We recently interviewed Dr. Rania Ayat Hawayek, Medical Director and Founder at Circle Care Clinic LLC. She is an experienced Pediatrician, passionate about treating a child as a whole. She makes sure to educate and empower children and their parents, regarding their health and wellness. Dr. Rania treats multiple aspects of pediatrics, such as childhood asthma, growth concerns, and eczema. Her vision of ‘Redefining Family Care’ led to the establishment of Circle Care Clinic. Let’s learn more about Dr. Rania and her journey through this interview below.
Advent Of This Journey
We wanted to learn about the factors that led her to the present position. We asked, “Which career path led you to where you are today?”
She shared, “Having grown up in Dubai, I developed a deep love for the city and a strong desire to impact the lives of its young residents positively. This passion drove me to pursue a medical career specializing in Paediatrics.
After completing my medical studies in London, I furthered my training and expertise in Paediatrics. I worked in various subspecialties, including neonatology, gastroenterology, hematology/oncology, and emergency medicine. These experiences allowed me to develop a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of comprehensive care for children.”
She continued, “In 2010, I joined a prestigious clinic in Dubai, where I worked alongside a brilliant team of doctors. This invaluable experience enhanced my communication skills, broadened my expertise, and solidified my vision for creating a clinic that prioritizes personalized care and compassion and focuses on the health and well-being of the family.
With a burning desire to contribute to my community and provide exceptional medical care, I opened Circle Care Clinic in 2019. This state-of-the-art facility embodies my commitment to excellence in family healthcare. My diverse experiences and passion for Paediatrics led me to establish a clinic that offers comprehensive care for children and their families.”
Inspiration For Building Circle Care Clinic
Inspiration is crucial when coming up with any business idea and planning accordingly. So we asked, “What inspired you to develop the idea of Circle Care Clinic?”
Dr. Rania shared, “The inspiration behind developing Circle Care Clinic stemmed from my deep passion for providing exceptional medical care and redefining family care in Dubai. I wanted to create a clinic that would prioritize the child’s and their family’s overall well-being, offering a nurturing and comfortable environment where they could receive the highest quality care.
I believe that healthcare should focus on treating illnesses and prevention, early intervention, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. This holistic approach became the driving force behind the development of Circle Care Clinic. I wanted to create a space where comprehensive care, advanced technology, and compassionate healthcare professionals would seamlessly come together to provide the best outcomes for our patients.
The vision I have centered on providing all the clinical services that a child and the members of their family need to achieve and maintain optimal health – a complete circle of care.”
Evolving Priorities
With changing situations, priorities may evolve for organisations. We asked, “How have your priorities in terms of business evolved since you first started?”
She replied, “Since the inception of Circle Care Clinic, our priorities have evolved in response to the changing needs of our patients and the healthcare landscape. As we continue to grow and strive for excellence, we adapt our priorities to ensure we meet the changing demands of our community. Here are some key ways our preferences have evolved since we first started:
Expansion of Specializations: Initially, our clinic focused primarily on paediatrics. However, as we recognized the importance of providing comprehensive care, we expanded our range of specializations to include Family Medicine, Orthopaedics, Women’s Health, General Medicine, Dermatology, Otolaryngology, Radiology, and Diet and Nutrition. This expansion allowed us to offer a broader spectrum of healthcare services to meet the diverse needs of our patients and their families.
Emphasis on Technology Integration: As technology continues to advance rapidly, we have prioritized embracing innovative solutions that enhance patient care. We have implemented electronic health records (EHR) to ensure comprehensive and easily accessible patient information.
Focus on Patient Experience: As our clinic has grown, we have increasingly emphasized enhancing the patient experience. We continuously evaluate and improve our services, technologies, and practices to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. We actively seek patient feedback through surveys and testimonials to identify improvement areas and promptly address any concerns. We aim to create a nurturing and comfortable environment where patients and their families feel heard, supported, and valued.
Employee Development and Engagement: We understand that our team plays a vital role in delivering exceptional care.
As a result, we have prioritized employee development and engagement initiatives. We offer regular training programs, recognize outstanding employees through rewards and incentives, and foster a positive and collaborative work culture. By investing in our team’s growth and well-being, we ensure they are motivated and equipped to provide our patients with the highest level of care.”
