Biography
Emeritus Professor Les White was appointed the inaugural NSW Chief Paediatrician in September 2010, a position he held until his retirement in 2016. He was Executive Director of Sydney Children's Hospital from 1995 to 2010, following a clinical and academic career with emphasis on childhood cancer. Other positions have included President of Children’s Hospitals Australasia (1999-2004) and the John Beveridge Professor of Paediatrics (2005-2010). He has over 140 publications and many more abstracts, awards, grants and invited presentations to his name.
Les serves on seven not-for-profit boards or organisations relating to children’s health or medical research. He was awarded a Doctor of Science for research contributions related to childhood cancer and holds a Master of Health Administration. In 2007, he received an Order of Australia award for service to medicine, medical administration and the community in the field of paediatrics. He has championed the rights and the engagement of children and young people in healthcare settings. Other continuing interests include childhood injury, intellectual disability, health services research and the networking of paediatric services. In 2019, he was awarded a Doctorate of the University (UNSW) honoris causa.
Les is a member of the Children’s Cancer Institute Scientific Advisory Committee and the Minderoo Children's Comprehensive Cancer Centre Subcommittee, and chairs the Marketing and Fundraising Subcommittee.
