healthcare – thebusinessworldwide

Veronique Michaud: Committed Towards Safe and Effective Medication to Improve Quality of Life

dev — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 03:17:14 +0000

Medicines have surely helped with improving the health conditions of mankind and helping us win over diseases that were earlier considered fatal. However, there have also been incidences throughout history, when medicines, considered to be safe, caused serious sequela. The risk of adverse drug reactions is an inherent risk to all medications, including prescribed drugs, over-the counter drugs and herbal supplements, and is modulated by many factors such as dose, concomitant medications, patient’s conditions e.g., hepatic, and renal function, age, and genetic background.

With the increase in life expectancy, the aging of population is inevitable and constitutes not only a focus of societal attention but also a major health concern. As our body gradually ages, we become more prone to multi-comorbidities leading to the use of multiple medications at the same time. The potential adverse drug event risk may exceed benefits associated with the use of such drug combinations. The process of drug development is aimed at evaluating drug efficacy, however it is much less effective at detecting and quantifying risks of adverse drug reactions. Drug safety, thus, has been a critical concern in healthcare.

Adverse drug events are among the top 5 leading causes of death in the United States. However, studies also show that 50% up to 80% of adverse drug events are preventable. Adverse drug events are a significant economic burden to any country’s healthcare system, including to patients, providers, and insurers. Adverse drug event management represents up to $30 billion annually in the U.S. In addition to monetary cost, adverse drug events result in psychological and physical harms to patient contributing to decreased patient satisfaction and lack of trust in health care. To help people avoid preventable morbidity and mortality from their medication regimen with real-time data that inspire safer, more effective treatment, GalenusRx’s is committed to deliver solutions promoting trust relationship between patients and health care providers.

GalenusRx’s solution helps manage drug safety programs, empowering patients, providers, and pharmacists in a safe and effective medication management process. In the last 25 years, they have extensively published in peer-reviewed journals about the impact of their approach to help manage patients with polypharmacy.

“Not only have we demonstrated an association between various factors and patients’ outcomes, but also, we have demonstrated that it is possible to reverse and prevent adverse drug vents,” says Veronique Michaud, Founder, President and Chief Operating Officer of GalenusRx.

The Inception Story

Veronique completed her formation in pharmacy (B. Pharm.) with the desire to provide the best care possible to patients. She practiced for 8 years as a community pharmacist and was pleased with the interventions that she made daily. However, she saw too many cases of patients experiencing side effects due to their medications, and most often, due to the inappropriate combination of too many drugs. These situations distressed her at times and motivated her to engage and change the way clinical pharmacy could be practiced.

Hence, Veronique undertook and completed a master’s degree (MSc) in pharmacokinetics, to understand better how drugs are cleared from the body. This was followed by a PhD in drug metabolism to appreciate in more detail the processes involved in drug clearance (enzymes and transporters). Then she made her first post-doctoral research fellowship at McGill University, in Montreal, where she looked at genetic determinants of patients’ response to HIV drugs. Finally, Veronique completed her formation by a second post-doctoral fellowship at Indiana University in Indianapolis where she studied pharmacogenomics, i.e., factors responsible for the inter-individual variability in drug response.
After 17 years of extensive education and research, Veronique was recruited as an assistant professor at, the Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, and established my laboratory at the Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal. Her research proposals were evaluated and rated highly by peers, and she received important funding from major granting agencies in Quebec and Canada. She recruited students and led independent drug research in her own laboratory which resulted in important peer-reviewed publications.

In 2001, while Veronique was pursuing her academic career, she was presented with the opportunity to co-found IntermedRx, a spin-off company from the Université de Montréal. Their objective was to develop a clinical decision support system that could help clinicians address the issues associated with polypharmacy and adverse drug events. They first created a table that was distributed to clinicians. This “paper tool” evolved into a web-based application that was used by pharmacists in more than 100 community pharmacies and by specialty pharmacists in 10 hospitals in Canada.

In 2013, the InterMedRx application was licensed to CareKinesis (USA). The application was used very successfully by pharmacists and demonstrated a high impact on patients’ outcomes. In 2016, InterMedRx was bought by Tabula Rasa HealthCare (TRHC) as they were entering into an initial public offering (IPO) on the NASDAQ. Veronique then moved to the U.S. to work for TRHC as VP of Scientific Affairs, and in 2019, launched the Precision Pharmacotherapy Research and Development Institute as Chief Operating Officer. During her tenure, the institute published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers.
In 2023, Veronique’s views started to differ from those of the leadership at TRHC. Their position and decisions led her to co-found GalenusRx. While being authentic and trusting their inner wisdom, Veronique and her business and life partner moved out of their comfort zone and embarked on this new journey of launching GalenusRx. An opportunity to begin again, even more cleverly!