Challenges And Key Strengths To Overcome
Challenges are an inseparable part of the journey of any business. We asked, “What are Circle Care Clinic’s most challenging situations, and how do you overcome them?”
She shared, “Rapidly Evolving Healthcare Landscape: The healthcare industry is constantly evolving with advancements in technology, changes in regulations, and emerging medical research. Staying up-to-date with these developments and adapting our practices can take time and effort.
Patient Expectations and Demands: Patients today have high expectations regarding healthcare services. They seek personalized care, convenience, and quick access to medical advice. Meeting these expectations can be challenging, especially in a busy clinic environment. To address this, we have embraced technology solutions such as electronic health records, telemedicine, and patient access to enhance convenience and accessibility. We also strongly emphasize effective communication with our patients, ensuring their concerns are heard, and their needs are addressed promptly.
Maintaining High Standards of Care: Providing high-quality healthcare requires constant vigilance and adherence to best practices. Ensuring every patient receives the utmost care and attention can be challenging, particularly during busy periods. We tackle this challenge by fostering a culture of continuous quality improvement. We regularly conduct audits, review protocols, and engage in peer reviews to maintain high standards. We also encourage open communication among our team members, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing to deliver consistent excellence in care.
Staffing and Retention: Recruiting and retaining qualified healthcare professionals can be challenging in a competitive market. To overcome this, we have developed a comprehensive recruitment and retention strategy. We focus on attracting highly skilled individuals through competitive compensation packages, a positive work environment, and opportunities for career growth. Additionally, we prioritize employee engagement initiatives to foster a sense of belonging and job satisfaction, which plays a crucial role in staff retention.”
“What’s the key strength to overcome it?”
The key strength to overcome the challenges Circle Care Clinic faces lies in our ability to adapt, innovate, and collaborate. Here are the fundamental forces that enable us to overcome these challenges:
Adaptability: We prioritize staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in medical research, treatment protocols, and healthcare technology. We remain at the forefront of healthcare delivery by embracing change and proactively adjusting our practices.
Innovation: Innovation is a driving force behind our success. We actively seek out new technologies, processes, and approaches that can enhance the quality and efficiency of our services. By leveraging technology solutions like electronic health records and data analytics, we streamline operations, improve patient experiences, and optimize outcomes. Our commitment to innovation enables us to address challenges creatively and find novel solutions.
Collaboration: Healthcare is a team effort, and cooperation is essential to overcoming challenges. We foster a culture of collaboration within our clinic, where every team member contributes their unique expertise and perspectives. Our interdisciplinary approach ensures seamless coordination among healthcare professionals, enhancing patient care and improving outcomes.
Continuous Improvement: We believe in the power of continuous improvement. By regularly reviewing our practices, protocols, and outcomes, we identify areas for enhancement.
Patient-Centric Approach: At the core of our strength is our patient-centric approach. We prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of our patients above all else. We build trust and strong relationships by listening to their needs, understanding their expectations, and involving them in their healthcare journey. This approach ensures that our decisions and actions are guided by the best interests of those we serve.”
Stand-Out Factors
We were intrigued to learn about the unique features that make Circle Care Clinic stand out amidst the competitors. We asked, “What makes Circle Care Clinic stand out from all the other medical clinics?”
She replied, “What makes Circle Care Clinic stand out is the high caliber of our staff. We take great pride in having a star-studded team of highly experienced, professional, and ethical individuals. Every team member is committed to providing the utmost care and attention to our patients, from our receptionists and nurses to our outstanding doctors. We work harmoniously as a cohesive unit, emphasizing collaboration and professional growth to provide patients with the highest quality of care and support throughout their healthcare journey.
Additionally, we recognize the importance of leveraging technology to enhance patient care. At Circle Care Clinic, we have implemented innovative systems and digital platforms that streamline processes and empower patients to participate in their own actions and their child’s healthcare journey.
We also strongly emphasize providing patient-centered care by building strong relationships with our patients and their families based on trust, empathy, and open communication. We aim to ensure that every patient who walks through our doors receives the utmost attention, support, and personalized care.
Lastly, our commitment to innovation allows us to stay ahead of the curve and deliver healthcare services of the highest standard.”
KPIs For Measuring Success
“What KPIs do you use to measure success?”
Dr. Rania shared, “Patient Satisfaction: One of the primary indicators of our success is patient satisfaction. We regularly collect patient feedback through surveys, reviews, and direct communication. This allows us to assess the quality of our services, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that we meet our patient’s needs and expectations.
