Dr Ezet Eksteen

My name is Ezet and I am a General Practitioner originally from the Boland with experience in general practice, anaesthesia and critical care. I am an old Matie and completed my pregraduate MBChB training in 2013. I completed a Diploma in Anaesthesia in 2019. I am passionate about acute and chronic pain management, women's health, internal medicine and endocrine disorders.

What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?

I have always been passionate about health and taking care of others and medicine complimented both these passions.

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What areas of your specialty are you most passionate about?

I enjoy anaesthesia and critical care.

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What do you believe is the most rewarding aspect of being a doctor?

Seeing miracles on an everyday basis and helping people at their most vulnerable and seeing them responding well to treatment and get healed.

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How would you describe your approach to patient care and communication?

Transparent, honest, kind and direct.

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How do you tailor your treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient?

I believe that one need to individualise treatment for each patient according to their medical history and current problem and take into account that every patient is unique.

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How do you make the healthcare experience more comfortable for patients who may have anxiety or fear related to medical visits?

Basic manners and kindness are 2 important things for me in any interaction with people in general and patients are no different – by treating others the way you want to be treated you automatically give the patient a voice and decrease anxiety.

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How do you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in your field?

Currently busy completing a diploma in general practice that requires regular reading of the latest evidence-based medical developments and interaction with colleagues and their encounters helps me to stay up to date.

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What do you believe sets your practice apart from others in your area?

I am easily accessible and have a broad span of knowledge about different aspects in medicine.

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What's your philosophy on preventive care, and how do you work with patients to achieve it?

Prevention is better than cure. Patient education is one of the most important aspects of our work in creating healthy lifestyles and preventing disease and in the process also improving the health of the community.

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How do you ensure a collaborative approach when working with other medical professionals on a patient's care?

Open and transparent communication with patients and colleagues is very important when sharing information to treat the patient adequately and a good feedback system is very important to ensure all involved parties know what is being done and expected.

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Apart from your profession, what hobbies or interests do you pursue?

Travelling, cooking, baking, gardening, painting, hiking, music.

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Can you share an example of a medical misconception you often encounter and correct for your patients?

It is a big misconception that all medical conditions should be treated with pills - sometimes non-pharmacological interventions can be just as effective in treating patients.

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing healthcare in South Africa today, and how do you work to address it?

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What do you envision for the future of your medical practice?

Lack of education of patients on their healthcare. Most people cannot tell you what medication they use. I aim to always inform my patients about their diagnosis and the proposed treatment plan and educate patients on their health. By understanding disease, compliance to medication improves and the burden of disease is reduced.

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Have you ever done a courageous act and if so please explain?

Growing personally and ensuring the best care for all patients. Being an advocate for patients and acting in their best interest is one of the key elements to a successful practice and happy, healthy patients

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What is your opinion about NHI?

I volunteered at a Covid-ICU unit during the pandemic.