What does a specialist physician do?
A specialist physician specialises in internal medicine, so essentially everything involving adult medicine that is not surgical or gynaecological. We do, however, work with surgeons and gynaecologists.
Who would be your typical patient?
The typical patient would see me for everything from outpatient medical check-ups to acute medical admissions such as pneumonia and strokes. We look after critical-care patients and work with other specialists in post-operative care and obstetric complications.
What is preventive medicine, and what would you like the average person to know about it?
Preventive medicine is getting to the issue before it becomes a problem. Examples are screening tests such as mammograms and colonoscopies. The average person does not realise most illnesses are preventable if caught early. Regular medical exams are paramount to getting to the problem as early as possible.
Preventive medicine is crucial to “Medicine 3.0” — a term coined by Canadian-US physician Dr Peter Attia, which he explores in his book Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity. It is really an updated way of thinking about medicine. Attia describes Medicine 1.0 as a time when illness and healing were largely out of our control. For about the past 200 years, we have been in the era of Medicine 2.0, characterised by the development of modern medicine and major developments such as germ theory and the discovery of vaccines.
The focus of Medicine 2.0 was increasing lifespan, while that of Medicine 3.0 is increasing “healthspan” — in other words, how long a person lives free of ailments, disease and pain. Medicine 3.0 calls for preventive medicine, in terms of which you visit your doctor regularly before you fall ill. It involves undergoing comprehensive screening and continually analysing the state of your health and your risks, so you and your doctor can work towards mitigating, or even eradicating, them. The Medicine 3.0 approach is a much more fulfilling way of practising medicine for doctors, and the results for patients are nothing short of transformative.
As a way to implement this idea of reimagining medicine, my colleague Dr Martin Lebos and I founded Infinity Medical Concierge, which focuses on preventive, holistic health care. Through an app we have developed, doctors have access to all screenings, tests and medical records, rather than working in silos. By assisting people with proactive health planning, we help them to live longer and in good health — something we call “health-wealth”.
What can we all do today to live disease-free for longer?
Go for regular medical assessments and improve your lifestyle: more exercise, better nutrition, weight loss, reduced alcohol, no smoking, less stress and better sleep.
The focus of Medicine 2.0 was increasing lifespan, while that of Medicine 3.0 is increasing 'healthspan' — in other words, how long a person lives free of ailments, disease and pain
What do you think makes you good at what you do?
I enjoy the job and I like helping people. I also appreciate being at the forefront of changing our approach to medicine in South Africa, and focusing on keeping people healthy for longer.
What do you enjoy about the work you do?
My day is spent with people from all walks of life, and most of my patients are elderly people with a wealth of life lessons. The job involves dealing with emergencies, as well as educational and travel opportunities. Except for the long hours, the job must rate as one of the most rewarding out there.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I have always wanted to be a physician. My father was one, and I would go to work with him on weekends.
What advice do you have for young people at the start of their careers?
To be available and affable, listen to your patients, and take advice from your seniors.
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