
Boyer Lectures: Episode 2 – Give every child the best start
The 57th Boyer Lecture Series: Over four lectures and four weeks, the World Medical Association president, professor Sir Michael Marmot, explores the challenges communities face in solving issues of health inequality.
In episode two, professor Marmot explains how the good and bad things that happen in early childhood set the stage for health and well-being throughout a person’s life. “Early child development is influenced in part by quality of parenting or caring from others; which in turn are influenced by the circumstances in which parenting takes place,” he says.
To listen to the lecture or read the transcript, visit the 2016 Boyer Lectures page on ABC RN.
* Editor’s note: This article originally contained the audio and full transcript of the lecture but due to licensing restrictions, these have been removed.
Further reading:
- Social determinants – how class and wealth affect our health
- Want to improve the nation’s health? Start by reducing inequalities and improving living condition
Michael Marmot does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond the academic appointment above.

