Rate Professor Stephen Leeder

Professional Summary: Professor Stephen Leeder

Professor Stephen Leeder is a distinguished academic and public health expert associated with the University of Sydney, Australia. With a career spanning several decades, he has made significant contributions to health policy, epidemiology, and medical education, both in Australia and internationally. Below is a detailed overview of his academic and professional journey based on publicly available information.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Leeder holds advanced qualifications in medicine and public health, reflecting his deep expertise in these fields:

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Sydney.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Epidemiology from the University of Sydney.
• Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP).
• Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP), UK.
• Fellow of the Australian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (FAFPHM).

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Leeder’s research and academic interests focus on:

• Public health and health policy, with an emphasis on chronic disease prevention.
• Epidemiology, particularly in relation to cardiovascular diseases.
• Health systems and medical education reform.
• Global health challenges and policy responses.

Career History and Appointments

Stephen Leeder has held numerous prestigious positions throughout his career, contributing to both academia and public health leadership:

• Emeritus Professor of Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of Sydney.
• Former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sydney (1997–2002).
• Director of the Menzies Centre for Health Policy at the University of Sydney.
• Chair of the Western Sydney Local Health District Board.
• Professor of Public Health at Columbia University, New York (part-time appointment).
• Former Director of the Division of Research Policy and Cooperation at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva.

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Leeder has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to medicine and public health with several notable honors:

• Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1998 for services to medicine and public health.
• Public Health Association of Australia’s Sidney Sax Medal for outstanding contributions to public health.
• Honorary Life Member of the Public Health Association of Australia.

Key Publications

Professor Leeder has authored and co-authored numerous influential works in public health and epidemiology. Some key publications include:

• A Race Against Time: The Challenge of Cardiovascular Disease in Developing Economies (2004) – Co-authored with others, focusing on global health challenges.
• Over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles on topics such as chronic disease, health policy, and epidemiology (specific titles and years widely available in academic databases like PubMed).
• Regular contributions to editorials and opinion pieces in medical and public health journals, including The Lancet and Medical Journal of Australia.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Leeder has had a profound impact on public health and medical education. His leadership in health policy has influenced national and international approaches to chronic disease prevention and health system reform. As Dean of Medicine at the University of Sydney, he pioneered curriculum changes to integrate public health into medical training. His work with the WHO and other global bodies has shaped policies addressing non-communicable diseases in developing economies. Additionally, his role as a mentor and educator has inspired generations of health professionals and researchers.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Leeder is an active participant in the academic and public health community, with contributions including:

• Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Epidemiology (2013–2016).
• Regular speaker at national and international conferences on public health and health policy.
• Member of various advisory committees, including those for the Australian Government on health policy.
• Contributor to public discourse through media appearances and opinion pieces on health issues in Australia.