Dr. Chloe MacGregor: "We shouldn't lose hope."

Dr. Chloe MacGregor, a Medical Officer and Project Flamingo Volunteer at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in East London, believes that every patient that is helped, makes a world of difference.

Dr. Chloe MacGregor, in theatre at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital

1. What inspired you to get involved with Project Flamingo? I’ve always had a passion for surgery and particularly enjoy working with women, and giving back to the community beyond the scope of my day-to-day work. 
   

2. What does ‘making a difference’ mean to you in the context of volunteering here?  There is sometimes a feeling that we can’t change much in a broken system, and it leaves us disheartened. However, Project Flamingo allows us to provide the necessary care that our patients deserve and need. 
   

3. Was there a specific moment or Flamingo story that stuck with you? It always warms my heart when a patient comes back to the ward just to say hello and say thank you. There is so much gratitude and hope, and it is contagious. 
   

4. How does being part of this mission impact you professionally or personally?  Beyond the emotionally gratifying aspect of giving back, I can further my surgical skills and learn from my mentors on how to be the best surgeon I can be. 
   

5. In one word, how would you describe the team spirit on surgery day? Why that word? PINK! And with that comes happiness, hope, and a team spirit that is palpable. 
   

What has volunteering here taught you about healthcare in South Africa? Anything is possible. We shouldn’t lose hope. Every patient we care for makes a world of a difference. There are healthcare workers who are willing to go above and beyond. 

1. If you could change one thing about the public perception of breast cancer care, what would it be?  There is so much support in various forms, it’s not just about oncology and surgery; there are people who are there to be part of the entire journey. 
   

2. What gives you hope in the face of the challenges we see in the public healthcare system?  My patients give me the most hope, knowing that they have faith in us, and then, of course, each and every person who gives their time, advice, knowledge, and care to this project is proof that we can do great things in the face of adversity. 
   

🔥 Quick Fire Questions:

• Tea or coffee on surgery day? Coffee 

• Best snack between cases? Coffee? 😆

• What’s always in your pocket? Cellphone 

• One song that sums up the Flamingo vibe? Girl on Fire 🔥