Chris Whitty

Chris Whitty is a prominent figure in the field of medicine and public health, currently serving as the Chief Medical Officer for England (CMO) and the UK government's Chief Medical Adviser. Born on 21 April 1966, Whitty has had a distinguished career in medicine and has been instrumental in the UK's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early Life and Education

Whitty was born in Gloucester, England. He attended Tonbridge School, a prestigious independent school in Kent, before going on to study at Pembroke College, Oxford, where he graduated with a degree in physiology. He later studied medicine at GKT School of Medical Education, King's College London, and graduated in 1991. He also holds an MSc in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Career

Whitty's career has spanned various roles in both clinical medicine and public health. He worked as a consultant in tropical medicine at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, and was involved in several overseas projects, particularly in Africa, dealing with malaria and HIV/AIDS.

In 2008, he was appointed as the Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department for International Development (DFID), where he advised on medical and scientific matters, particularly in relation to developing countries.

In 2019, Whitty was appointed as the Chief Medical Officer for England and the UK government's Chief Medical Adviser. In this role, he has been a key figure in the UK's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, regularly appearing in government briefings and advising on public health measures.

Personal Life

Whitty is known for his dedication to his work and his private nature. He is unmarried and has no children.

Recognition

Whitty's work has been widely recognised. In 2009, he was awarded the Manson Medal, the highest award of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. In 2015, he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath in the Queen's Birthday Honours.