Ziad Ghosn embarked on his educational journey at the American University in Dubai, where he graduated with honors and received a Summa Cum Laude distinction, underscoring his unwavering commitment to academic excellence. He subsequently expanded his horizons by pursuing a Master’s degree in London, where he once again achieved honors, acknowledging the diligence and dedication he demonstrated throughout his studies.
Seeking to blend his passion for business with the healthcare sector, Ziad enrolled in an online MBA program specializing in Healthcare Management. This robust educational pathway, consistently marked by distinction and accolades, equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics involved in the healthcare field and its management. These educational achievements continue to serve as guiding principles in his professional pursuits, propelling him forward in his career endeavors.
The decision to establish the clinic amidst the global uncertainty caused by the ongoing pandemic was the most significant risk undertaken by the organization. During this period, healthcare providers worldwide faced numerous challenges as many aspects of healthcare rapidly shifted. However, recognizing the crucial need for quality mental healthcare in Dubai, the organization chose to take action. Despite the risks involved, the potential impact on the community’s mental health and wellbeing was deemed to be far greater. Today, seeing the difference being made, Ziad Ghosn firmly believes that it was a risk well taken.”
The Valens Clinic: Bridging the Mental Health Gap
The Valens Clinic was established in May 2023, driven by a pressing need identified by Mr. Ghosn within the community. He observed a significant gap in the provision of quality mental healthcare in Dubai which prompted him to take decisive action. Fortuitously acquainted with the esteemed Dr. Joseph, a prominent psychiatrist renowned for his exceptional skills, Mr. Ghosn found inspiration and empowerment to establish the clinic.
Mr. Ghosn states,
“Our mission at The Valens Clinic is to bridge this gap and ensure that accessible, quality mental health care becomes a reality for those in need. Dr. Joseph’s profound expertise and compassionate approach to patient care greatly influence our philosophy and practice at the clinic.”
At The Valens Clinic, a comprehensive suite of mental health services is offered to individuals seeking support. Their range of offerings includes individual and group psychotherapy, psychiatric consultation, and mental health awareness programs. The clinic also provides specialized care for individuals with mood disorders and various other mental health conditions. The primary focus of The Valens Clinic is not only to provide effective treatment but also to educate and empower patients on their journey towards mental wellbeing.
The Valens Clinic stands out from its competitors through its patient-centered approach, which places a strong emphasis on personalized treatment plans tailored to meet individual needs. By prioritizing a holistic view of health, integrating physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, the clinic ensures comprehensive care for its patients.
Under the guidance of Dr. Joseph, the team at The Valens Clinic is dedicated to staying at the forefront of advancements in psychiatric care, constantly seeking out innovative treatment approaches. The clinic also aims to break the stigma around mental health within the Dubai community, ensuring to make its services accessible and delivered with compassion. This unwavering commitment to providing quality care and the drive for continual growth distinguishes The Valens Clinic as a prominent player in Dubai’s mental health care landscape.
Strategic Vision For Mental Health Wellbeing
The Valens Clinic envisions a long-term strategic path aimed at becoming a beacon of mental health wellness in the UAE and beyond.
Mr. Ghosn says,
“We aim to expand our services and reach, ensuring access to quality mental healthcare for all. Our goal is not only to treat mental health conditions but to create an environment where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized, thus breaking down the stigma associated with it.”
The clinic fosters a culture of transparency, communication, and empathy, aiming to connect employees with its vision. Regular team meetings are held to discuss goals, strategies, and progress, enabling everyone to comprehend the significance of their roles within the broader vision. Emphasis is placed on ongoing professional development to ensure the team remains up-to-date with the latest mental health practices and research.
Importantly, The Valens Clinic ensures that successes are celebrated along the way. The organization recognizes the hard work of its team, which serves to maintain motivation and foster a strong connection to its vision. The employees at The Valens Clinic are not merely considered a part of the organization; they are acknowledged as the heart of its mission and the driving force behind the future of mental health care in the community.
Foreshadowing on the Upcoming Challenges
Ziad Ghosn stated the challenges health care industry is facing or might face in upcoming years saying that,
“In my perspective, one of the greatest challenges currently facing the mental healthcare industry, particularly in our region, is the stigma associated with mental health. Many individuals struggle in silence due to fear of societal judgement. Our aim at The Valens Clinic is to foster an environment where seeking help for mental health is normalized and encouraged.”
Additionally, there’s the issue of access to quality mental healthcare. As the awareness of mental health issues grows, the demand for these services is increasing. Yet, there remains a gap between the need and the availability of comprehensive mental health services.
Looking to the future, maintaining the human touch in an increasingly digital world is a challenge we need to address. With the rise of telemedicine and online therapy platforms, it’s important that we continue to offer personalized care and build meaningful relationships with our patients.
Finally, we must stay ahead of the curve in terms of scientific and technological advancements. Mental health research is a fast-evolving field, and keeping up with these changes requires constant learning and adaptation.
“At The Valens Clinic, we’re committed to addressing these challenges head-on. We continually strive to improve our services, expand our reach, and create a compassionate space for mental health treatment.”
Bringing Mental Health Care to All
The Valens Clinic has outlined a multifaceted set of goals for the upcoming three to five years. Their primary objective is to broaden their reach and enhance accessibility to quality mental health care by potentially establishing additional clinics throughout the UAE to ensure that a wider population can benefit from their services.
