service (NHS). This review aimed to make sure the NHS was working as well as possible for patients.

Awards and Honours

Harry Burns has received many awards for his important work.

• In 2008, the University of Strathclyde gave him an Honorary Doctorate. This is a special degree given to people who have made great contributions.
• Also in 2008, he received an award from the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland. This award recognized his efforts in public health.
• In 2011, he was made a Knight by the Queen. This honour, given in the 2011 Birthday Honours, recognized his outstanding service to society. After this, he became known as Sir Harry Burns.
• His local council, East Renfrewshire Council, also gave him their highest honour. They made him an honorary freeman for his significant contributions to public life.
• In December 2014, the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award. This award celebrated his lasting positive impact on public service in Scotland.

See also

• Glasgow effect