We Are IH: KGH doctor finds the art of medicine is ever-evolving

June 15, 2023

Dr. Benade at her destination wedding in Mexico, June 2022.

Name: Elizabeth Benade (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Family physician and hospitalist
Years of Service: 6
Worksite: Glenvalley Medical Clinic and Kelowna General Hospital (KGH)
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: Syilx/Okanagan
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” — Albert Schweitzer

Born and raised in Bloemfontein, South Africa, Dr. Elizabeth Benade completed her medical studies in South Africa. She moved to Brandon, Man. in 2009, where she completed the LMCC I & II and CCFP examinations to gain full registration in Canada. Despite returning to South Africa in 2013, Dr. Benade continued to work in Canada doing locum work in Brandon until 2017 when she relocated to Kelowna, B.C., which she now calls home.

Dr. Benade is now a family physician and hospitalist based at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH). She describes herself as determined, caring and passionate about helping others.

In this Story…

Learn more about Dr. Benade’s journey with IH

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Learn more about Dr. Benade’s journey with IH

Two women with short blonde hair, smiling, wearing blue tops and jeans, with three dogs: a Spaniel, Yorkie and Maltese. — The family at home, L-R: Madison (Spaniel), Dr. Benade, Noah (Yorkie), Tracy, Austin (Maltese).

Dr. Benade loves working as a family physician and hospitalist.

The art of medicine is an always-changing, evolving, improving and exciting field to practice in. On a daily basis, I realize that I will never know it all. I find it stimulating and exciting knowing that the chapter that I learn today will save someone's life tomorrow.

-- Dr. Elizabeth Benade (she/her/hers)

There are many moments that Dr. Benade has treasured during her career at Interior Health. One that specifically stands out is the Silver Lining Award she received as recognition for the compassionate care she provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As great as it was to feel recognized, it was a humbling experience to realize how the small deeds we do during our day-to-day encounters with patients affects them and their loved ones’ lives.”

Two women wearing blue ball caps, carrying hiking polls and backpacks, with trees in the background. — Tracy and Dr. Benade on the West Coast Trail in 2021.

When she’s not on the job, Dr. Benade enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her loved ones, immersed in activities such as hiking, biking, trail running, backpacking and overland camping during the summer. In the winter, she’s likely to be out in the snow, skiing or snowshoeing. She’s into various types of watersports and likes to play recreational touch rugby and soccer. She also loves to travel and explore new places, and is looking forward to her next travelling adventure.

Something people may not guess about Dr. Benade is that she secretly enjoys watching the Bachelor and the Bachelorette reality TV series!

Wedding photo of two women wearing white suits, each holding a bouquet of flowers and two women wearing red dresses, with family holding champagne glasses, and an ocean background. — Family at the wedding in Mexico, June 2022 L-R: Marle (sister), Nico (nephew), Laurika (niece), Dr. Benade, Tracy, Veronica (niece), Nico (brother-in-law) and Laurika (mother).

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