Leading with Focus

As President and COO of GalenusRx, Veronique leads the company’s scientific research, product, and development team to develop GalenusRx’s innovative suite of healthcare solutions. She has spent over 20 years thinking about how to design the perfect tool that would support clinicians in their decision-making process while establishing a drug regimen. Medications are complex, and as patients live longer with more chronic diseases, they are exposed to more drugs. On one hand, medications are the number one intervention used clinically to improve patients’ outcomes. On the other hand, adverse drug events are among the top 5 leading causes of death. The goal of GalenusRx is to develop a suite of solutions that reconcile these various elements.

Founding a successful company requires the identification of markets where the implementation of a new solution becomes a differentiator, a game changer. Competitive solutions currently available on the market have limited applications. The unique and combined features of GalenusRx solutions make offering its technology and services possible to various markets such as consumers, providers, health and life insurers, and companies involved in pharmaceutical clinical trials.

GalenusRx’s clinical decision support system (CDSS) is unique of its kind, using clinician-informed machine learning and complex algorithms to analyze multiple drugs simultaneously. For instance, other systems on the market analyze one-drug to one-drug interactions. GalenusRx CDSS considers numerous factors related to drug characteristics to prevent various adverse drug events. In particular, it generates a numerical value that allows clinicians to appreciate the appropriateness of a drug regimen. Their technology leverages unique, advanced, science-backed algorithms that look at factors such as pharmacogenomic testing, for precise, medication safety.

“The GalenusRx strategy is supported by advanced scientific research and peer-reviewed publications, offering several benefits to patients, healthcare professionals, insurers, and healthcare organizations. Hence, our solutions help clinicians to intervene on patients taking multiple drugs, making meaningful recommendations and personalized medication regimen assessments,” shares Veronique.

Dealing Head-on with Challenges

Magaret Thatcher said, “If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman”. Veronique is a “doer”; this is reflected in her working style! She is both a hands-on and hands-off leader. She strongly believes in an important personal fit between team members that builds on excellence and highly competent individuals. All these characteristics are extremely important. So, she cultivates relationships with her team and invests her time to mentor them professionally and personally.

“I designed a team that can both work independently and together to achieve mission-driven objectives and goals. The team is built on 1) a capacity to achieve and, 2) a strong level of trust. I am fortunate to have a team that is highly invested in GalenusRx’s success,” she says.

Speaking about challenges, Veronique shares that changes in the culture of an organization prompt her to act. Several individuals will lose motivation when their objectives are not aligned with those of the institution, whether it is academia, government, or industry. She is one of them. She co-founded the GalenusRx company with people she trusts and believes in, and who trust and believe in her. Founding her own company with partners allowed me to develop more innovative solutions to improve and save lives.

“GalenusRx purpose: To improve health by helping people avoid preventable morbidity and mortality from their medication regimens, and mission: To provide disruptive and unique precision medication regimen technology and consulting services known as Lifesaving Insights, which lessen the risk of preventable drug-disease and polypharmacy mis-adventuring, make me breathe every day,” she says.

Making people realize that medication-related problems are a leading cause of death has been a challenge but a driving force since the early years of Veronique’s career. She strongly suggests that Policies and practices regarding the reduction of harm related to drugs must be improved.
“Our challenge is to implement a new philosophy as it pertains to the reduction of drug-related problems and medication safety. A successful strategy while addressing problems often lies in inspiration and convincing others rather than imposing your views. I have learned that implementing long-lasting significant changes and worldwide practices takes effort, takes time, so patience, perseverance, resilience, and humility are key,” says Veronique.

A Shift Due to the Pandemic

Veronique feels that telehealth has the potential to transform and revolutionize health care by improving accessibility to care, improving patient outcomes, and reducing costs. The pandemic has allowed the development and adoption of a hybrid model of care delivery at a very fast pace. Major technologies made significant progress more quickly than expected. Moving healthcare delivery into the homes of patients represents a great opportunity for GalenusRx as it opens new avenues of care. It propelled the company into a new “space” of medication safety management (eMSM) and personalized telepharmacy services.

“We strongly believe that our eMSM solution can improve patient’s journey by offering an alternative way to connect with specialized pharmacists and their health care team. We will continue to drive innovation and help bring eMSM into a continuum of care,” asserts Veronique.

One notable change that many industries experienced during and following the pandemic is the further emergence of remote work. GalenusRx’s team transitioned from full-time in-person work to full-time remote work. This transition required them to think outside the box as they were a highly collaborative team. When they were in the office, their meetings were sporadic or team-based, and meeting individually with team members allowed Veronique to develop her leadership style, but also cultivate unique relationships with each team member. While the transition to remote work was challenging, it ultimately allowed her to develop additional elements of her leadership skills and strengthen her relationships with the team.

Another challenge, shares Veronique, has been hiring team members. GalenusRx’s team has excellent rapport, and when hiring, she wants to ensure that the person will integrate well with the team, in a fully remote environment. Team members have consistently highlighted “relationship with colleagues” as one of the best parts of their job, – this led Veronique to hire based on the personality and capacity of the person rather than only on their existing skillset.

