Elizabeth Livingston
Elizabeth G. Livingston, MD is a physician in maternal-fetal medicine, specializing in HIV/AIDS infection during pregnancy. Dr. Livingston grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and has always had a love for science. She says, “I think my cousin was more inspirational in that [path for myself]…[the] combination of science and being involved with people was really appealing.” Dr. Livingston graduated from Duke School of Medicine in 1984. Following her graduation, Dr. Livingston completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of California–San Francisco Medical Center from 1984 to 1988. Soon after residency, she completed her fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Livingston has dedicated much of her career to understanding and managing the effects of HIV/AIDS on pregnant women and their unborn children. In addition to her direct patient care, Dr. Livingston dedicates time to prenatal diagnosis and counseling for patients with diabetes. She has contributed substantially to improving knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS management during pregnancy. She says, “Certainly, [the] HIV work will be [what I’m most proud of]. Yes, to see that come so far for our patients [until] now. I tell them 1% chance your baby will be infected. I used to say 30%, when we started.” Aside from her clinical work, Dr. Livingston is committed to broader efforts to advance gender equality in healthcare through policy reform and community outreach. By voicing her opinion on crucial matters affecting women's health and supporting legislation such as the Working Poor in North Carolina, she actively contributes toward improving accessibility to high-quality healthcare services for all women. She has also served as a senior advisor to the North Carolina Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, where she has provided valuable insights into maternal health policy and practice. She has been a vocal supporter of informed infant feeding choices for parents living with HIV, recognizing the importance of empowering families to make informed decisions about their infant's nutritional needs. Dr. Livingston is a proponent for advocating for Medicaid expansion and ensuring that everyone has access to affordable healthcare. Dr. Livingston's dedication to advocacy for HIV/AIDS in pregnancy and diabetes in prenatal care has changed and will continue to change the lives of countless women. She has advocated for informed decision-making for female patients, access to quality healthcare, and the importance of evidence-based medicine. Her advocacy will inspire future generations of physicians and researchers to strive for excellence in maternal-fetal medicine and women's health.
Full Interview Audio:
Interview Topic Log
00:10 Introductions 00:36 Discusses her upbringing in Birmingham, Alabama 02:34 Reflects on familial influence on academic pursuits 04:13 Recalls what fostered her passion for science and laying the groundwork for her academic pursuits 05:33 Shares her transition from high school to Harvard University, discusses new perspectives and academic challenges 09:16 Highlights her experiences at Harvard 11:24 Discusses her decision to pursue medical school directly after undergrad and her time at Duke University School of Medicine 13:21 Describes her experiences at Duke University and in Durham 14:30 Provides a timeline of her educational journey 14:47 Discusses her decision to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) during medical school 17:08 Shares her gratitude for supportive colleagues and mentors, speaks about occasional awkwardness and gender-related challenges 19:17 Residency at UCSF, where she encountered diverse perspectives shaping her decision to specialize in maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) 22:04 MFM fellowship. 25:11 Returning to Durham for her fellowship 26:59 Reflects on her early encounters with HIV/AIDS during medical school and residency 33:25 Recounts the impact of actress Elizabeth Taylor's advocacy for HIV/AIDS patients 35:18 Evolving challenges and approaches to treatment of HIV/AIDS, including her participation in clinical trials. 39:26 The pivotal role of community advocacy and collaboration in advancing HIV/AIDS research and care 43:15 The importance of compassion and dispelling misconceptions among healthcare professionals 44:23 Shares personal anecdotes illustrating the challenges and complexities of caring for HIV/AIDS patients 50:55 Concludes the discussion on HIV/AIDS, recognizes colleagues (Dr. John Bartlett and Dr. Catherine Wilfert) and their influence on HIV/AIDS 51:27 Discusses her involvement in organized medicine and the evolving perception of its role in advocating for patient rights 56:08 Shares anecdotes from her experiences at the North Carolina state legislature, Civil War reenactors 58:30 Discusses the historical context of abortion care within medical education and practice. 1:07:45 Speaks about navigating relationships with legislators and balancing multiple advocacy priorities 1:08:15 Transitions back to maternal-fetal medicine, Dr. Livingston discusses her motivation for specializing in the field, the challenges, and advancements made 1:10:24 Reflects on the changes in maternal-fetal medicine, emphasizing the lack of significant progress in certain areas such as the prevention of conditions like preeclampsia and preterm labor 1:13:45 Describes her ongoing involvement in patient care and ultrasound services within the community, highlighting the comprehensive approach to maternal-fetal medicine 1:15:06 Discusses her involvement with Duke University beyond patient care, including committee roles and interactions with the broader university community 1:18:01 Emphasizes the value of engaging with diverse perspectives within the university community and how it has influenced her outlook on advocacy and medicine 1:19:35 Recounts her transformative experience working in Tanzania and how it reshaped her perspective on healthcare systems and resource allocation 1:21:48 Expresses pride in her contributions to HIV care and advocacy, highlighting the progress made in HIV treatment 1:23:13 Acknowledges the positive shifts in institutional support for reproductive rights at Duke University and emphasizes the importance of leadership in advancing women's healthcare 1:26:14 Closing interview tasks
Link to Full Interview Transcript