Episode 42: Backstage with Dr Raj Patel MBE, former NHSE director

I’m thrilled to share the latest episode of our podcast with you. This time, I had the honour of sitting down with Dr Raj Patel MBE.I worked with Raj when he was Interim National Medical Director of Primary Care for NHS England. Before that he was Medical Director for the North-West, and has held numerous senior clinical leadership positions in his career.But it was after reaching what he thought was the pinnacle of his career, that things took a turn for the worst.Imagine working across the road from a doctor, being asked to counter-sign his cremation forms for years - and one day realising that there were just too many forms for this to be normal. We’re talking about none other than Dr Harold Shipman, one of the most prolific serial killers in modern history. Not only did Raj experience the chilling reality of this discovery, but in this episode he reveals the personal and professional battles he encountered as he helped uncover the truth.From humble beginnings in Leicester to becoming a trailblazer in medical leadership, with stints as a TV doctor, advisor to the Department of Health, and stand up comedian along the way, Raj’s journey is nothing short of fascinating. *Highlights:Early Life and Influences (4 mins)Challenges and Triumphs in Medical School (8 mins)The Grueling Early Years as a Junior Doctor (9 mins)Transforming General Practice (11 mins)The Unveiling of Dr. Harold Shipman (22 mins)The Tribunal and Its Aftermath (29 mins) Personal and Professional Impact (31 mins) A Shift Towards Patient Safety (35 mins) Leadership Lessons and Personal Growth (37 mins)NHS England and Greater Manchester (40 mins)Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic (44 mins) Reflections and Future Roles (45 mins) Quick Fire Questions (47 mins) *Social mediaRaj on LinkedInFollow Raj on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.