Chief Medical Officer for Scotland Sir Harry Burns will give the Christmas lecture titled Assets for Health & New Approaches for Scotland at the University of Stirling on 16 December.
Sir Harry Burns is at the forefront of healthcare and will discuss his views of the health risks, opportunities and dilemmas in relation to the extreme economic, social and health conditions faced by the nation.
The event is being hosted by the Stirling Institute for People-Centred Healthcare Management (PCHM) and is open to members of the public. Dr Mike Walsh, Chair of the Institute, said: “Sir Harry’s message is hugely important and helps our teaching and research here at Stirling - to the benefit of Scotland and the world.
“In giving this lecture he is helping the Institute bring together those who teach, research and use healthcare, to help spread the word that health is everyone’s responsibility. Health assets are more than money and everyone needs to learn much more about how to use these assets.”
Professor William Lauder, Head of the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health added: “The University has a particular interest in improving the quality of life of vulnerable groups and Sir Harry Burns has long championed the need to address health inequalities.
“This important event will provide an opportunity for staff and students to hear Scotland’s most senior medical practitioner.”
Sir Harry Burns graduated in medicine from Glasgow University in 1974. He was appointed Honorary Consultant Surgeon and Senior Lecturer in Surgery in the University Department of Surgery at the Royal Infirmary in Glasgow in 1984, where his work gave him an insight into the links between economic status and illness.
He completed a Masters Degree in Public Health in 1990 and shortly afterwards was appointed Medical Director of The Royal Infirmary.
In 1994 he became Director of Public Health for Greater Glasgow Health Board. In 1998 Sir Harry took a part-time appointment with the Health Department in the Scottish Government, working for three years as lead clinician in Scotland for cancer care, where he developed Managed Cancer Networks and helped re-organise cancer services in Scotland.
In 2005, he became Chief Medical Officer for Scotland where his responsibilities include aspects of public health policy and health protection. He also has policy responsibility for sport in Scotland.
The Stirling Institute for People-Centred Healthcare Management (PCHM) is hosting the Christmas lecture, held in Lecture Theatre W1, Cottrell Building, at 11am. The lecture is free and all are welcome to attend.