An Accidental Activist
An Accidental Activist
by David Isaacs
published 2025
Ligature
first
genre Memoir
Professor David Isaacs: esteemed doctor, prolific author, national treasure, accidental activist, beloved by his family and friends.
David Isaacs lived an extraordinary life.
He, his twin brother Steve and sister Hattie were raised by respected child psychiatrist Susanna Isaacs-Elmhirst and brilliant virologist Alick Isaacs in north London. David was educated in medicine at Cambridge before forging a stellar career in paediatric infectious diseases.
He and his Australian wife, Carmel Foster, later moved to Sydney, where they raised four children: Anna, Ben, Tom and Mark.
David’s principled stance against the Australian government's incarceration of refugee children in immigration prisons led to him becoming ’an accidental activist'.
This autobiography will be cherished by his loved ones and his descendants, a valuable addition to an already impressive family history.
‘Dave’s life is a masterclass in moral courage, led by an unshakable commitment to children—whether in hospitals or behind barbed wire. His fearless advocacy for the health and humanity of children in detention, even at personal cost, is inspiring. Dave’s memoir is of a brave and beautiful life—told with honesty, wit and heart.’
—William Odita Tarnow-Mordi, Professor of Neonatal Medicine, University of Sydney
‘The poignant, disarmingly candid, UK to Australia and back again story of one of Australia’s most prominent paediatricians and child health champions. A profound mix of love, loss, family, friends, successes, failures, art and science fill these pages.’
—Phil Britton, Head, Department of Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, Children’s Hospital at Westmead
‘Dave’s memoir is a peripatetic tour, literally and figuratively, across the UK - Australia cultural divide. Packed with insightful and funny vignettes and literary references which include his family, friends and career as an eminent paediatrician. His deep love for learning and his lifelong relationships shine through his reflections on a flourishing life.’
—Anne Preisz, Clinical Ethicist Sydney Children’s Hospital Network