“This has been an incredibly successful tactic, and our team continues to thrive under this model. Having a working remotely environment opens the door to individuals not restrained to a geographic area or to specific familial conditions. The “hiring market possibility” is therefore largely augmented,” she shares.

Solutions backed by Technology

While GalenusRx’s focus is developing a CDSS for drug safety, they have identified several strategies to integrate their science into numerous unique healthcare areas. For example, the company’s biosimulation strategy can be used to assess the impact of novel and existing therapeutics in large, adult populations using real-world data. They can also assess the impact of novel therapeutics against the standard of care. GalenusRx’s biosimulation solution can be performed safely without causing harm to patients and includes marginalized populations, who are usually excluded from clinical trials.

One major element of their solutions is the APPRAISE (Actionable PolyPharmacy Risk Assessment Index for Safety and Equity), a quantitative way to assess the appropriateness of a drug regimen. Every word describing APPRAISE is important: it quantitatively identifies situations that are patient-specific while taking multiple medications, with a fundamental approach taking into consideration safety, diversity, and equity.

Reading the Industry Trends

One of the biggest trends that we see across all sectors is the role of artificial intelligence (AI). Veronique and her team continue to enhance their solutions with advancements in technology and science. AI, when used appropriately, can improve clinician knowledge and patient outcomes. However, AI cannot predict situations that have not been observed previously, or that are rather unique.
“The issues encountered in a patient taking 25 medications out of the more than 20,000 different entities on the current market (prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, herbals, natural products, recreational drugs, etc…) are rather unique, but the solution to these problems is not unique. We use clinician-information machine learning and advanced algorithms since together, they represent a better approach to finding the best solution,” explains Veronique.

To keep up with changes in the industry, Veronique reads new research relentlessly. The healthcare industry, specifically pharma, continues to grow with new advancements in medication, medication safety, and technology solutions. As GalenusRx’s team expands, she looks for candidates with unique backgrounds and experiences to round out her already impressive team. This allows GalenusRx to stay ahead of the curve in several different therapeutic areas, such as medications used in cancer and diabetes.

They are also actively involved in research activities. They do not depend only on the discovery or reports from other research groups but also participate in the development of knowledge.
“We do not only read books, but we also write books! For instance, in the last 3 years, our team has published more than 100 original articles in peer review journals,” shares Veronique.

Gaping Industry Issues

Throwing light on the current challenges in the industry, Veronique shares that as the population ages, patients experience more chronic diseases. More chronic diseases often translate into more medication intake. The CDC reports that 70% of the U.S. population is taking at least one prescription drug while 22% is taking more than five prescription drugs, commonly defined as polypharmacy. These statistics only consider prescription drug use, not over-the-counter or herbal supplements.

Multiple comorbidities also imply that patients see multiple providers to address their numerous conditions. Very often, there is a clear lack of care coordination between the providers which results in prescribing cascades and polypharmacy. Every provider is trying to do their best to manage the disease they are responsible for. However, the 15, 20, or 25 medications that the patient is prescribed, 1-5 from each of the various providers, may not make sense when considering the resulting drug regimen. The system is fragmented which results in a fragmented patient experiencing adverse drug events. We need a quarterback that can look at the appropriateness of the drug regimen. Unfortunately, the solutions that exist are not implemented on a large scale, at the moment.

The drug industry develops medications based on efficacy. If a drug is not efficacious, it does not make it to the market. The FDA and other regulatory agencies are interested in drug safety. And as such, have requested pharmacovigilance programs. Conceptually, these programs require that many patients are exposed to drugs in order to detect signals of drug toxicity (such as the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System). In other words, some patients must have toxicity before drug safety can be evaluated.
“We believe that biosimulation studies using real-world data is a way to obtain significant information without exposing patients to drugs and side effects,” she states.

It’s Just a Start!

GalenusRx is one year old, and the company continues to grow. Its solutions entered the market in January of this year and are being implemented across several different industries. In the next five years, Veronique and her team’s goal is to continue to develop their CDSS and associated solutions, consistently implementing advancements in science and technology. They also plan to expand their biosimulation strategy to more novel therapeutics and new chemical entities to further increase their impact on drug safety. While there is still much on the horizon for GalenusRx, Veronique is proud of the innovation that her team has accomplished in the past year.

“We are also contemplating the application of our solutions worldwide. The issues observed in patients with polypharmacy are equally present in other countries. Once we have well-established the product in the USA, expansion to the rest of the world is next. We already have discussions with international partners on that matter,” concludes Veronique.

