A consultant paediatrician who has dedicated her research and clinical work to society's neglected children, while mentoring a new generation of child health workers to do the same, has received an honorary degree from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).
Professor Monica Lakhanpaul was made an honorary Doctor of Science during DMU’s summer degree ceremonies which have been taking place over the last two weeks.
Professor Lakhanpaul - a married mother of three - thanked DMU and the people of Leicester for supporting a remarkable career dedicated to young people, saying: “Leicester became my home and the people of Leicester became my family.
“They gave me the confidence and courage to be myself, find my way and take chances.
“They removed the red tape and the barriers that often stifle innovation and growth.
“The warmth and support from DMU, University of Leicester and the community of Leicester have had an influence on who I am today.
“When I questioned myself, I had so many people who believed in me.”
Professor Lakhanpaul’s parents – who had arrived in Leeds in the 1940s – were a huge support, working various jobs so she could enjoy horse-riding, drama, music, debating and public speaking.
The professor excelled in education and went on to study a Bachelor of Medicine at the University of Manchester before completing a Doctor of Medicine in Nottingham.
The professor receives her honorary doctorate on the stage at Curve
Her relationship with Leicester then began, with Professor Lakhanpaul taking up senior lecturer and consultant paediatrician roles simultaneously at the University of Leicester and Leicester Partnership NHS Trust.
She began to work closely with the communities of Leicester, recognising their needs and setting about improving their children’s health outcomes. It was from here that she was appointed as the first ever Clinical Director leading the development of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) children’s guidelines that have been the foundation of evidence-based medicine nationally.
A citation, dedicated to Professor Lakhanpaul when receiving her honorary doctorate, said: “At the heart of Professor Lakhanpaul’s research and clinical work are the voices of systemically underserved communities within the UK and globally – children with complex needs, racially minoritised communities, children experiencing homelessness, refugees and asylum-seeking families, communities living in the harshest environments.
“Her work on understanding inequalities and social determinants of child health were founded at the University of Leicester in collaboration with colleagues at DMU over 20 years ago.
“Her research continues to strengthen the inequalities agenda in Leicester through her work at DMU, co-leading the CHAMPIONS national research programme, focussing on making every child in temporary accommodation in the UK safe, healthy and educated.”
Professor Lakhanpaul is currently a consultant paediatrician at Whittington Health NHS Trust, Professor of Integrated Child Health at University College London (UCL). She is also adjunct professor at Public Health Foundation India and also UCL Global Strategic Academic Advisor for India.
Professor Lakhanpaul addresses the students and audience
When asked if she had any advice for graduates setting out on the next chapter in their life, Professor Lakhanpaul said: “Life is not a straight path and it would be boring if it was.
“Life is about the experiences you have, the people you meet and it is all about the journey, not the destination.
“Find those unexpected paths and look to see what is around the corner for you.
“If you are nervous, find a good person to take with you - and never forget them when you reach your goal.
“Keep your eyes open, look and learn every step of the way, reflect on who you are and what you do and always stay true to yourself.”
Working across health, environment, education and the arts has seen Professor Lakhanpaul recognised with the Asian Women of Achievement Award in 2010, the British Science Association Media Fellowship in 2020, the Churchill Fellowship in 2024 and also in 2024 the professor was appointed the National Institute for Health and Care Research speciality lead for children.
Because of her work in Leicester and devotion to its diverse communities, Professor Lakhanpaul received a High Sheriff of Leicester Award for children and young people in 2023.
Posted on Wednesday 11 September 2024