Dr Joht Chandan
Born and raised Birmingham resident Joht has become the youngest current medical professor in the United Kingdom at 32 years old.
Professor Chandan from the University of Birmingham was made Clinical Professor of Public Health in August 2024, having already established a track record for research in health inequalities and violence prevention. Chandan studied medicine in London before moving back to Birmingham in 2016 to continue his training as a junior doctor, where he also pursued a part time PhD in Public Health.
Chandan has since attracted more than £19m of research funding as Principal or Co-Investigator for research in violence prevention, addressing health inequalities, public health and health data science. Key publications include the establishing of how and why survivors of violence against women and children experienced ill health. Chandan established an international reputation in violence reduction, being on the leadership team for Lancet Commission on Violence Against Women and Children and now leads the NIHR Global Health Group on Violence Against Women and Children, focused on fostering research capacity in the UK and across 12 countries.
During his medical degree at University College London, Professor Chandan also began volunteering as a Special Constable for the Metropolitan Police. After moving back to Birmingham to pursue his medical career, Chandan continued to volunteer with West Midlands Police, and he’s believed to be the first active Special in UK Policing to pass the national standard detective exam. Joht became the first Special to work as part of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, which plays a vital role in protecting young people from neglect and maltreatment. The combination of day job as a doctor and volunteer duties in this area prompted him to start working on a PhD.