An accidental activist

$39.99

Dave Isaacs was born and grew up in London. His father, Alick, discovered interferon, and his mother, Susanna Isaacs-Elmhirst, was a distinguished paediatrician and psychoanalyst. Dave is an identical twin—his brother Steve is a child psychiatrist. They went to different schools and once swapped schools for the day, largely unnoticed by teachers and friends.

Dave trained in paediatrics in London, Oxford and Sydney and developed a keen interest in paediatric infections and immunology. He, his Australian wife, Carmel Foster, and his four children moved to Sydney in 1989. David established the Department of Paediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the Children’s Hospital Westmead. Dave was a trailblazer in paediatric infectious diseases in Australia and the region, contributing hugely to developing the specialty, training, teaching, mentoring and (kindly) examining many.

Dave was a polymath, and his far-reaching contributions include immunisation, bioethics, and fearless advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers. Dave published over 500 papers and 10 books and was editor of the Australian specialty Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health for many years. David’s principled stance against the Australian government’s incarceration of refugee children in immigration prisons led to him becoming “an accidental activist”.

Outside work, Dave was an accomplished musician, fanatical Arsenal fan, devoted father and grandfather, and tireless raconteur. His warmth, compassion, humanity, and sense of humour were an inspiration to many paediatricians in Australia and overseas.

This autobiography will be cherished by his loved ones and his descendants, a valuable addition to an already impressive family history.
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Description

“

The poignant, disarmingly candid, UK to Australia and back again story of one of Australia’s most prominent paediatricians and child health champions. A profound mix of love, loss, family, friends, successes, failures, art and science fill these pages.

Phil BrittonHead of Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Children's Hospital at Westmead
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Dave's life is a masterclass in moral courage, led by an unshakable commitment to children —whether in hospitals or behind barbed wire. His fearless advocacy for the health and humanity of children in detention, even at personal cost, is inspiring. His legacy is mirrored in his son Mark Isaacs's powerful book "The Undesirables". Dave memoir is of a brave and beautiful life—told with honesty, wit and heart.

William Odita Tarnow-MordiProfessor of Neonatal Medicine, University of Sydney
“

Dave's memoir is a peripatetic tour, literally and figuratively, across the UK - Australia cultural divide. Packed with insightful and funny vignettes and literary references which include his family, friends and career as an eminent paediatrician. His deep love for learning and his lifelong relationships shine through his reflections on a flourishing life.

Anne PreiszClinical Ethicist, Sydney Children's Hospital Network
“

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