Andile Siziba: Delivering Excellence in Healthcare Through Diagnostic and Clinical Services

dev — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 14:28:07 +0000

Timely and correct diagnosis service is essential for providing high-quality and safe healthcare to patients. A correct diagnosis can help the patient receive the most appropriate and effective treatment, avoid unnecessary harm or complications, and reduce the cost and waste of resources. A timely diagnosis can prevent the delay or loss of treatment opportunities, reduce the risk of disease progression or transmission, and improve the patient’s satisfaction and trust. Therefore, clinicians and health systems strive to achieve diagnostic excellence.
Realizing the importance of diagnosis in continuously improving patient outcomes, a group of clinicians, led by Andile Siziba, established MediServices to offer good value to healthcare providers. Andile and his team believe clinicians are at the forefront of clinical services who work directly with patients and are best placed to improve clinical services. At the core of MediServices is the desire to strive for excellence by continuously improving clinical services.
High-Quality Clinical Services
MediServices provides diagnostic services and works alongside the National Health Service, UK (NHS). The team is committed to providing excellent patient care by integrating with local teams to provide seamless insourcing and outsourcing solutions that are backed by robust clinical governance.
MediServices offer different types of diagnostic services, like neurophysiology and ultrasound diagnostic services. They also provide Intraoperative Monitoring (IOM) a specialist field within neurophysiology. “During spinal surgery or brain surgery, we monitor the nerves coming from the brain and the body to make sure that the physiology of the patient is OK. This helps the surgeon to ascertain that the patient is safe. In the event of significant changes, the surgical neurophysiologist immediately alerts the surgeon, and if necessary, an appropriate intervention is initiated,” explains Andile. Having specialized in neurophysiology, this was also the starting point for him to start MediServices.
Andile initially set up MediServices as a way of supporting neurophysiology services within the NHS. He identified diagnosis as a major problem affecting not just the neurophysiology department at NHS, but also multiple disciplines. He started by providing services to the neurophysiology department and gradually extended it to ultrasound and cardiac physiology. Ultrasound services are offered within the community working with GPs to ease pressure on secondary care.
Finding his Fit
Andile was always interested in the medical field but didn’t have a clear idea about where he would actually fit in the vast discipline. He went to university to study science and complete his degree, still unsure about the direction he would pick up for his profession. He came across information about the discipline of neurophysiology diagnostics within the NHS and that the NHS had roles for practitioners. He somehow knew this was what he wanted. “I found out about Physiology and I did a lot of research on it and I liked the balance that it brought between looking after patient and also working within a science discipline. So, working within a diagnostic field came as a chance to me, and as I understood the problems within neurophysiology, I decided to also find solutions to it,” shares Andile.
While working in the NHS as a neurophysiology practitioner, Andile noticed that there was a big need to meet waiting list targets. Service managers were struggling to meet waiting time targets and he realized that there was a big need for supporting them. “Targets are set by the NHS, if the patient is referred to us, we have to see that patient within six weeks. But due to many factors including Covid and staff shortages it can be difficult to meet targets,” shares Andile.
That’s when he thought of starting MediServices as a way of supporting the NHS by providing additional capacity. So even when the hospital is struggling to provide services, Andile and his team work alongside them, by recruiting staff from across the UK and even across the globe, bringing them into the UK, and then working through MediServices. “ We move human resource across areas and seamlessly integrate our services. We are particularly good at finding solutions for remote areas but also work a lot within major cities. We work alongside NHS Trusts to design solutions that work locally as each Trust has different challenges. We for example run weekend clinics ensuring services become 7 day services or we provide clinics in the community if the Trusts do not have enough clinical space. MediServices has gone from a startup business to where we are right now attending over 30,000 patients in the last 12 months,” exclaims Andile.
As the Founder and CEO of MediServices, Andile faces multiple challenges to keep things running. First off, being a clinician, he had a lot to learn in terms of how to run a business. He did find a problem and a probable solution to it, but establishing a company was stepping out of his comfort zone. He keeps learning every day and has surrounded himself with people who bring complementary skills. He has employed individuals in several executive ranks who are working within the organization and provide skill sets that ensure strong clinical and corporate governance.
Gearing up for the Future
Andile shares that the biggest issue within healthcare at the moment is the effects of COVID-19 and that the world and healthcare service providers are still recovering from its effects. There are loads of patients that are waiting in the background, there are loads of procedures that have to be done. People are waiting on diagnostic services and different treatments that are in one way or the other the effects of COVID-19. As a solution provider, MediServices is trying to overcome them and provide specialty services within the NHS to work alongside the NHS and cater to the additional demands.
MediServices is expecting to continue down the trajectory that they’ve been. Andile and his team want to support hospitals that they’re working with around the country. They want to continue working with their partners and have already been in search of new ones that they can support and offer them solutions to overcome any service provision issues that they may have. They want to expand into new services as well. “We want to provide the best care for our patients. We try our best on a day-to-day basis. We have a strong governance system and are always trying to learn and improve” says Andile.
And of course, the clinicians. MediServices is clinically led with 50% of our board being practicing clinicians. “Our clinicians are important to us and we work very closely with each clinician using their feedback to improve each service. This ensures that our patients receive the best care possible. We will continue to look for innovative ways of working with our partners. And we will continue to build our business, making sure that we have strong systems in place so that we can carry out our clinical services,” concludes Andile.
Words of Experience
In his message to the young entrepreneurs, Andile says:
“Just get started. Don’t overthink. One of the biggest enemies that we have is procrastination. Don’t. There are a lot of young people who think they’re entrepreneurs because they talk about it or because they have an idea in their head and are looking for the best time to get started. However, there’s no best time to get started. There’s never the right time to do anything. So, stop waiting and get going. Don’t be afraid of failure because it’s just a lesson.
When I started, I overthought things. I was young and was used to putting myself under undue pressure. As an aspiring entrepreneur, you want to achieve a lot of things and to overachieve, you put yourself under undue stress. Also, on the opposite side of the spectrum is being idle and not doing anything at all because everything seems overwhelming. So, one must try to find that balance of working to the best of their abilities, but also understanding that it’s OK, if they don’t achieve. They must focus on what they learned out of that situation and bounce back to continue going.
So, my advice is just to try your best, find the right people around you and you’ll be OK. You have to have goals, understand that things may go wrong, you might fail, and use that failure in a lesson to continue pursuing your goals. So don’t procrastinate. I think that’s the worst enemy for success: procrastination.”

