Elizabeth G. Livingston Oral History Interview, 2024

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Summary

Creator:
Livingston, Elizabeth G.
Abstract:
Elizabeth G. Livingston, MD, is a physician in maternal-fetal medicine, specializing in HIV/AIDS infection during pregnancy and diabetes in prenatal diagnosis. This collection contains 1 oral history interview conducted on February 24, 2024 by Gemma Holland as part of the Bass Connections Agents of Change Oral History Project. In the interview, Livingston discusses childhood influences, educational pursuits, career milestones, and advocacy efforts. The themes of this interview include resilience, compassion, and the ongoing pursuit of equitable healthcare for all.
Extent:
1 interview (1 transcript) and 993 MB
Collection ID:
OH.LIVINGSTONE

Background

Scope and content:

Includes 1 oral history interview with Dr. Elizabeth G. Livingston conducted on February 24, 2024 by Gemma Holland as part of the Bass Connections Agents of Change Oral History Project.

In the February 24, 2024 interview, Livingston discusses childhood influences, educational pursuits, career milestones, and advocacy efforts. The themes of this interview include resilience, compassion, and the ongoing pursuit of equitable healthcare for all.

Biographical / historical:

Elizabeth Gresham Livingston, MD, a physician in maternal-fetal medicine, specializing in HIV/AIDS infection during pregnancy and diabetes in prenatal diagnosis, grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, as the youngest of 4 kids. Her father was an actuary for a life insurance company in Birmingham and her mother was a stay at home mom, which was typical for the time period, the sixties. Her mother was very involved in the Birmingham Museum of Art, helping it grow from a little room in the public library to its own building. Prior to having children, she earned a master's degree in math. Both of Livingston's parents were very committed to education. Her grandfather and uncle were physicians, and, that, according to Livingston, is probably what inspired her to go into medicine. Livingston always had a love a science, which is what got her into medicine.

Livingston graduated from Duke University School of Medicine in 1984. Following her graduation, Livingston completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center (1984-1988). Soon after her residency, she joined the fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Duke University Medical Center. This fellowship provided Livingston with specialized knowledge and expertise to address the context of infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS in pregnancy.

Livingston 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, Livingston dedicates time to prenatal diagnosis and counseling for diabetic patients. She has been actively involved in major clinical trial groups since 1988, concentrating on issues resulting from medical and surgical therapies for HIV-positive pregnant women. Through these trials, she contributed substantially to improving knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS management during pregnancy.

Aside from her clinical work, 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 served as a senior advisor to the North Carolina Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, where she provided valuable insights into maternal health policy and practice. She is also 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. Livingston is a huge proponent for advocating for Medicaid expansion and ensuring that everyone has access to affordable healthcare.

Livingston's dedication to advocacy for HIV/AIDS infection during pregnancy and diabetes in prenatal diagnosis has changed and will continue to change the lives of countless women. She has advocated for women to have the ability to make informed health decisions, advocated for access to quality healthcare, and emphasized 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 commitment to improving women's health.

Acquisition information:
Accession A2024.072 (transferred by Rebecca Williams, May 2024)
Arrangement:
Organized into the following series: Interview, February 24, 2024.
Rules or conventions:
DACS

Contents

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Terms of access:

Copyright for Official University records is held by Duke University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Elizabeth G. Livingston Oral History Interview, Duke University Medical Center Archives.