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In this engaging episode of Public Health Spotlights, host Callum sits down with Peter Bradley, the Director of Public Health and Medical Officer of Health for the Government of Jersey. Peter shares his unique and varied career journey, which spans general practice and child health in Yorkshire, to leadership roles in England, Wales, Norway, and now Jersey. He discusses how his early experiences in medicine and a keen interest in healthcare ethics inspired him to shift toward public health, with a core focus on prevention and tackling the broader social determinants of health.

Peter offers rare insights into the differences between public health systems in Norway, Wales, and England, highlighting the importance of adapting to local cultures, building relationships, and listening closely to communities. He delves into his time as Director of Health Intelligence for Public Health England, where he led groundbreaking advances in data science and health intelligence including the development of the highly influential COVID dashboard during the pandemic.

The conversation explores the promise and challenges of AI in public health, emphasising the need for trust, data-driven decision-making, and ethical oversight. Peter reflects on his proudest achievements, including launching comprehensive public health services in Jersey, forging strong ties with diverse communities, and creating innovative system-wide approaches to health improvement.

Callum and Peter also discuss the dual responsibilities of his current role in Jersey, balancing rapid, island-wide decision-making with strategic clinical oversight. He shares the main public health challenges facing Jersey, like an aging population and health inequalities, and how his team is tackling these issues head-on.

Wrapping up, Peter offers thoughtful advice to aspiring directors of public health: be courageous, look after yourself, and approach your career as a long-term journey of learning. He encourages future public health leaders to embrace both challenge and adventure, reaffirming that, ultimately, public health is about helping people and making a real difference in their lives.

If you’re interested in understanding how public health leadership adapts across different systems, the real-world impact of data innovation, and the mindset required to champion population health, this episode is a must-watch!

Thank you for tuning in to Public Health Spotlight: A Panoramic Associates Podcast. For more expert discussions on public health, be sure to subscribe. Visit our website at panoramicassociates.co.uk to learn more about our work in the public health sector. This podcast is produced in collaboration with the Association of Directors of Public Health.