“We have an experienced clinical team that leads each service and works alongside senior healthcare managers to ensure high levels of clinical governance.”

“MediServices has worked extensively with NHS providers and commissioners all over the UK to provide clinical services, delivering insourcing and outsourcing solutions, and working with trusts to overcome RTT and capacity issues.”

Our vision is to improve patient outcomes using innovative methods to transform healthcare systems.”

Dr. Rola Hammoud: A Cross-cultural, Organised, and Results-oriented Leader

dev — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 04:43:31 +0000

As a pioneer in healthcare services, Fakeeh Care Group is expanding its presence in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, offering healthcare, technology and education. The group consists of various businesses that cater to the secondary and tertiary healthcare needs of the communities. Fakeeh Care Group’s services range from promoting individual well-being to managing chronic conditions, combating infectious diseases, and preventing them by educating the public with the best medical staff and the highest quality of care. The group’s compassionate healthcare journey began in 1978 with the renowned Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital (DSFH), established by the late Dr. Soliman Fakeeh himself, and has since grown into a group of businesses that provide services with international standards.
DSFH has been on a path of growth and innovation since its inception. In 1986, the late King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz launched the first expansion of the facility, increasing inpatient capacity and adding new divisions such as open-heart surgery, as well as clinics for neurosurgery, neurology, nephrology, and infertility. This established DSFH as a trailblazing force in the Kingdom’s private healthcare sector and continued its expansion in 1999, when the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, opened the second expansion, which improved the hospital’s services with pediatric clinics, neonatology, plastic surgery, and health promotion and fitness centers.
DSFH Madinah
Following the footsteps of the prestigious group, DSFH is bringing today its glorious history to the holy city of Madinah, where the 200-bed tertiary hospital will stand as a world-class healthcare pillar on its landscape. It is bridging excellence in care to digitalization in a healing and sustainable environment.
DSFH Madinah will strive to excel in medical services, reaching success rates that match international standards and will lead healthcare to a new era. It is helmed by its CEO, Dr Rola Hammoud, an expert in the design, development, operation, and management of healthcare integrated systems, and in building high reliability organisations.
An Inspirational Leader
Dr Rola Hammoud is a distinguished anesthesiologist and healthcare leader with over three decades of experience in the field. She has a strong academic background, having graduated as a medical doctor from Universite Libre de Bruxelles and as an anesthesiologist from the American University of Beirut. She also holds a master’s degree in hospital management, a teaching diploma, a mediation diploma, and a corporate governance certification. She is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a certified healthcare executive from the Harvard Business School.
Dr Hammoud had never designed a career for herself in healthcare management. She had wanted to be a doctor and had been an achiever at school and at medical school. Her objective to become a successful anesthesiologist was driven by a healing passion. Treating pain during and after surgical procedures, managing patients in a holistic approach while respecting their needs and supporting them through their journey were her ultimate goals. She had also wanted to grow in the academics and research field to build future generations. However, this couldn’t materialize as she had to move a lot around Europe and the Middle East during her studies. This was a great exposure for her as she learned a lot from different geographies like Belgium, Switzerland, Lebanon and from working in rural hospitals as well as academic teaching centres.
Having gone through this diverse and hands-on path made her learn more about being flexible and resilient, about diversities, and about cultural integration. This enriched her knowledge and her skills in medicine, in anesthesiology, and of course, the modern form of healthcare management including healthcare digitalization.
All this exposure helped Dr Hammoud to grow in the healthcare management field gaining knowledge about the integrated clinical, operational and financial governance that needs to be implemented to ensure an outstanding patient experience.
Her compelling vision of the future of a safe healthcare captured the imagination and the commitment of the teams she worked with. Her passion to serve patients is contagious, it instils excitement and energy around her and create a sense of motivation and belonging. Her integrity, humility, commitment to high standards and values and her authenticity helped in building trust and credibility with various stakeholders.
The Progression
Before moving to Fakeeh Care Group, Dr Hammoud spent 14 years with the reputable Clemenceau Medical Centre (CMC) , a tertiary private hospital located in Beirut, Lebanon, affiliated to Johns Hopkins International. On top of working there as a full-time anesthesiologist, she occupied various leadership positions to support in managing different medical teams and in leading the quality and risk management programs. She also guided, at this centre, several Joint Commission International accreditations to success. She played a central role in building a quality and safety culture at CMC through the establishment of the Quality academy, the staff engagement and the training initiatives.
Throughout her career, Dr Hammoud has always approached her work differently by reflecting on her experiences. As an anesthesiologist, she started by focusing on collaborating with surgeons, educating patients, and developing protocols to administer the safest care. She also made it a point to follow up with patients before and after surgery. Later, when she became the Chief of Anesthesia and Director of Operating Rooms, she worked not only with her patients but also with the entire hospital’s staff. She found it meaningful to build teams, standardize their product, set goals for patient outcomes, streamline processes, and establish guidelines for best practices in anesthesia and operating room pathways. To measure the productivity and utilization while maintaining safety, she set clear definitions and benchmarks for her key performance indicators. She did all this out of experience, curiosity, and willingness to learn more, without any formal studies in process design. Eventually, she moved on to become the Chief Quality Officer at Clemenceau Medical Center in Beirut.
