Titans of Science: Dame Sally Davies, English scientist, discusses her career as the former chief medical officer and her mission to combat the antibiotic apocalypse. Other interesting topics include the rise of bed bugs, genetically modified pig organs for transplants, and the impact of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic.
Dame Sally Davies believes antimicrobial resistance is a global problem that requires a unified global strategy.
Dame Sally Davies advocates for health to be seen as an investment, gathering data to support the link between health and productivity.
Dame Sally Davies emphasizes the importance of leaving a position on a high, making impactful decisions, and embracing new opportunities.
Deep dives
The Career Journey of Dame Sally Davies
Dame Sally Davies had a diverse career path, initially contemplating a career in music but ultimately pursuing medicine. After training in hematology and specializing in sickle cell disease, she became involved in health policy and research. Davies served as the UK's Chief Medical Officer from 2010 to 2019, where she focused on various issues such as safe drinking guidelines and antimicrobial resistance. She emphasized the importance of making impactful decisions and leaving a position on a high. Currently, she is the master of Trinity College, Cambridge, and continues her work as a government special envoy for antimicrobial resistance and on commissions relating to health and productivity in the economy.
The Urgent Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance
Dame Sally Davies considers antimicrobial resistance (AMR) a significant global problem. With AMR causing millions of deaths annually and being the third leading cause of death worldwide, she stresses the need for a unified global strategy. Davies has championed efforts to incentivize the development of new antibiotics and improve the payment model to address the broken business model for drug development. While progress has been made, challenges such as overuse of antibiotics and lack of regulation in some countries still exist. Davies continues to advocate for AMR action and looks forward to a high-level meeting at the United Nations in September 2024.
The Role of Health in Productivity and the Economy
Dame Sally Davies co-chairs a commission on the links between health and productivity in the economy. She believes that health should be viewed as an investment rather than a drain on society. By gathering data to support the relationship between health and productivity, Davies aims to promote a shift in perspective and encourage policymakers to prioritize health. This work underscores the importance of a healthy workforce for economic prosperity and societal well-being.
The Decision to Become Master of Trinity College
Dame Sally Davies reflects on her unexpected appointment as the master of Trinity College, Cambridge. Initially skeptical due to not fitting traditional criteria, she ultimately embraced the role. Davies views her position as an opportunity to strengthen the already prestigious institution and enhance the student experience. Simultaneously, she continues her engagement with issues such as antimicrobial resistance, ensuring her work has a broader impact.
Transitioning from Chief Medical Officer to New Challenges
Dame Sally Davies discusses her decision to step down as the UK's Chief Medical Officer after a decade in the role. She highlights the importance of leaving a position while still making a positive impact and avoiding overstaying one's welcome. While reflecting on her tenure, Davies expresses gratitude for dodging the COVID-19 pandemic and discusses her ongoing work, including international efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance and involvement in commissions focusing on health and productivity in the economy.
Dr Chris Smith and the Naked Scientist team present the latest science news, analysis and breakthroughs.
In this week's episode...the rise of the bed bugs, leading bed bug expert James Logan tells us all we need to know, could genetically modified pig kidneys soon be transplanted into the humans? The clinical trial ixs now awaiting approval. And why it might be time for us to reappraise the impact of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic.
Plus in our Titans of Science series, we hear from England’s former chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies on her career in the top job and the antibiotic apocalypse that she’s made it her mission to combat.
Get the podcast from the BBC Sounds app.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode