From cardiology to orthopedics, there are remarkable men who are doing great things in the medical field. From what inspires them to the challenges they face, they share the ins and outs of their lives as doctors.
Functional and Integrative Medicine
Dr Francois Ehlers
When did you first realise you wanted to go into aesthetic medicine?
Growing up with a father as a doctor meant the idea of medicine was planted at a very early stage of my life. However, my interest in aesthetic medicine began when I was presented with the opportunity to travel to Paris to attend one of the largest international congresses in aesthetics, IMCAS. It was here that my perspective on the field was radically transformed. I realised that aesthetics was not just Botox and fillers, but rather a field of medicine that combines science with artistry.
What challenges do you face as a man in your field?
The market in aesthetic medicine is dominated by female clientele. As a male practitioner, the ability to build rapport and be relatable to your female patients is an important skill that requires practice. Patients will present to you in a vulnerable state, and it’s fundamental to be equipped with the emotional intelligence to acknowledge and empathise with their concerns so that they can develop trust in you as their doctor, whereas this trust might come more naturally with female practitioners.
What is an achievement in your career that you would like to share?
Academics and education have always been passions of mine. As my skills and ability to deliver reproducible outcomes improved, I was fortunate enough to be invited to become a member of a faculty established by an independent Swiss dermatology company where I am afforded the privilege to educate and train new doctors interested in aesthetic medicine using the latest evidence-based practices. As an educator, I strive to inspire hope, ignite imagination, and instill a love of learning in my students.
What inspires you to get up every day and continue your important work?
The answer is simple: the ability to transform lives. As an aesthetic medicine practitioner, you have the power to not only enhance someone’s physical appearance but also boost their confidence, self-esteem and overall well-being. When you see the smile on a patient’s face after a successful procedure or hear about how their newfound confidence has positively impacted their personal and professional life, you realise that your work is so much more than just skin-deep.
Preserve. Restore. Radiate.
Dr Vincent Ehlers
When did you first realise you wanted to go into aesthetic medicine?
Early in my medical school journey, I realised that I was drawn toward doing procedures requiring fine motor skills and precision, making it inevitable that I would become a surgeon. As I progressed through the years, this was a skill set that I continued to nurture. After being exposed to aesthetics and hair restoration, the idea of impacting performance through self-confidence resonated with me. I knew I had found my career path.
What challenges do you face as a man in your field?
In all honesty, this is not a question I have pondered before. I do not recall encountering a situation as yet where I have been disadvantaged because I am a male. In my opinion, the only challenge of being a male in any industry would be sometimes managing and navigating around the egos of other men!
What is an achievement in your career that you would like to share?
I have a passion for medical education and improving the standard of care within the industry. At the end of 2022, I had the privilege of being invited to become a trainer for one of the largest aesthetic and dermatology companies in the world. This means I will be involved in training and upskilling other doctors in the field.
What inspires you to get up every day and continue your important work?
I draw a significant amount of inspiration from my patients. It is rewarding to play a role in positively impacting a person’s self-confidence, and hearing how this influences their relationships and careers and motivates them to pursue new challenges. South Africa has the potential to become the leading global destination for medical tourism. It is my mission to showcase our high standard of care so this can be recognised and become a reality.
Matters of the Heart
Dr Y.T. (Trishun) Singh
When did you first realise you wanted to go into cardio-oncology?
I have been a qualified cardiologist since 1986. About nine years ago, I attended a Cardiac Meeting in Europe. There was a whole afternoon session on cardio-oncology. I had vaguely heard about the field of cardio-oncology. I attended the afternoon session and realised how very important it was to be involved in this field. Cardiologists are often requested to assess the cardiac status of cancer patients who are about to receive or are already receiving cancer therapy such as chemotherapy and radiation. I also realised that all classes of chemotherapy and radiation, particularly radiation to the chest, can have cardiovascular effects. It became blatantly apparent that, as cardiologists, we should have a reasonable knowledge of how to assess and manage cardiac complications of cancer patients, because they can be fatal.
What challenges do you face as a man in your field?
The challenge relates to oncology and haematology colleagues who need to be upskilled with regard to understanding the cardiovascular effects of the cancer drugs and radiation that they prescribe for their cancer patients. If the cardiovascular complications are not detected timeously and managed, these patients may have a very successful result from cancer
therapy, only to succumb to a cardiovascular event. Cardiovascular problems need to be detected before they become irreversible. The other challenge is dealing with healthcare funders who do not understand cardio-oncology and often do not want to pay for the cardio-oncology assessments. The National Department of Health also needs to understand the importance of cardio-oncology.
What is an achievement in your career that you would like to share?
The highlight of my career was becoming the first certified Cardio-Oncologist in Sub-Saharan Africa certified by the International Cardio-Oncology Society (ICOS). This certification was awarded to me in November 2020. In January of 2023, my Cardio-Oncology Unit at Netcare Umhlanga Hospital was the first Cardio-Oncology Centre in Sub-Saharan Africa to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence by ICOS.
What inspires you to get up every day and continue your important work?
Cardio-oncology is a fascinating field, and I really do enjoy working with cancer patients. It is so gratifying when one is able to mitigate early enough against the cardiovascular complications of cancer therapy. It is great to work with my oncology and haematology colleagues to help them obtain optimal results for their cancer patients, while I avoid such patients succumbing to a cardiovascular event. This inspires me to get up early every day and get to my rooms to be able to manage such patients. My advice to all doctors involved with cancer care is: “Do not allow the cancer patient of today to die from a cardiovascular event tomorrow.”
Keeping You Moving
Dr John N De Beer
When did you first realise you wanted to go into orthopaedics?
I first realised that I was going to pursue a career in orthopaedics in 1997. I was doing my internship at Ngwelezane Hospital in Empangeni and went through all the other rotations prior to finishing my internship with orthopaedics. All of the other rotations that I did actually left me feeling very disillusioned about medicine. It wasn’t what I expected, having just finished medical school. It was only when I went into orthopaedics with Dr Paul Robinson that I fell in love with the discipline and decided to pursue it.
What challenges do you face as a man in your field?
As a man, I think we have far fewer challenges in orthopaedics. It is quite a physical discipline. There are a lot of sports people that we see. I don’t experience any challenges as a male in the orthopaedic setting.
What is an achievement in your career that you would like to share?
I think one of the highlights of my career was recently. At my practice at Busamed Gateway Private Hospital, I saw a lady that came back after surgery. She has cerebral palsy and had been wheelchair-bound since childhood. We removed bony bridges around the pelvis and lengthened certain muscle groups which has allowed her to be able to walk on crutches. It’s very rewarding when patients are happy at follow-ups and their lives have been improved upon.
What inspires you to get up every day and continue your important work?
What inspires us as orthopaedic surgeons is probably the advancements in the medical sciences. The engineers have made progress in equipment and techniques that have allowed us to make surgery more effective and less invasive. I’m very excited to see what is going to happen in orthopaedics in the next five to 10 years with the rate at which things are progressing.
Specialised Gynaecological and Obstetric Care
Dr Timothy Berios
When did you first realise you wanted to go into gynaecology and obstetrics?
During my medical school years at the University of Witwatersrand and later at the University of Pretoria, I became captivated by the incredible intricacies of the female reproductive system. The more I learned, the more I realised the profound impact that reproductive health has on a woman’s overall well-being.
My time at Baragwanath Hospital during clinical rotations showed me just how crucial it is for women to have access to high-quality healthcare. From preventive screenings to prenatal care (pregnancy and childbirth) and treatments for gynaecological issues, I witnessed first-hand the importance of comprehensive care for women.
Inspired by the compassionate professors I worked with, I felt a deep calling to specialise in this field. What drew me in was the chance to form long-term relationships with my patients and guide them through the different stages of their reproductive lives. From navigating complex gynaecological health issues to supporting women through the miraculous journey of pregnancy and childbirth, I found my true calling.
In 2000, I took the leap and opened my own private practice in KZN. Since then, I have remained dedicated to expanding my knowledge and staying up-to-date with the latest technology and procedures. It’s crucial to me that I can offer the best care possible to every woman who entrusts me with her health.
What achievement in your career would you like to share?
On a personal note, becoming a parent myself has been one of the greatest achievements of my life. It has given me a whole new appreciation for the joy and challenges that come with bringing new life into the world.
What inspires you to get up every day and continue your important work?
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of countless women. It’s an honour to be part of such a meaningful and important career, and I look forward to continuing this journey with my patients.
Dentistry Redefined
Dr Thinus Van Niekerk
When did you first realise you wanted to go into dentistry?
During a school rugby practice session, an unfortunate clash of heads resulted in fractured front teeth, which required visits to our local dentist and, later, our orthodontist. Though uncomfortable, these visits made me realise that dentists have the ability to restore health and happiness by giving someone something they have lost. Now, years later, as a dentist with a special interest in implant dentistry, I am privileged to facilitate that process on a daily basis.
What challenges do you face as a man in your field?
I find the greatest joy in the detail and precision required to excel in implant dentistry. It is an extremely detail-oriented and outcome-driven environment that challenges and excites, but however, it also poses its greatest obstacle. To remain consistent in the profession and sustain the effort, finding a counterbalance in life is key. For me, that balance is restored whenever I’m at a local beach with a fly rod in hand. There is artistic expression in tying a big semper fly, there is adventure in the mission to find new water, and there is the thrill of the take and the feeling of line tearing off a fly reel. Balance restored.
What is an achievement in your career that you would like to share?
A definite highlight of my career has been the opportunities I’ve had to develop and promote the profession through education. Over the course of my eleven years in private practice, I’ve had the privilege of teaching and mentoring on numerous platforms, with many colleagues spending weeks and at times even months at my practices.
What inspires you to get up every day and continue your important work?
I am passionate about researching and discerning which technologies would be the best to improve treatment outcomes and the patient experience. Travelling abroad to visit international colleagues and academic facilities is not only a great opportunity for growth and for finding inspiration, but it also serves to validate one’s own methods of practice against a global standard. This year, I am excited to return to Switzerland and visit Brazil for the first time.
Words: Cristina Govender