Who is Chris Van Tulleken? Chris Van Tulleken is a British doctor, virologist, and television presenter known for his engaging approach to science and health. Born on August 18, 1978, in London, he shares the spotlight with his identical twin brother, Xand. Both are celebrated for their work on the children's series Operation Ouch! and other health programs. Chris specializes in infectious diseases and tropical medicine, holding a PhD in Molecular Virology from University College London. His research often focuses on how corporations impact human health, particularly in child nutrition. Chris's dedication to public health and education has made him a household name in the UK.
Key Takeaways:
- Chris Van Tulleken, a London-born doctor and TV presenter, has a rich family history and excels in infectious diseases. He's also a BAFTA-winning presenter known for "Operation Ouch!" and his advocacy for children's health.
- Alongside his twin brother Xand, Chris Van Tulleken has not only made significant strides in the medical field but also engaged in humanitarian efforts and charity work. He's a dedicated family man and a prominent figure in the media, advocating for critical health issues.
Early Life and Education
Chris Van Tulleken's journey began in London, where he and his identical twin brother, Xand, were born. Their early years were marked by a strong educational foundation and a rich family history.
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Birth and Early Life: Chris Van Tulleken was born on August 18, 1978, in London, England. He is one of the identical twin brothers, along with his brother Xand, who are both doctors and television presenters.
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Family Background: The Van Tulleken twins are descended from Dutch Rear-Admiral Jan van Hoogenhouck Tulleken, who was raised to the nobility in 1842 with the rank of Jonkheer.
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Education: Chris and Xand were educated at Hill House preparatory school and then King's College School in Wimbledon, southwest London. They later attended St Peter's College (Chris) and Somerville College (Xand) at the University of Oxford.
Medical Career and Achievements
Chris Van Tulleken has made significant strides in the medical field, specializing in infectious diseases and tropical medicine. His contributions extend beyond clinical practice to impactful research and public health advocacy.
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Medical Career: Chris Van Tulleken is an NHS infectious diseases doctor at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London. He specializes in infectious disease and tropical medicine, and he has a diploma in Tropical Medicine.
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PhD in Molecular Virology: Chris holds a PhD in Molecular Virology from University College London (UCL). His research focuses on how corporations affect human health, particularly in the context of child nutrition, and he works closely with UNICEF and the World Health Organisation.
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Max Perutz Award: In 2016, Chris won the Max Perutz award at the Royal Institution for his HIV research. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding contributions to medical science.
Television and Media Presence
Chris Van Tulleken is not just a doctor; he is also a prominent television presenter. His engaging style has made science and health topics accessible to a broad audience.
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Television Presentations: Chris is one of the UK’s leading science presenters, having worked on numerous flagship health and science programs including Trust Me, I’m a Doctor, Horizon, The Truth About…, Operation Iceberg, Cloud Lab, Museum of Life, and Blizzard: Race to the Pole.
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Operation Ouch: Chris and his brother Xand are best known for presenting the children’s series Operation Ouch! on CBBC. The show has received multiple Children’s BAFTA awards and continues to delight audiences worldwide with its fun and often disgusting experiments to teach children about the human body.
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BAFTA Awards: The Van Tulleken brothers have won several BAFTA awards for their work on Operation Ouch! and other programs. Their series has been a huge success, inspiring young people to pursue careers in medicine.
Campaigns and Advocacy
Chris has used his platform to address critical health issues, from the over-reliance on prescription drugs to the impact of ultra-processed foods on children.
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The Doctor Who Gave Up Drugs: Chris created a campaigning series for BBC One in 2017 titled The Doctor Who Gave Up Drugs, which focused on the over-reliance on prescription drugs and antibiotic resistance. The series generated a significant amount of public interest and letters from viewers.
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Impact on Children’s Health: Following the success of The Doctor Who Gave Up Drugs, Chris turned his focus to children’s health in the second series of the show. He also investigated the impact of ultra-processed foods on children in What Are We Feeding Our Kids? for BBC One.
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Ultra Processed People: In 2023, Chris published Ultra Processed People, an exposé on the food industry that became an international bestseller. This book further solidifies his concern about the effects of ultra-processed foods on human health.
