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Thomas Pontinen, MD, Cofounder of Midwest Anesthesia and Pain Specialists graced the cover of Worldu2019s Leaders Magazine as one of the Worlds Most Influential Leaders Inspiring The Healthcare World, 2024
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Vol. 02 | Issue 12 | February 2024 www.worldsleaders.com A Multifaceted Medical Expert, Entrepreneur, and Adventurer World’s Most INFLUENTIAL LEADERS Inspiring The Healthcare World, 2024 Committed to a Better Healthcare System PG NO. 36 Seeking to Provide Quality Healthcare to the Community at All Times PG NO. 54 Thomas Pontinen, MD
World’s Most Inuential Leaders Inspiring The Healthcare World, 2024 Leading to Saving Lives In a setting where a seemingly insignificant decision may have a profound effect on an individual's life, the significance of healthcare leadership cannot be emphasized. Strong leadership has always been very beneficial to the healthcare industry. Only capable executives who can manage staff understanding, performance, and needs can provide the best healthcare services. Under creative leadership, employees and caregivers feel secure in their roles and responsibilities. When there is balance in the leadership, the workforce's attitude is more likely to reflect the fundamental values and goals of the company. residencies in anesthesiology and general surgery and a fellowship in interventional pain management, under the guidance of some of the nation's leading experts in the fields. Dr. Pontinen is a prolific researcher, with publications in medical journals and contributions to textbook chapters. He has presented at international conferences in surgery, anesthesiology, and pain medicine. His research on chronic wound pain has been featured in Pain Medicine News, a prominent source of information in the field. His expertise has earned him multiple awards from prestigious organizations such as US News & World Report and WebMD. Beyond his research, Dr. Pontinen is known for his compassionate patient care, working tirelessly to help patients regain their quality of life and resume the activities they love. He specializes in addressing complex pain cases through a holistic and integrative approach, utilizing a range of treatment modalities and cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures. Science leaders of today have to promote diversity, inclusivity, and ethical behavior in addition to knowledge and technological advancements in their fields. The responsibilities of scientific leaders include promoting collaboration and teamwork across diverse research groups, advancing scientific literacy and education, and successfully communicating the value and effects of science to the general public. World's Leaders latest edition “World's Most Influential Leaders Inspiring the Healthcare World, 2024” has featured success stories of renowned healthcare leaders from across the world whose expertise in leadership is echoing globally. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts. The cover has Dr. Thomas Pontinen, a double-board certified specialist in anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine. He is a co-founder of MAPS Centers For Pain Control, which is now the largest interventional pain practice in Chicago. His extensive training includes Have a lovely read!
CREDIT PAGE Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar Executive Editor Nicole Williams Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal Art & Design Director Jack Anderson Business Development Manager Mia Oliver Business Development Executive Natalie, Jerrey Associate Designer Kevin Rust Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke Sales Manager Casey Simpson, Irfan Shekh Marketing Manager Tom Swann Technical Specialist Barry Jones Circulation Manager Danny Parker February 2024 3296 Westerville Rd #250, Columbus, OH 43224, USA Copyright 2024 WORLD’S LEADERS Media Tech LLC, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from WORLD’S LEADERS Reprint rights remain solely with WORLD’S LEADERS. Follow us on :
CO VE R STO R Y 08 Tho m a s Po n ti n en MD , LCP-C A Multifaceted Medical Expert, Entrepreneur, and Adventurer
Ajmal Saleem 18 22 Dr. Chuck Le 26 Dr. Ravneet Dhaliwal Kaile A. Zagger 32 36 Michael Gorton Oriol Segarra 40 Robert (Bob) Rose 46 Rodney Peyton 50 Upasana Arora 54
, MD A Multifaceted Medical Expert, Entrepreneur, and Adventurer worldsleaders.com | 09
