A proud Scotsman who grew up in Dunfermline, Andy became one of the most influential figures in neonatal neurology, combining scientific curiosity, clinical brilliance and a rare generosity of spirit.
Andy studied Medicine at Cambridge and completed his clinical clerkships in London. His early interest in the developing brain was shaped by childhood exposure to a peer with cerebral palsy, a concern that deepened during medical school. His first research endeavour, examining lung tissues with electron microscopy during his Pathology rotation, reflected the curiosity and meticulousness that would define his career. Awarded a scholarship to spend time in the neurology department at Montefiore Hospital in New York, he broadened his scientific horizons before beginning his neonatology career in 1974 as a resident at Queen Charlotte’s Maternity Hospital, when the subspecialty itself was still in its infancy.
Even during his early clinical training, Andy’s appetite for research was unmistakable. He published on diverse topics including porphyria, bronchial carcinoma and the measurement of skinfold thickness. A case presentation on E. coli meningitis introduced him to Professor June Lloyd from Great Ormond Street Hospital, who supervised his MD work on adipose tissue development. His thesis, completed in just 30 months, produced four major papers, two in The Lancet, one in the British Medical Journal and one in Archives. He subsequently undertook a clinical fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto with Paul Swyer.
In 1979, Andy joined the Medical Research Council at Northwick Park, where he helped pioneer team-based approaches to understanding the pathophysiology of neonatal brain injury and evaluating emerging technologies for intracranial pressure monitoring. He later became a consultant neonatologist at Hammersmith Hospital, working within a leading newborn brain research group alongside Lilly and Victor Dubowitz and Malcolm Levene. During this period, he advanced the use of cranial ultrasound to image intraventricular haemorrhage and monitor post-haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation. He also introduced the concept of 'skin-to-skin contact' for premature babies. In 1989, he learned Norwegian, moved to Oslo to live with Marianne Thoresen, held a consultant post in neonatology, and became Professor of Paediatrics at Aker University Hospital. He continued both experimental and clinical brain research together with his wife, Marianne, a testament to his adaptability.
Andy and Marianne moved to Bristol in 1998, where their work flourished. As Professor of Neonatology, he championed evidence-based medicine and randomised clinical trials, particularly in the field of intraventricular haemorrhage. He was brave to conduct multicentre clinical trials of complex interventions before formal trial centres existed, including the Ventriculomegaly and the pioneering DRIFT trial, becoming the first to investigate the infusion of tissue plasminogen activator combined with drainage and irrigation of intraventricular blood. He led the trials from the front, often remaining at the bedside throughout the DRIFT procedure, performing ultrasound examinations, troubleshooting difficulties, and supporting staff and families with characteristic calmness and compassion.
Andy’s generosity was exceptional. He shared data freely, offered thoughtful and constructive guidance and created opportunities for early- and mid-career researchers. His support underpinned the success of multicentre clinical trials, including ELVIS, ENLIVEN and DRIFT10, which showed improved IQ at 10 years of age in children who underwent DRIFT. His care for people, mirrored in his care for babies and their parents, was matched by his precision of thought and his ability to distil complex scientific concepts into simple, meaningful insights.
As lead for the 'Care of the Newborn' curriculum for Year 4 medical students, he adopted a Cambridge-style tutorial approach that inspired countless students. His mentorship was deeply personal: he helped many navigate the setbacks of academic life, often reminding them that 'research proposals and writing can always be improved'. Andy valued and supported all his clinical colleagues at Southmead – nursing, allied health and non-clinical staff alike. He nurtured others’ research ideas regardless of profession, even offering to share his office with a nurse while mentoring her to set up her study on parent-baby interactions, and a physiotherapist to study developmental outcomes of children with brain injury. His distinctive mentoring mannerisms – a click of the tongue, a warm smile and a sparkle in the eye when pleased, contrasted with a thoughtful downturned lip when offering critique – remain fondly remembered.
Andy served as President of the Neonatal Society, shaping the landscape of neonatal research in the UK. His intellectual breadth spanned music, history, politics, science and the humanities. His Lancet paper, 'Death as an option in Neonatal Intensive Care' in 1986, led him to work with the Nuffield Council to develop ethical guidance on caring for preterm infants at the limits of viability.
His recent books, including Rescuing the Newborn Brain, beautifully captured his journey through neonatology and stand as an enduring contribution to the field. Beyond his academic achievements, Andy brought warmth and joy to every gathering, often adding melody with his Scottish bagpipes or guitar.
Professor Andrew Whitelaw was a rare gem – deeply respected, admired and loved. He will be profoundly missed by neonatologists, scientists, friends and family, and by the many people whose lives he touched. He leaves Nicola, Benjamin, and Rebecca to his first wife, Sarah, and one son, Thomas, to his second wife, Marianne.