Professor Jon Dorling, Academic Consultant Neonatologist has relocated from Southampton, to co-lead a team of child health researchers in Leeds, alongside Professors Adam Glaser and Richard Feltbower.
Jon is embarking on a new chapter in his career as Clinical Chair of CHORAL (Child Health Outcomes Research at Leeds), a £5 million collaborative research programme at Leeds Children’s Hospital, supported by funding from Leeds Hospitals Charity, the University of Leeds, and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Jon brings over two decades of experience in neonatal care, an extensive grant portfolio and a track record of publishing practice changing randomised, controlled trials in high impact journals. Jon has a clear vision for the future of CHORAL, with a focus on the importance of sustainable research and nurturing the next generation of researchers in Leeds who will lead the way to make a lasting impact for young patients.
Jon will oversee CHORAL’s clinical activity, building connections with key stakeholders and ensuring that all work aligns with the strategic goals of the programme.
The Leeds Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023 to 2030 highlights that one in four under 16s are estimated to be living in poverty, one of their priorities is to offer joined-up healthcare services that are local and accessible, helping to improves health outcomes overall.
One of Jon’s biggest goals in undertaking this new position is to reduce health inequalities that children living in Yorkshire face, giving every child, regardless of their background, the opportunity to participate in clinical trials at Leeds Children’s Hospital.
Prof Dorling’s area of expertise is neonatal care, and one of the research projects he plans to implement in Leeds focuses on the introduction of new research into resuscitation of pre-term babies, which has the potential to revolutionise procedures going forward.
Another priority for Jon will be providing mentorship to the next generation of medical researchers and creating opportunities for their professional development. By fostering a collaborative working environment, Jon hopes to bring together a network of dedicated professionals united by a common goal of improving children’s health.
Jon is excited to embark on a new journey as CHORAL Clinical Chair, he said:
“I hope that through working collaboratively with the fantastic team here in Leeds, together, we can achieve impactful research that will ultimately improve outcomes for some of the region’s most seriously ill children.”
