Dr Michelle Beukes-King is a qualified psychiatrist with both a passion for learning and teaching. She has a Masters Degree in Early childhood Intervention and Post Graduate Diplomas in both Interdisciplinary Pain Management and Palliative Medicine (with distinction). She has been in practice since 2007. Her interests vary from chronic pain and palliative medicine to sleep disorders, ADHD, and trauma. She is the current President of Pain SA, a professional body that advocates for pain management in all its aspects. In addition to her clinical work, Dr Beukes-King is a regular guest lecturer at the University of Cape Town on the subject of pain management in palliative care, and contributes to several medical journals. Dr Beukes-King believes strongly that patients should be empowered. She says, if patients have a good understanding of their illness, they can make informed decisions to improve their health and lifestyle, and as a result live their best lives possible.