Her passion to spread the knowledge about safe healthcare practices at the national level, drove Dr Hammoud to the foundation of the “Lebanese Society for Quality & Safety in Healthcare” (LSQSH) which she presided for 6 years. She established this NGO with five like-minded professionals passionate about healthcare quality & safety. This group of leaders organized yearly congresses, conferences, and scientific meetings and workshops, targeting providers in need to develop their expertise in this field. International speakers were invited to share their experiences with Lebanese professionals. This society was recognised by international societies as ISQua (International Society for Quality) and ASQ (American Society for Quality).
The society also collaborated with Lebanese universities to perform workshops on risk management and quality standards. “We grew to become a trusted partner with the World health Organisation (WHO) and with the Ministry of public health”, says Dr Hammoud. The collaboration with the World Health Organization focused on promoting patient safety through establishing the “National Patient Safety Goals”. Healthcare providers in hospitals were trained on the importance of those goals, how to measure them, and how to establish them in their institutions. Also, several public awareness campaigns took place to educate patients about their safety in healthcare systems set-ups and to stress on the view of “Patient safety as a Patient right”.
Dr Hammoud and LSQSH team became then subject matter experts in healthcare standards, contributing to the revision of the “Lebanese Standards for hospital accreditation” and were assigned by the ministry of health to become the trainers on the National Accreditation Surveyors training program.
A New Chapter in Dubai
Dr Hammoud then moved to Dubai as the chief medical and quality executive of Clemenceau Medical Center Dubai, where she led the opening, commissioning, licensing, and accrediting of a 100 beds facility, as well as providing medical leadership during the COVID-19 crisis. She then succeeded in bringing together a blend of western trained skilled medical professionals to practice in a high tech and safe environment and to provide a comprehensive range of sophisticated medical and complex services. Her medical team proved to lead the market in Dubai because of the patient centred approach and the focus on excellence in care delivery, patient outcomes and experience. She also played a pivotal role in affiliating the hospital to Sharjah university and in establishing the Johns Hopkins visiting physicians’ program.
During her practice in Dubai, Dr Hammoud became a reference and got elected, by the members of the American College of Healthcare Executives MENA chapter, as a VP then president of this chapter. She and the leadership team designed a new strategy to build more leaders in the region and expand to all MENA countries.
A move to KSA
Today, in her current role as the CEO of DSFH Al Madinah Hospital, Dr Hammoud has the privilege and responsibility of communicating and executing the overall direction, mission and vision of the hospital in alignment with the Fakeeh care corporate strategy and with the values and goals of the board of directors and the community. She will be leading a team of dedicated professionals who share a common vision of providing high-quality, compassionate, and affordable healthcare to the people of Al Madinah City and beyond. Leading the Steering committee, the task forces, and team of experts towards the opening of a 200-bed hospital that will offer a wide range of medical services and specialties.
As the CEO of DSFH Al Madinah Hospital, Dr. Hammoud’s key priorities include talent acquisition and capacity building for the medical, clinical, nursing, and administrative workforce. She also ensures that the staff has the necessary training, resources, and support to deliver excellent care to the patients. Dr. Hammoud maintains an organized system of management and controls to drive operational excellence. She ensures adherence to the best practices in response to local and international accreditation standards, such as the Joint Commission International (JCI) and the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI). She seeks to develop partnerships and community relations to foster growth and innovation by collaborating with various stakeholders, such as government agencies, academic institutions, private sector organizations, and civil society groups, to identify and address the health needs and challenges of the population.
Traversing the Alleys of Healthcare as a Leader and Achieving Goals
Dr Hammoud suggest that leadership in healthcare is similar to leadership in other industries, however its challenge is because of the concept of complex adaptive systems. Healthcare is complex and has many stakeholders, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, administrators, dieticians, and engineers. This complexity makes it hard to manage and lead. Leaders should focus on the vision and strategy, be transparent, and think about the system rather than a person.
Dr Hammoud emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and creativity in achieving organizational goals. As a leader, she advises to use strategic thinking, ethical decision-making, cultural competence, Quality improvement, safe practices, patient centred care, innovation and agility to lead healthcare organizations. Problems in healthcare are multifunctional and multidirectional, leaders should have a strong understanding of the different interactions and their implications on patient care. They shall also possess strong team building skills to facilitate multidisciplinary patient care. As the healthcare industry is constantly evolving, leaders need change management skills to navigate organizational changes and new care delivery models.
She emphasizes the importance of transparency, establishing trust, staying positive, and helping people achieve their goals to build a resilient and progressive organization.
Finally, she believes that leaders in healthcare should lead with empathy, which is important for improving patient experience and creating a happier workplace. They should also be able to cope with pressure from various demands while providing care for patients. “Leaders should involve others, serve their teams, build connections, learn fast and most importantly manage themselves and I think this mindset can bring a lot to a great leader,” concludes Dr Hammoud.