Podcasting and Other Media Ventures
Chris and Xand have expanded their reach through podcasts and other media projects, continuing to educate and engage the public on health issues.
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Podcasting Career: Chris and Xand launched their first podcast, A Thorough Examination with Drs Chris and Xand, in the summer of 2021. The podcast explores various health topics, including their relationship with ultra-processed food. Series 2 was launched in 2022, focusing on whether people can change their habits and how they do it.
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Twinsitute: In 2019, Chris and Xand participated in a social experiment show called Twinsitute for BBC Two. The show involved 30 pairs of identical twins competing to test various health theories.
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Planet Child: The Van Tulleken brothers also hosted Planet Child, a landmark perspective on global childhood development, for ITV. This show highlighted the importance of understanding childhood development from a global perspective.
Humanitarian Efforts and Charity Work
Beyond his professional achievements, Chris has dedicated time to humanitarian efforts, raising awareness and funds for various causes.
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Humanitarian Work: Chris and Xand have been involved in various charity efforts, including running the London Marathon for Doctors of the World in 2015. They raised over £3,400 for the charity.
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Patronage: Until February 2018, both Chris and Xand were patrons and board members of the medical aid and healthcare charity Doctors of the World UK. Xand was also a patron of Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin).
Family and Personal Life
Chris's personal life is as rich and fulfilling as his professional one. He balances his career with family responsibilities and enjoys a close relationship with his twin brother.
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BBC Genealogy Program: In June 2023, the twins were featured in a BBC genealogy program, highlighting their family history and ancestry.
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Medicine Men Go Wild: Chris and Xand presented Medicine Men Go Wild on Channel 4, where they explored various medical experiments and challenges.
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Trust Me, I’m a Doctor: The Van Tulleken brothers also appeared on Trust Me, I’m a Doctor alongside Michael Mosley on BBC Two. This show delves into various health-related topics and experiments.
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Operation Iceberg: Chris served as the expedition doctor for Operation Iceberg, a BBC Two documentary that explored the challenges of Arctic expeditions.
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Top Dogs: Adventures in War, Sea and Ice: Chris appeared in Top Dogs: Adventures in War, Sea and Ice, another BBC Two documentary that showcased his medical expertise in extreme environments.
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Holiday Hit Squad: He also participated in Holiday Hit Squad on BBC One, where he provided medical advice and care during a holiday expedition.
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Museum of Life: Chris appeared in Museum of Life on BBC Two, contributing to the show’s educational content about human biology and medicine.
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The Secret Life of Twins: The Van Tulleken brothers were featured in The Secret Life of Twins on BBC One, exploring the unique aspects of being identical twins.
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Celebrity Mastermind: Chris participated in Celebrity Mastermind, showcasing his knowledge in various subjects including medicine and science.
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The Wright Stuff: He also appeared on The Wright Stuff, discussing various health-related topics and answering viewer questions.
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Blizzard: Race to the Pole: Chris was the doctor for a team led by Bruce Parry that recreated the 1911 race to the South Pole in Blizzard: Race to the Pole for BBC Two. This documentary highlighted his expertise in extreme medical conditions.
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What’s The Right Diet for You? A Horizon Special: The Van Tulleken brothers presented What’s The Right Diet for You? A Horizon Special, focusing on dietary choices and their impact on health.
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Personal Life: Chris lives in London with his wife Dinah and their three daughters. His brother Xand has a son from a previous relationship and married Dolly Theis in May 2023.
Chris Van Tulleken: A Modern Renaissance Man
Chris Van Tulleken's journey from a curious child to a renowned doctor, virologist, and television presenter is nothing short of inspiring. His work in infectious diseases, tropical medicine, and public health has made a significant impact on both the medical community and the general public. Through engaging TV shows like Operation Ouch! and The Doctor Who Gave Up Drugs, he has educated and entertained millions, making complex medical topics accessible to all. His dedication to improving children's health and exposing the dangers of ultra-processed foods highlights his commitment to bettering society. Whether through his research, television appearances, or humanitarian efforts, Chris continues to be a beacon of knowledge and compassion. His story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in making a difference in the world.
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