Professor Sam Shah has worn more hats than most clinicians ever dream of — dentist, public health leader, NHS digital director, startup founder, and now lawyer. But none of it has been linear.

In this energising, no-holds-barred conversation, Sam reflects on:

• How being too curious almost got him thrown out of dental school — twice
• Why he challenged his deans and training programmes (and what he’d do differently now)
• The realities of navigating NHS hierarchy and its unwritten rules
• Why he left NHSX and how the politics shaped his next moves
• Startup life, burnout, and building resilience through lived experience
• How he juggles regulatory law, urgent care, board work, and still says yes too often!

🎧 A must-listen for anyone questioning the "right" way to build a career in healthcare.

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