w/ Daylesford Gender Clinic's Specialist: Dr Holly Lewis

Pronouns: (she/her)

This week we chat with the amazing Dr Holly, who is the founding doctor for the Springs Medical Gender Clinic: a centre for gender diverse physical and mental health management, including full gender affirming healthcare (eg. bulk-billed psychology, endocrinologist consultations).

The clinic opened in August 2020.

Since graduating with flying colours in 2015, Dr Holly has been at the forefront of LGBTQI+ health and conscious bedside manner as a GP in regional Victoria.

Hey Holly! Tell us:

❤️ What do you do and why do you love it?

I work as a General Practitioner. Mostly I love working with people - I get to meet so many interesting people and somehow get paid to talk with them all day which is definitely my dream job.

✍️ What are you currently working on?

I’ve long had a special interest in LGBTQI+ health and over the last few years have expanded my practice into HIV prescribing, and assisting Trans and gender diverse patients to access gender affirming hormone therapy.

It’s been great to be able to offer access to these services in regional Victoria and I’ve been blown away by the uptake and interest in the service.

 

📺 What have you been watching?

The Haunting of Bly Manor. I love a spooky suspenseful thriller/horror mystery and this one definitely fits the bill!

📱 Who is inspiring you right now?

I tend to fall back on personal role models. The last few years have been fairly intense for everyone and I aspire to find contentment in daily things the way my unflappable grandmother did. 

📚 What have you been reading?

City of Spires by Claudie Arseneault. It’s the first in a series that I’m re-reading prior to the release of third book the coming months. Think 'Own Voices', LBGTQI+, high fantasy, full of political intrigue and adventure. I love the complex and surprising characters and unpredictable plot points. Highly recommend! 

🍷 What do you drink when you’re not drinking?

Coffee, iced coffee and a lot of novelty teas. I’m a big tea-totaller with about three cupboards dedicated to various floral and fruit teas depending on my mood. If I’m out I do love a mocktail though!  

🥨 What go-to food makes your day better?

Thai. But make it SPICY. If I’m not crying it needs more chilli! 

✨ Lastly, what has brought you joy this week?

Spring! Longer sunny evenings definitely bring me joy! I love the chance to get out in the garden after work and everything is flowering at the moment.
 

Huge thanks to Holly for taking time out of their day to speak with us.

To get more info on the Gender Clinic,
🌈 click here! 🌈

 

Recipe of the Week 🍸

Wilfred's Zero Proof Negroni

WHAT YOU NEED
100ml Wilfred’s Blood Orange & Rosemary
15ml Fresh Grapefruit Juice
3 dashes of Angostura Bitters

METHOD 
Place a large chunk of ice into an old fashioned glass. Add ingredients and gently stir allowing the ice to melt.

GARNISH 
A cheeky little orange peel twirl.

 

Joy Story 📖

28 Inspiring Transgender Celebrities    

“... It was very inspiring to hear stories from that far back of these people who didn’t have anybody else like them around and just had their own courage to make it work.”

 

A Magical Kind of Alchemy  [4 Min Read]

"I just fell for this material that was so responsive. I thought the material was quite playful and magical," he said.