Primary Leadership Principles Dr. Pontinen offers valuable advice for those stepping into a leadership position for the first time: Ÿ Be Open-Minded: Embrace new ideas and approaches, and be willing to adapt to change. Ÿ Stay Humble: Remember that you don't have all the answers, and be open to learning from others. Ÿ Embrace Failure: Don't fear failure; instead, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Ÿ Accept That Not Everyone Will Like You: Leadership often involves making tough decisions, and not everyone will agree with you. Focus on the greater good. Steve Jobs once said, “If you want to make everyone happy, don't be a leader, sell ice cream.” Ÿ Put Others First: Prioritize the needs of those you lead over your own. This selflessness fosters trust and teamwork. Ÿ Avoid Greed: Be mindful of not succumbing to personal greed, as it can lead to unethical decisions and harm your reputation. Ÿ Maintain Equality: Treat everyone with respect and avoid viewing yourself as superior to others. Ÿ Cultivate Relationships: Business success relies on positive relationships. Be friendly, considerate, and attentive to others' needs and perspectives, as this will help you build strong partnerships and collaborations. When negotiating, avoid focusing on what you want, but come first to understand what the other party wants and why. Meet Dr. Thomas Pontinen, a double-board certified specialist in anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine. He is a co-founder of MAPS Centers For Pain Control, which is now the largest interventional pain practice in Chicago. His extensive training includes residencies in anesthesiology and general surgery and a fellowship in interventional pain management, under the guidance of some of the nation's leading experts in the fields. his compassionate patient care, working tirelessly to help patients regain their quality of life and resume the activities they love. He specializes in addressing complex pain cases through a holistic and integrative approach, utilizing a range of treatment modalities and cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures. Additionally, he holds certification as a life care planner (LCP-C), enabling him to assist patients with catastrophic injuries or illnesses by projecting their future medical and non-medical needs. Dr. Pontinen is a prolific researcher, with publications in medical journals and contributions to textbook chapters. He has presented at international conferences in surgery, anesthesiology, and pain medicine. His research on chronic wound pain has been featured in Pain Medicine News, a prominent source of information in the field. His expertise has earned him multiple awards from prestigious organizations such as US News & World Report and WebMD. Beyond his research, Dr. Pontinen is known for Dr. Pontinen is not only dedicated to his practice but also to humanitarian efforts. He works with Doctors Without Borders, a globally recognized healthcare-related volunteer organization, delivering medical care to underserved populations in unstable regions. He has done volunteer work around the world including multiple areas in SE Asia and Africa, including two months in South Sudan providing 10 | February 2024
trauma care in their civil war. Outside of his medical career, Dr. Pontinen is an adventure enthusiast, participating in activities such as snowboarding, mountaineering, skydiving, scuba diving, motorcycling, improve acting, and drumming. His diverse interests reflect a dynamic and multifaceted individual. directly helping others and delving into the world of science. This realization prompted a switch to a career in medicine. During his residency, he dabbled in trauma surgery, seeking the excitement it offered. However, the burnout led him to shift to anesthesia. In this field, he missed the meaningful patient connections and decided to embark on a pain management fellowship. anesthesia as well, which he still enjoys, and now that he runs MAPS as well (a medium sized business), he has come full circle to his college major in business management. Dr. Pontinen, along with his friend and co-fellow Dr. Darrel Saldanha, started MAPS, a practice that has grown from one small clinic and two providers to now the largest pain practice in Chicago with 15 providers, over 50 additional staff members, six offices, multiple contracts with other clinics and hospitals, and two affiliated surgical centers. He feels his current team, including Gabriela Maldonado, Dr. Billy Hayduk, and Dr. Adarsh Shukla, is the best clinical team in Chicago and is what makes MAPS what it is today. A Journey of Diverse Passions and Personal Growth In pain management, Dr. Pontinen found the perfect balance. He could still perform procedures and work with his hands, all while forming deep connections with patients, some of whom have become friends over the years. He continues to practice Dr. Pontinen's journey has been a remarkable exploration of diverse interests and a pursuit of personal fulfillment. Initially majoring in business management in college, he discovered that his true passion lay in worldsleaders.com | 11