Tracing the History of the Food and Beverage Industry

dev — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 06:32:27 +0000

The food and beverage industry has a rich and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. From the earliest agricultural practices to the modern globalized market, this industry has evolved significantly, influenced by cultural, technological, and societal changes. In this article, we will take a journey through time to explore the captivating history of the food and beverage industry.

Ancient Origins:
The roots of the food and beverage industry can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Early humans relied on hunting and gathering for sustenance, but as communities settled and agricultural practices emerged, the production of food became more organized. Cultivation of crops, domestication of animals, and the development of cooking techniques laid the foundation for the industry’s growth.

The Rise of Trade and Exploration:
With the advent of trade routes and exploration, the food and beverage industry witnessed significant advancements. Spices, herbs, and exotic ingredients traveled across continents, leading to the discovery of new flavors and culinary traditions. The spice trade, for instance, played a pivotal role in shaping the global food landscape and sparked exploration efforts to seek out new trade routes.

Industrial Revolution and Food Processing:
The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries brought transformative changes to the food and beverage industry. Advancements in machinery and technology revolutionized food processing and preservation methods. Canning, refrigeration, and pasteurization techniques extended the shelf life of perishable goods, leading to the mass production and distribution of food and beverages.

Rise of Fast Food and Chain Restaurants:
The mid-20th century witnessed the rise of fast food and chain restaurants, transforming the way people eat. Fast food chains like McDonald’s introduced standardized menus, efficient processes, and quick service. This marked a shift towards convenience, affordability, and uniformity in dining experiences, shaping the modern food service landscape.

Organic and Sustainable Movement:
In recent decades, there has been a growing emphasis on organic and sustainable practices in the food and beverage industry. With increased awareness about health, environmental impact, and ethical considerations, consumers have demanded more transparency and responsible sourcing. This has led to the rise of organic farming, farm-to-table concepts, fair trade practices, and eco-friendly packaging.

Technological Innovations and Digitalization:
Advancements in technology have revolutionized various aspects of the food and beverage industry. From precision agriculture and automated manufacturing processes to online food delivery platforms and digital marketing, technology has disrupted traditional practices and created new opportunities for businesses to connect with consumers.

The history of the food and beverage industry is a testament to human ingenuity, cultural diversity, and evolving consumer preferences. From humble beginnings to a complex global market, this industry has constantly adapted to societal changes and embraced innovation. Understanding the historical context helps us appreciate the challenges, triumphs, and transformations that have shaped the industry into what it is today. As we look towards the future, it is crucial to learn from the past and continue to innovate, ensuring the food and beverage industry meets the ever-changing needs and desires of consumers.

Hospitals’ Role in Promoting Patient Well-being and Environmental Sustainability

dev — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 06:17:06 +0000

Hospitals play a crucial role in ensuring patient well-being and providing quality healthcare services. However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the impact healthcare facilities have on the environment. As a result, hospitals are increasingly adopting initiatives to promote both patient well-being and environmental sustainability. This article explores the importance of hospitals’ role in these areas and highlights various strategies and practices they can implement to achieve these goals.

