At the 10th World Extreme Medicine Conference, Alex Taylor, Emergency Medicine Registrar and expedition medic, shares her experiences working with the Tshemba Foundation in rural South Africa.
Drawing on time spent at Tintswalo Hospital and surrounding community clinics, Alex reflects on the realities of low-resource healthcare, the importance of cultural sensitivity, and the role of sustainable partnerships in global health.
From confronting resource scarcity and navigating complex patient cases, to finding solidarity with local staff and building lasting relationships, Alex’s talk highlights the personal and systemic challenges of practising medicine in austere environments.
This session explores:
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The realities of healthcare delivery in rural South Africa
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Lessons in humility, adaptability, and resilience
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Practical insights into building meaningful collaborations in global health
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How experiences abroad can shape both systems and individuals