'HEALTH' COVER EDITION - NOVEMBER 24 ISSUE
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In this special edition of Hooks Magazine, we present Dr. Élide Reis, cover of the 'Health' section and an example of dedication, determination and overcoming. Medical vascular surgeon and graduated from the Bahian School of Medicine and Public Health in 2005, Dr. Élide is a recognized specialist in vascular surgery and vascular ultrasound, with titles conferred by the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery and the Brazilian Society of Radiology. She has built a trajectory of success over the years, overcoming obstacles and opening doors for future generations of black women in medicine.
Dr. Élide is driven by a purpose: to promote health and well-being, dedicating herself to the modern and minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins, in addition to comprehensive care for all circulatory diseases. In her office, she sees patients who often arrive with low self-esteem, out of shame of their legs marked by varicose veins, and witnesses the transformation that these treatments provide. For her, more than treating diseases, her work allows these women to recover the freedom to dress as they want, free from the insecurities that limited them.
The trajectory so far has not been easy. Coming from a humble family, Dr. Élide has always had a solid emotional foundation, and since she was young she was determined to achieve her goals, no matter how challenging they were. The beginning in medicine was marked by financial difficulties, which almost prevented her from completing the course. At the time, without access to student financing, her family had to sell the house so that she could continue studying. Only later, with the conquest of FIES, he managed to relieve part of this pressure, reparting the funding over nine years after graduation. The residency in vascular surgery also brought its own challenges, requiring not only technical knowledge, but a lot of resilience to stand firm in the face of pressures.
As a black woman in an area traditionally occupied by white men, Dr. Elide had to face prejudice, but this experience strengthened her determination. Her example has already inspired many young black women and students, who see in her an inspiration that they can also achieve their dreams, whether in medicine or in other areas.
The future is promising for Dr. Élide. His plans include the expansion of his vascular surgery clinic, with the aim of serving an even greater number of patients and helping more people live without leg pain and with renewed self-esteem. She wants to expand her legacy, continue promoting health and show that black women can be whatever they want to be. On the cover of this issue, we celebrate this dedicated professional who turned challenges into strength, and who uses this strength to change lives and inspire a new generation.
Check out the exclusive interview:
How do you define your work?
I promote health and well-being. I offer modern and minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins, as well as care for all circulatory diseases. I fulfill dreams and raise the self-esteem of patients who feel ashamed to wear short clothes because of varicose veins, giving back the freedom to wear what they want.
How would you define yourself in a few words?
A determined, persistent and hardworking woman.
What paths did you take to get to where you are today?
I come from a humble family, with few financial resources, but well structured emotionally. I always fought a lot, I was very studious and responsible, and I had all the support of my parents to be able to study and achieve my goals. We made this great dream come true together. In addition to the initial financial difficulties, I always had to face prejudice for being a black woman who chose an area where there are so many white men in the spotlight.
Was there any time when you thought about giving up your career?
Yes, at first, when I couldn't get the student financing, we almost couldn't pay for medical school so that I could continue my studies. It was necessary to sell the house where we lived so that I could keep studying. Later, we got the FIES, and I paid this financing for nine years after graduation. The medical residency in surgery also demands a lot from the young doctor and it is not easy to always stay confident; sometimes it makes you want to give up.
How do you think it influences people's lives?
With my work, I help improve the health and self-esteem of many people. Many people who know and follow my trajectory have me as inspiration, because I am a black woman and a good professional in an area predominantly occupied by white people. Many young black women and students mirror me to get where they want.
What are your plans for the future?
Expand my vascular surgery clinic, serve a greater number of patients, help more people feel less leg pain and improve self-esteem.
I want to continue inspiring young black women to be whatever they want to be.
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