Show notes
In this episode, Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, former Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, shares his remarkable journey from a market town in Lincolnshire to the national stage during the COVID-19 pandemic.Known for his honesty, clarity, and trademark analogies, JVT reflects on his family’s extraordinary story, the challenges of breaking into medicine, and the pivotal choices that shaped his career in public health.He talks candidly about stepping into leadership “by accident,” managing the pressure of being thrust into the spotlight, and navigating the uneasy intersection of science and politics. Along the way, he opens up about imposter syndrome, the personal costs of public service, and the lessons he hopes will inspire the next generation of leaders.🕰️ Highlights02:00 – Early Life & Family Influence04:00 – Getting Into Medicine06:00 – Path to Public Health & Pharma12:00 – Becoming Deputy CMO17:00 – Thrust Into the Spotlight25:00 – Imposter Syndrome32:00 – Science, Politics & Pressure39:00 – The Power of Communication49:00 – Work-Life Balance & Personal Cost58:00 – Reflections & Legacy57:00 – Quickfire Round🔗 Links and resourcesSign up to our monthly bulletin to hear about more programmes, podcasts, events and opportunitiesFollow Nish on Twitter/X and LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
