When one first meets Dr Advocate, it is his calm confidence and gentle humour that immediately stand out.
He possesses the kind of presence that fills a room without effort.
A medical professional by calling, a man of faith by conviction and a family man at heart, Dr Advocate is proof that true style goes far beyond fashion; it is about how one lives, leads and lifts others along the way.
He takes us into his journey, discussing everything from career myths to his national vision.
The path to medicine was not Dr Advocate’s only option. He originally considered a career that offered independence and an intellectual challenge.
“I planned to be a lawyer or businessman but chose medicine after discovering nursing was too limited for my ambitions,” he explained. “Of course, with business, it is part of our DNA at home, so that is why I’m still pursuing it. I am inspired by lawyers’ self-employment and collaboration and the family background in business, but I pursued Medicine for a greater impact.”
Dr Advocate stressed the severe need for medical specialists in Eswatini, pointing to the heavy disease burden and critical gaps in fields like endocrinology, oncology paediatrics and bariatric surgery.
He challenged one of the most persistent misconceptions about his field: Money.
“People think doctors have money, doctors don’t have money. Yet, when you’re outside the profession, it looks like so. It’s not, there’s no money, those guys are struggling like everybody,” he said.
“So, if you’re coming into that space and you think you’re coming for money, you might be disappointed. It is just that there are opportunities. Doctors have got the same challenges like everybody else.”
Away from the clinic, the doctor finds his recharge button in spirituality and music.
“Honestly, it’s church and music,” he confirmed. “Those two things fill that quiet space in my life. “I’m not a person at all, I hardly watch it, not even the news. Nowadays, I get all the updates from my phone, so I’d rather spend time in church or with music. Gym helps too, but it doesn’t relax me the same way.
“Music, whether I’m singing or just listening, refreshes me completely.” Gospel music clearly holds a special place. “I grew up in church. My parents were pastors and bishops, so music was part of our upbringing. As a family, we’d always sing together, at home, at functions, even in church. We could easily form a choir. My favourite Gospel artist has always been Fred Hammond. I’ve listened to him since I was young, and his music still speaks to me today.”
For his daily drive, Dr Advocate relies on one powerful scripture: Psalm 91, especially verse 16: ‘With long life will I satisfy him’.
“That scripture keeps me going,” he smiled, noting that he has taught his children to memorise it, despite their protests that ‘the Bible is too big’ to stick to one verse.
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