In this episode, Charlie speaks to Dame Sally Davies, the 40th – and first female – Master of Trinity College Cambridge, and also the first female Chief Medical Officer for England, as well as the UK’s special envoy on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Recorded in the Master’s Lodge at Trinity College, Cambridge, the episode explores Dame Sally’s illustrious career. It also examines her lifelong dedication to tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In particular, she describes her work as health diplomacy, as she raises awareness of AMR and seeks to influence policy. Ultimately, she highlights the critical need for global action against superbugs.
The conversation then moves on to her earlier work with sickle cell patients. It also covers her role in establishing the National Institute for Health Research. In addition, Dame Sally emphasises the challenges of changing institutional mindsets. She also discusses the difficulty of creating sustainable health policies. Moreover, she shares insights from her experiences in health diplomacy and international cooperation.
Finally, she reflects on her role as Master of Trinity. She explains that her leadership style encourages the 192 Fellows to recognise innovation as a collective endeavour. Furthermore, she highlights that her leadership approach is based on influence rather than power. It is also rooted in freedom rather than constraint. Ultimately, she frames it as evolution rather than revolution.
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Chapters
00:00:00-Introduction to Dame Sally’s life works
00:03:37-Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) explained
00:08:42-Challenges of shifting beliefs & policy change
00:13:30-Childhood, personal values & passion
00:15:46-Pathway to overcoming AMR
00:18:47-Diplomacy & global influence on AMR
00:27:25-Behavioural change is needed
00:32:19-Resilience & mindset
00:37:57-First woman Chief Medical Officer
00:42:12-Trinity College Fellowship
00:47:00-Leadership of 192 fellows
00:49:59-Dame Sally’s journey as a song
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