He also has ownership interests in multiple other healthcare related companies as well as working as a legal expert providing witness testimony at trials for healthcare related issues. Dr. Pontinen's commitment to physical activity, including his background as a collegiate decathlete and soccer player, remains a significant part of his daily routine. He shares his life in downtown Chicago with his wife Sylwia, a nurse practitioner, who also helps run MAPS, and their two beloved dogs, Archie and Daisy. Without Sylwia's love, support, and work with MAPS, he would never be where he is today nor would MAPS even exist. His affinity for dogs is reflected in his belief that one should aspire to be the person their dog thinks they are. In summary, Dr. Pontinen's life is a tapestry woven with diverse passions and an unwavering commitment to self-discovery and growth. Beyond his career, Dr. Pontinen is an adventurous spirit. He thrives on adrenaline, whether it's mountaineering, snowboarding, scuba diving, skydiving, or even riding motorcycles. He is a globetrotter, exploring remote destinations, climbing mountains, and volunteering in various medical capacities around the world. His philosophy centers around embracing experiences that challenge and scare him, believing that these encounters foster independence and self-assuredness. He places great importance on self-improvement and pursues non-physical challenges as well, like overcoming his fear of public performance in his improve acting. Unique experiences, such as playing Goofy in Disneyworld, living with Sherpas in the Nepali Himalayas or studying African history and literature in Ghana, have all enriched his life. Complex Healthcare Landscape Dr. Pontinen recognizes that healthcare leaders today face numerous challenges, including navigating a complex web of regulations, insurance plans with intricate rules, and 12 | February 2024
financial pressures stemming from inflation and rising staffing costs. These burdens often outpace reimbursements for clinical services. In this ever-evolving landscape, the key to success for healthcare leaders lies in their ability to remain open-minded and adaptable. They must stay informed about ongoing changes or surround themselves with staff who are knowledgeable about the industry's shifting dynamics. Dr. Pontinen emphasizes the importance of not getting stuck in rigid, outdated practices. practice or explore alternative income sources, may struggle due to this knowledge gap. To succeed in the business aspect of medicine, new doctors must remain humble and adopt a learning mindset in a new field. Remaining open-minded and resilient is crucial, as setbacks are an inevitable part of the learning process. He acknowledges that many medical doctors can be perfectionists or accustomed to realizing success if they work hard enough, but opening and running a business will present countless failures both large and small no matter how hard you work, and one must learn how to overcome that truth if one is to succeed. Overcoming these challenges requires a shift in perspective, seeing failure as an opportunity to learn and improve, and only then, will success eventually come. For those who own private practices, he underscores the need to view the healthcare business as a service-oriented industry. Patients, or more accurately, patient-customers, have choices when it comes to their healthcare providers. Failing to acknowledge this and implement business protocols akin to other customer-centric industries can lead to failure. Dr. Pontinen points out a common issue in the medical field: the lack of formal education in business skills during medical training. Many doctors, eager to open a To end, Dr. Pontinen emphasizes the danger of greed in the medical profession. Succumbing to greed can lead doctors worldsleaders.com | 13
to engage in practices that go against guidelines and regulations, risking consequences with insurance companies, Medicare, the FDA, and harm to their reputation within the medical community. Building a positive reputation and professional relationships is paramount in healthcare, where even in a large market like Chicago, word-of-mouth can have a swift and lasting impact on one's career. Dr. Pontinen's insights offer valuable guidance for healthcare leaders navigating a complex and ever-changing industry. In addition to patient-centric care, Dr. Pontinen underscores the importance of placing the needs and well-being of the staff above personal interests. He subscribes to a hierarchy where the owners of the practice come last in financial matters. The patients' needs take precedence, followed by the staff, vendors, and, finally, the owners. He treats his employees as equals, recognizing their crucial roles in the functioning of the practice. Billers, medical assistants, desk staff, and other providers all contribute to the practice's success and if one of these components is missing, the entire business fails. Patient-Centric Care At MAPS, the MDs are seen as just one part of the larger team, and there is a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative and respectful work environment. Any provider who exhibits an attitude of superiority, unwillingness to perform tasks, or disrespect towards staff members is not aligned with the practice's values and is let go. Dr. Pontinen's emphasis on patient-centered care and a harmonious, supportive work environment underscores his dedication to the well-being of both patients and the team, which he views as integral to achieving success in healthcare. Dr. Pontinen's core belief revolves around the unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, which he views as the cornerstone of medicine. He emphasizes that, despite the complexities of the healthcare business, it is crucial to always prioritize the well-being and needs of the patient. This fundamental principle should never be overshadowed by financial considerations, marketing efforts, or vendor relations. Dr. Pontinen's success and rapid growth with MAPS is attributed to the practice's unwavering dedication to this ideal. 14 | February 2024