Sustainable Infrastructure:
One key aspect of promoting environmental sustainability in hospitals is the design and maintenance of sustainable infrastructure. Hospitals can incorporate energy-efficient systems, renewable energy sources, and eco-friendly building materials to minimize their carbon footprint. Additionally, optimizing water usage, waste management systems, and recycling initiatives are essential for reducing environmental impact.

Green Initiatives:
Hospitals can implement various green initiatives to enhance environmental sustainability. This includes adopting energy-efficient lighting, utilizing smart technology for HVAC systems, and implementing waste reduction and recycling programs. By reducing energy consumption and minimizing waste generation, hospitals can contribute to a healthier environment.

Sustainable Procurement:
Another critical aspect is adopting sustainable procurement practices. Hospitals can prioritize purchasing eco-friendly products and equipment, including energy-efficient medical devices, sustainable cleaning supplies, and environmentally friendly furniture. Collaborating with suppliers who prioritize sustainability ensures that the entire supply chain contributes to environmental stewardship.

Patient Well-being:
Promoting patient well-being is equally important in hospitals. Creating a healing environment involves incorporating elements that contribute to patients’ comfort, relaxation, and overall health. Hospitals can design spaces with ample natural light, greenery, and access to nature to improve patient well-being. Additionally, implementing patient-centered care models, such as personalized treatment plans and holistic therapies, can enhance the overall experience and recovery of patients.

Health Promotion and Education:
Hospitals have an opportunity to educate patients and the community on health promotion and environmental sustainability. By providing information on healthy lifestyle choices, nutrition, and sustainable living practices, hospitals can empower individuals to make informed decisions for their well-being and the environment. Educational programs, workshops, and partnerships with community organizations can facilitate this outreach.

Hospitals play a vital role in not only providing healthcare services but also in promoting patient well-being and environmental sustainability. By implementing sustainable infrastructure, adopting green initiatives, practicing sustainable procurement, and prioritizing patient-centered care, hospitals can make a significant positive impact. Moreover, by engaging in health promotion and education, hospitals can extend their influence beyond their immediate patient population, creating a ripple effect of positive change for individuals and the planet as a whole.

Exploring Various Categories of Food and Beverage Businesses

dev — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 06:15:40 +0000

The food and beverage industry is diverse and dynamic, encompassing a wide range of businesses that cater to different tastes, preferences, and needs of consumers. From fine dining restaurants to food trucks, and coffee shops to juice bars, the industry offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs to venture into exciting culinary ventures. In this article, we will explore various categories of food and beverage businesses, highlighting their unique characteristics and market trends.

Restaurants and Cafés:
Restaurants and cafés are the backbone of the food and beverage industry. They provide a dining experience, ranging from casual to upscale, and serve a variety of cuisines to satisfy diverse palates. From fast-casual eateries to fine dining establishments, restaurants and cafés offer a wide array of menu options and dining atmospheres to attract different customer segments.

Food Trucks and Street Food:
Food trucks and street food vendors have gained immense popularity in recent years. These mobile culinary businesses offer convenient and affordable meals on wheels, serving everything from gourmet burgers to ethnic street food. Food trucks provide a unique experience by bringing delicious food directly to customers in different locations, such as parks, festivals, and urban centers.

Specialty Food and Beverage Stores:
Specialty food and beverage stores focus on offering unique products that cater to specific tastes and preferences. These stores specialize in gourmet ingredients, organic and natural foods, artisanal products, specialty beverages, and more. They often provide a curated selection of high-quality items and create a niche market for customers seeking unique culinary experiences.

Coffee Shops and Cafés:
Coffee shops and cafés are social hubs where people gather to enjoy a cup of coffee, tea, or other beverages. These establishments offer a relaxed atmosphere for individuals to work, socialize, or unwind. With a growing emphasis on specialty coffees and unique brewing methods, coffee shops and cafés have become a significant part of the food and beverage landscape.

Bars and Pubs:
Bars and pubs are venues where people come together to enjoy alcoholic beverages, socialize, and unwind. They vary in ambiance and offerings, ranging from sports bars and craft beer pubs to cocktail lounges and wine bars. Bars and pubs often feature live music, entertainment, and a wide selection of drinks, catering to different tastes and preferences.

Bakeries and Pastry Shops:
Bakeries and pastry shops specialize in the art of baking, offering a delectable array of bread, pastries, cakes, and desserts. They cater to customers looking for freshly baked goods, special occasion cakes, and sweet treats. Bakeries and pastry shops often combine traditional recipes with innovative flavors and designs to create delightful culinary experiences.

The food and beverage industry offers a diverse range of business opportunities, each with its unique characteristics and customer base. Whether it’s a restaurant, food truck, specialty store, coffee shop, bar, or bakery, entrepreneurs can tap into their passion for food and beverages and create exciting ventures. By staying informed about the latest trends in the industry, businesses can adapt to changing consumer preferences and stay ahead of the curve. Embracing innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction will contribute to the success and growth of food and beverage businesses in this dynamic industry.