London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

The Cabinet Secretary, with the agreement of the Prime Minister, has today announced that Chris Whitty has been appointed as the new Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for England, and the UK Government’s Chief Medical Adviser.

Professor Whitty is currently Professor of Public and International Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) where his research has focused on the diagnosis and management of infectious disease in children and adults, as well as the diseases of poverty, especially malaria.

He is also the Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), a practising NHS Consultant Physician in acute medicine and infectious diseases at University College London Hospitals (UCLH), and Gresham Professor of Physic.

Professor Whitty replaces Professor Dame Sally Davies, the current CMO, when she takes up a new role as master of Trinity College Cambridge in October 2019. The appointment will see Chris step down from his role as Professor of Public and International Health but he will continue contributing to teaching at LSHTM and maintain close links with our School.

Professor Chris Whitty said: "It is a huge honour to be given the opportunity as Chief Medical Officer for England to be able to support colleagues in public health, the NHS and social care around the country to improve the health of the nation. I look forward to working within DHSC and across Whitehall to support the Government in leading the nation’s health and care."

Sir Chris Wormald, Permanent Secretary at DHSC said: "I am delighted that Chris Whitty has been appointed as the Chief Medical Officer for England. He is doing an excellent job as Chief Scientific Adviser and will bring to his new role a wealth of relevant experience from his previous roles in public health, most recently as Professor of Public and International Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and as an NHS consultant. I look forward to working with him in his new role."

Health Secretary, Matt Hancock said: “Professor Chris Whitty will make an excellent Chief Medical Officer, bringing his extensive clinical experience and a passion for keeping the nation healthy. I can think of no better person to lead the fight against infectious diseases, public health threats, and lead the medical profession to continue keeping us as healthy as possible.”