In this inspiring episode of Awakening Doctor, senior family physician and MBChB Programme Coordinator at Nelson Mandela University, Professor Elma de Vries, reflects on her journey of growing up in apartheid-era South Africa to becoming a passionate advocate for marginalised communities and a leading champion for gender-affirming care.  

Drawing on a rich tapestry of personal and professional experiences, Elma provides insights into the systemic challenges of building a new medical school in the Eastern Cape, reflects on the enduring legacy of inequality in healthcare, and shares her groundbreaking contributions to transgender health, including co-authoring South Africa’s first gender-affirming care guidelines.  

The episode delves into themes of resilience, empathy, and activism, and explores the power of recognising shared humanity in the face of intersecting inequalities.

From advocating for rural healthcare to navigating the complexities of professional identity formation as a researcher and academic, Elma offers a deeply personal and thought-provoking perspective on driving meaningful change in a challenging environment.  

We discuss the critical importance of creating safe, affirming spaces for all patients, her vision for a more compassionate healthcare system, and her enduring hope for a world where everyone is free to live as their authentic self.

Join us for a conversation that will leave you informed, inspired, and challenged to embrace compassion as a force for change.

Key Takeaways:  

• Insights into systemic barriers facing marginalised populations in South African healthcare.  
• The transformative potential of gender-affirming care and inclusive medical education. 
• How empathy and perseverance can inspire profound change in healthcare and beyond.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

SOUTHERN AFRICAN HIV CLINICIANS SOCIETY GENDER-AFFIRMING HEALTHCARE GUIDELINE FOR SOUTH AFRICA: https://sahivsoc.org/Subheader/Index/sahcs-guidelines

Professionals Association for Transgender Health (PATHSA): https://pathsa.org.za/

South African Family Practice journal article: https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5770/8174

Gender Dynamix: https://www.genderdynamix.org.za/

Helplines: https://fin

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Host:
Dr Maria Christodoulou

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Disclaimer: The views and experiences shared are those of the individual guest and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the Awakening Doctor podcast. All accounts are personal and have not been independently verified. No responsibility is assumed for the accuracy or completeness of the information shared.