Tom Palmer: Balancing the Books and Breaking the Mould

This week on Only Human After All, we meet Tom Palmer—an NHS financial controller with a surprising story.

Tom shares how a love of maths and a leap into a finance apprenticeship led him into a decade-long NHS career. Along the way, he’s learned that good financial leadership isn’t about saying no—it’s about working alongside clinical teams to enable better care.

He opens up about being an introvert in a collaborative world, overcoming a childhood stammer, and finding pride in helping turn spreadsheets into scanners and ideas into impact. This is a warm, honest conversation about values, self-belief, and the quiet power of doing your job with integrity

Step behind the scenes of hospital life with Only Human After All, a heartwarming and insightful podcast that introduces you to the extraordinary people who make healthcare happen. Hosted by Dr. James Thomas, a Deputy Medical Director, and Andrea Clegg, an Associate Director of Nursing, this series uncovers the personal stories of the individuals working tirelessly in our hospitals.

Each episode shines a spotlight on a different member of the team, from surgeons and therapists to porters and IT staff. Through candid conversations, James and Andrea delve into their guests’ lives, exploring their childhoods, influences, passions, and the unique journeys that led them to healthcare.

Only Human After All offers a fresh perspective on the human side of medicine, breaking down the barriers of uniforms and job titles to reveal the dedication, humor, and heart behind every role. Whether it’s a childhood dream fulfilled, a life-changing event, or an unexpected career path, each story is a reminder that every person has a tale worth telling.

Engaging, inspiring, and often surprising, this podcast celebrates the diversity of experiences and the shared humanity that unites us all. Tune in weekly and discover the remarkable people who keep hospitals running—because, at the end of the day, we’re all only human after all.

• No. of episodes: 9
• Latest episode: 2025-06-22
• Health & Fitness Medicine

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