Patient Retention and Referral Rates: The loyalty of our patients is a strong indicator of our success. We track the number of patients who return to our clinic for follow-up visits and the rate at which our patients refer their friends and family to us. High retention and referral rates demonstrate that our patients trust and value the care they receive at Circle Care Clinic.
Appointment and Wait Times: We monitor appointment scheduling and wait times to ensure efficient and timely access to our services. By measuring the average time it takes to secure appointments and their duration in the waiting area, we aim to provide our patients with a seamless and convenient experience.
Financial Performance: Financial indicators, such as revenue growth, profitability, and return on investment, are crucial for assessing the overall business success. We monitor key financial metrics to ensure the clinic’s financial stability and sustainability, enabling us to continue providing high-quality care to our patients.
Staff Productivity and Engagement: The performance and engagement of our staff play a significant role in the success of our clinic. We measure staff productivity, including the number of patients seen daily, average patient visit duration, and staff utilization rates. Additionally, we conduct employee satisfaction surveys to gauge the level of engagement, job satisfaction, and overall morale within our team.
Quality of Care and Outcomes: We closely monitor clinical quality metrics, such as patient outcomes, adherence to clinical guidelines, and patient safety indicators. By tracking these measures, we ensure that we deliver high-quality care and achieve positive health outcomes for our patients.”
Available Services
To get an idea about Circle Care Clinic’s current services and projects, we asked, “Tell us something about your services. What are you working on now?”
She shared, “We are in the fascinating process of launching our second location, which will more than double our capacity for seeing patients and delivering services. We are expanding our existing list of services to include Dermatology, Otolaryngology, Paediatric Allergy, Paediatric Endocrinology, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and more.
We have also developed a Corporate Healthcare Programme, particularly aimed at businesses focussed on enhancing and maintaining their employees’ health and wellbeing. We are now looking at developing similar programmes focussed on Wellbeing at Schools and others.
Furthermore, we continually explore leveraging technology and data analytics to optimize patient care. By analyzing medical data, we can identify patterns, predict potential health risks, and tailor treatment plans to meet each patient’s unique needs. Integrating data analytics and artificial intelligence allows us to deliver more personalized and effective healthcare services.”
Building Trust & Boosting Productivity
A strong bond with employees is essential for boosting any organisation’s success. We asked, “How do you build trust with your employees and boost productivity without causing burnout?”
She shared, “Building trust with employees and fostering a productive work environment while avoiding burnout is paramount at Circle Care Clinic. We prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of our team members, recognizing that their dedication and happiness directly impact the quality of care we provide to our patients. Here are some strategies we employ:
Open and Transparent Communication: We promote open lines of communication throughout the organization. We encourage our employees to express their ideas, concerns, and feedback, ensuring their voices are heard and valued. Regular team meetings, one-on-one sessions, and feedback channels help build trust and create a supportive environment.
Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of work-life balance and encourage our employees to maintain a healthy equilibrium. We strive to provide flexible working hours and consider individual needs and personal commitments.
Employee Recognition and Appreciation: Recognizing and appreciating the efforts of our employees is vital in boosting morale and motivation. We have established recognition programs highlighting exceptional performance, achievements, and contributions.
Professional Growth and Development: We invest in the professional growth of our employees by providing opportunities for training, skill development, and career advancement. We encourage them to attend conferences, workshops, and relevant educational programs. Empowering our team members with knowledge and skills boosts productivity and instills a sense of value and commitment.
Wellness Initiatives: We prioritize the well-being of our employees by implementing wellness initiatives. These may include access to wellness programs, mental health support, mindfulness activities, and others. By promoting a healthy lifestyle and self-care, we aim to prevent burnout and enhance overall job satisfaction.
Team Building Activities: We organize team-building activities and events to foster a sense of camaraderie and strengthen relationships among team members. These activities create opportunities for bonding, collaboration, and fun outside of the work environment, further enhancing trust and teamwork.
Regular Feedback and Performance Evaluation: We believe in providing constructive feedback and conducting periodic performance evaluations. These discussions allow us to address concerns, provide guidance, and recognize achievements. Clear expectations and regular feedback help employees understand their strengths and areas for improvement, enabling them to grow professionally and avoid burnout.”
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