Dr Elizabeth Whittaker

Dr Elizabeth Whittaker is a highly respected Consultant Paediatrician specialising in paediatric infectious diseases and immunology. Dedicated to providing compassionate, child-centred care, Dr Whittaker supports infants, children, and young people facing a wide spectrum of complex infections and immune conditions. Known for her empathetic and reassuring approach, she ensures that parents and carers are fully informed, listened to, and supported at every stage of their child's healthcare journey.

Dr Whittaker completed her primary medical degree (MB BAO BCh) at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. Following early clinical experience, she pursued post-graduate studies, completing the Gorgas Diploma Course in Peru to earn a Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (DTM&H) in 2009. She subsequently completed a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in 2014, exploring infant immune responses to mycobacteria, before completing her higher specialist paediatric training in 2016. A key contributor to national child health standards, Dr Whittaker holds membership with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH) and maintains active leadership roles within professional organisations, including the British Paediatric Allergy Infection and Immunity Group (BPAIIG) and the British Association of Paediatric Tuberculosis (BAPT).

As a leading clinician and Professor of Practice, Dr Whittaker possesses extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating complex paediatric infections. Her clinical focus encompasses paediatric tuberculosis, atypical mycobacterial infections, cytomegalovirus (CMV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and high consequence infectious diseases. Additionally, she has contributed significantly to national guidelines and clinical research surrounding paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS-TS), Long COVID in children, and childhood influenza. By combining cutting-edge clinical research with gentle, patient-tailored treatments, Dr Whittaker is committed to improving health outcomes for children and their families.