Presentation given by Vanessa Carter www.vanessacarter.co.za

Not all facial differences can be rectified with surgery and neglected patientsOften spend their lives in social isolation. Facial differences have not beenclearly defined for disability rights in South Africa and globally.

I disfigured my face when I was 25 years old, from a car accident. I spent the next10 years rectifying facial damage because I couldn't find online resources like doctors websites as well as education about the surgery I needed. This is a global problem in healthcare.

After 9 years of failed surgery, MRSA and three death scares, I decided that enough was enough. I compiled an overview of my medical history and emailed it overseas to the best surgeons in the world asking for advice.

Once my surgery was complete, I began to advocate globally aboutall the issues I had experienced.

Keeping up with emerging technology locally was possible if anecosystem was developed correctly. This could help many patients who are socially unacceptable.

We must change our mindset if we want a globally competitive South African economy

We underestimate people who society perceive as less(Less; young, skinny, beautiful, confident, sophisticated, successful, wealthy, abled, qualified...)

We don't address disfigurement enough because of stigma (Many think disfigurement is too weird and it's ignored)

We stereotype diversity True diversity is fully inclusive.

We need to look #BeyondTheLabel

#GlobalGoals #Globalization #ClimateChange#DiversityInclusion #GlobalHealth #DigitalEconomy The next generation of the internet is coming (web 3.0)Digital transformation means anyone can contribute from anywhere towards the local economy and accelerate growth. World Economic Forum

Emerging TechLike 3D printing?

Mobile Apps

Smart Cities

Human Rights

Genomics Data

Design Thinking Advances Innovation

ReImagine2020

#health2020 is connected www.hcsmSA.orgMany issues in healthcare can be resolved by listening to the patient experience.Many economic opportunities can be identified by sharing patient stories.

In ending, we need to adjust our mindset and look deeper into the meaning of an underdog,Adversity is changing our world.