Meet the passionate Dr Jess Davies from East London
- Project Flamingo Team
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
As an intern doctor at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, Dr Jess Davies joined her first Flamingo list in 2024 and gained valuable surgical experience along the way. Her journey is grounded in deep gratitude for the opportunities she has been given and paving her own path while driven by fairness and respect for others.
When did you first join Project Flamingo?
I first heard of Project Flamingo when I was part of the Stellenbosch University Surgical Society. However, at the time, Tygerberg had not yet started up its lists again. So, when I started my internship in East London, the Medical Officer running Flamingo at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital included me, and I joined the first list that year in 2024 and have been joining every list since.
What's the best advice someone's ever given you? And did you follow it?
Do not compare yourself to others. Everyone's journey is different and tailored to their own set of experiences. Sure, there is merit in taking tips from others to learn what you could do, but it is not helpful to compare your journey to the point of feeling as if yours is not valid. Focus on paving your own path. It is not always easy, but it is something worth keeping in mind.
What in your life do you feel most grateful for?
I am exceptionally grateful for the opportunities that have come my way to gain experience and exposure to surgery during the early stages of my career. My parents have given me so many opportunities and have worked so hard to ensure I have every opportunity to further my learning and training so that I may reach my goals one day. I owe everything to them.
Is there a philosophy you live by?
Leave a place better than you found it. It may cause you to make a few enemies along the way, but always strive to improve the situation, system, or environment where you can and where possible. Never become apathetic.
"Leave a place better than you found it. Never become apathetic." - Dr Jess Davies
What is the one thing you want your patients to know?
You are your best advocate. Your health is ultimately your responsibility. If you feel like you are not receiving the best care or sound advice, get a second opinion. There is nothing wrong with seeking a second opinion when it comes to your health. On the other hand, remember that the doctor can only do so much and the ultimate success of any treatment plan lies with you. If you are not committed to your own treatment, it will never work.
What advice do you have for young people starting their medical careers?
Do not panic if you don't know in which direction you want to go. Choosing medicine is step one. You may not even be completely confident about that choice itself. Throughout your career, people will be sharing their goals and aspirations and which field they hope to go into one day. If you are uncertain or do not yet have any idea which path you want to take, do not panic. Everyone's careers look different, and if you take a bit of a detour before finding your main road, that is perfectly fine. Taking longer to arrive somewhere does not mean you will never arrive.
When you are not at work, what do you enjoy doing most in your free time?
I enjoy gardening and exercise, although I do not get much time for it.
Which personal quality or characteristic would you most want to be known or remembered for?
Fairness. I strive to treat everyone around me fairly and with equal dignity and respect. No one should be made to feel like they are not valued or respected, and everyone has something to contribute and value to add.
"I strive to treat everyone around me fairly and with equal dignity and respect." - Dr Jess Davies
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