Secondly, the Clinic intends to deepen our service offerings, incorporating more diverse therapies and treatments based on the latest research and technological advancements.
They also plan to amplify their mental health awareness campaigns to continue breaking down the stigma associated with mental health in the community.
While asked about how Mr. Ghosn plans to achieve these goals, he remarks,
“Key priorities to help achieve these goals include investing in our team’s professional development to ensure we stay at the forefront of mental healthcare, strengthening our patient-centric approach, and securing the necessary funding for expansion.”
The Valens Clinic is acutely aware of the potential barriers that may be encountered. Securing the required resources for expansion can be a challenge, as can recruiting and retaining skilled practitioners. The societal stigma around mental health, while lessening, also remains a hurdle in encouraging people to seek the help they need. Lastly, navigating the fast-paced changes in mental healthcare requires continual learning and adaptation. Despite these barriers, the clinic remains steadfast in its commitment to its mission and maintains a high level of confidence in its ability to overcome these challenges successfully.”
Leading with Purpose
In today’s rapidly changing and demanding world, effective leadership is not just about authority and expertise; it’s about creating an environment where empathy and vulnerability thrive. This is particularly crucial in fields like mental healthcare, where compassion and trust are paramount.
While we asked Mr. Ghosn, how does he feel about empathy and vulnerability in leadership, he stated
“Empathy and vulnerability are cornerstones of my leadership philosophy. I believe they are vital in fostering a trusting and compassionate workplace, especially in our field of mental healthcare.
Empathy allows me to understand the perspectives and emotions of our team and patients, helping create an environment where people feel heard and valued. This empathetic approach informs our decision-making process, ensuring we always prioritize the needs of our patients and staff.
Vulnerability, on the other hand, fosters authenticity. By being open about my own struggles and uncertainties, I aim to create a culture where it’s safe to express doubts, ask questions, and learn from mistakes. This not only builds trust but also encourages open dialogue and fosters a learning mindset within our team.
In the context of mental healthcare, these traits are particularly relevant. They reinforce our commitment to breaking down stigmas associated with mental health, promoting an understanding and accepting environment. Moreover, they strengthen our patient care by modeling the understanding and acceptance we want to extend to every individual who walks through our doors.”
Leader’s way to Boost Morale and Productivity
One of the biggest strengths of The Valens Clinic right now is its team of dedicated professionals, led by the remarkable Dr. Joseph. Their expertise, coupled with the patient-centric approach, enables them to provide tailored, comprehensive mental health care that sets them apart. Moreover, their commitment to addressing mental health stigma and promoting open conversation about mental health in the community further strengthens the clinic’s position.
“To foster workplace motivation and productivity, Mr. Ghosn prioritizes clear communication, professional development, and recognition. He ensures that each team member understands their role and how it contributes to the clinic’s overall mission. This gives a sense of purpose and direction. He also invests in ongoing training and development opportunities for the staff, supporting them in their desire to grow and excel. He also recognizes and celebrates achievements, both big and small. This not only boosts morale but also reinforces the value he places on everyone’s hard work.
As for disagreements and criticism, he views them as opportunities for growth and improvement. Mr. Ghosn promotes a culture where feedback is welcomed and valued. When disagreements arise, he encourages open and respectful dialogue to understand different perspectives and find a common ground. If faced with criticism, he listens attentively and responds constructively.
Mr. Ghosn says, “My goal is always to learn from these experiences and use them to enhance our services, our team dynamic, and my own leadership.”
Ensuring Highest Level of Client’s Satisfaction
The Valens Clinic is dedicated to ensuring the highest level of customer satisfaction, making it central to their work. They ensure this by employing a consistent, patient-centered approach that prioritizes empathy, understanding, and customized care. The clinic’s team is committed to maintaining a supportive environment where every patient feels comfortable and thoroughly understood. They have established open and effective communication channels to enable patients to express their needs and concerns with ease.
Client feedback holds immense significance in shaping the clinic’s strategies. The Valens Clinic views patients not merely as recipients of care but as active partners in their healthcare journey. The invaluable insights and experiences shared by patients serve as a guiding force, aiding the clinic in comprehending areas of success and identifying areas for improvement. The clinic has established mechanisms to systematically gather and analyze patient feedback and they proactively implement necessary changes based on what they learn from this feedback. This feedback-driven approach ensures that the clinic’s strategies remain dynamic, responsive, and always aligned with the needs and experiences of its patients.
Piece of Advice for Aspiring Business People
“As an experienced leader, my advice to aspiring business people would be threefold:
First, stay passionate and persistent. The journey of entrepreneurship is marked by challenges and setbacks. It’s your passion for your work that will keep you motivated, and your persistence will help you overcome obstacles.
Second, never stop learning. Whether it’s new industry trends, business strategies, or leadership skills, continuous learning is crucial for growth and success. Stay curious and open to new ideas, as they are the catalysts for innovation.
Lastly, lead with empathy. Remember that your business is not just about products or services, but also about people – your team, your customers, and your community. Empathy will help you understand their needs, build strong relationships, and create a work environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.
And remember, success doesn’t come overnight. Be patient, keep working towards your goals, and celebrate small victories along the way.”