Abstract
This is a series on the working lives of medical professionals. Please e-mail any suggestions or comments to
Sir Liam Donaldson
1. Please outline your typical working day
The breadth of the Chief Medical Officer's job is huge, with some set responsibilities, but others that do not fall into a predictable pattern. The post has been in existence for 150 years and I am only the 15th person to hold it. I have been in post for nearly 11 years (one of the longest serving). It is not a political appointment (unlike in many countries). The Chief Medical Officer works for the government of the day but with the right to speak independently without fear or favour when necessary. The blend of corporate, independent, managerial and free-thinking is a complex but fascinating one which brings many challenges.
As a result, there is no typical day. For example, during the early stages of the swine flu outbreak on one day I: attended a Cabinet meeting; had a lengthy conversation with the director general of the World Health Organization; made presentations at COBRA (the government's emergency response committee); spoke to the Health Protection agency about school closures policy; and did eight television and radio interviews.
On another day earlier in the year I: met a delegation of MPs; put the finishing touches to a chapter in my Annual Report (making the controversial call for a minimum pricing on alcohol); spoke at a conference on patient safety; held policy discussions on stem-cell research, medical revalidation and obesity; spoke at a colleague's farewell event; and attended a Royal College dinner.
Days are long, diverse in content and fast-moving but immensely stimulating.
2. One aspect of work you most look forward to each day
Working with groups of younger people. They always come up with new ideas, fresh perspectives and are not wedded to bureaucratic ways of doing things.
3. One aspect of work you least look forward to each day
Sitting in meetings where nothing of significance is decided but old arguments are recycled.
4. A person who has inspired you most at work (past or present)
I tend to respect people most whose strengths are integrity, humanity, a sense of fairness and selflessness. I also admire people who communicate well, who can inspire and motivate, and who can use humour in the right way and on the right occasion. I have met many people who display some of those characteristics, so my inspiration is a composite of memories of all of them.
5. The most significant achievement of your career
Not letting the roles I've held, the positive things that have been said and the high-profile settings in which I've been go to my head. Also, I am constantly reminded of the words of Yogi Berra, the baseball player, manager and sage: ‘When I'm right no one remembers; when I'm wrong no one forgets’.
6. List your reasons for choosing this career
It's a question that most of us will have been asked 100 times over the years in formal interviews and in conversation. I've explained it many different ways: from short cliches, to emotional reflections. The reason that I was drawn to medicine in the first place was through a deep feeling rather than cool reasoning. My career thereafter has not been planned but I've done next what felt right to do at the time.
7. Alternative career (in another lifetime)
Anything creative that didn't involve getting wet.
8. Non-medical book(s) you are currently reading
I usually have about four books on the go at once – modern fiction, biography, something out of print and historical, and a work tangentially related to work. At the moment it is: The Great Fire (Shirley Hazzard), Bob Dylan: Intimate Insights (Kathleen MacKay), Nelson in England (E Hallam Moorhouse), Leadership without easy answers (Ronald Heifetz).
9. Song(s)/piece(s) of music you are currently listening to
I have always been a rock, rather than classical, music lover. Two of my long-time favourites are Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. I am listening to and enjoying their new albums: ‘Together Through Life’ and ‘Working on a Dream’.
10. How do you wind down at the end of the working day?
Usually by going to the gym. It's boring but necessary (and evidence-based) and, after all, I need to practise what I preach.