Balancing Diverse Roles Performing procedures, especially those that offer immediate relief, brings him immense satisfaction. Many of his patients have been under his care for years, and their relationships have evolved into friendships. When he can directly enhance their quality of life through procedures and witness their gratitude, it stands as the most rewarding aspect of his weekly routine. This personal connection and the ability to make a positive impact on people's lives remain at the core of his motivation, even during the most stressful or challenging times. Dr. Pontinen's dedication to helping others and his passion for improving lives serve as the driving force behind his multifaceted and demanding schedule. Dr. Pontinen's daily schedule is a diverse and fulfilling mix of responsibilities. While he strives to avoid working extensively over weekends, he often finds himself catching up on tasks Sunday afternoons. On weekdays, he is primarily involved in clinical work, dedicating 3-4 days a week to performing procedures in the clinic or at surgery centers. He has also expanded into the realm of legal- medical work, serving as an expert witness, and engaging in life care planning as a certified life care planner. The remaining time in his schedule is devoted to various meetings, calls, emails, and text communications related to overseeing the business as a whole. Dr. Pontinen often finds himself responding to emails in bed at night before falling asleep and schedules meetings before or after clinic hours. His schedule is undeniably busy, but he thrives on this diversity, as he quickly becomes bored when tasks become monotonous. Additionally, he continues to take anesthesia call shifts on weekends to maintain his anesthesia skills. Significance of Teamwork in Modern Healthcare Dr. Pontinen notes that the older, more traditional model of healthcare placed individual doctors on high pedestals, emphasizing their singular expertise. However, he expresses gratitude for the positive shift that has occurred in recent times towards a more collaborative, team-oriented approach in the medical field. He firmly believes that a well- structured, multi-specialty team is significantly more However, amidst this demanding routine, Dr. Pontinen finds the most fulfillment in his interactions with patients. worldsleaders.com | 15
Simplifying Healthcare with Technology effective than a group of individuals working in isolation. This team-based approach has a direct and unequivocal impact on both patient care and the overall efficiency of the healthcare business. It not only leads to improved patient outcomes but also contributes to the smooth and effective operation of the practice. Dr. Pontinen's perspective underscores the importance of teamwork and collaboration in modern healthcare, emphasizing the collective strength of a well-integrated team. streamlining processes. They employ automation and AI to improve efficiency and reduce labor-intensive tasks. Embracing technology is crucial for success in private practice, as it enhances patient care and operational efficiency in a dynamic healthcare environment. Dr. Pontinen notes that insurance plans and regulations play a significant role in healthcare, often requiring providers to consider a patient's insurance coverage as a primary concern. While proper treatment is possible with practice and diligence, the complexities of coding, documentation, preauthorization, and more can affect a provider's ability to care for a patient. Finding Fulfillment, and Redefining Success Dr. Pontinen recognizes that starting any business carries inherent risks, and these uncertainties persist in his ventures even today. While external factors like unforeseen regulations or unforeseen events like the COVID-19 pandemic could impact the business To navigate this landscape, technology is essential. Dr. Pontinen's practice uses a mobile EMR system, cloud- based and application-focused, 16 | February 2024
negatively, he's chosen the path of self-motivation and being his own boss. His preference for self-motivation, coupled with a love for challenges and aversion to monotony, drove him to embrace the risks. He views the possibility of failure as a motivating factor rather than a deterrent and believes that true satisfaction and fulfillment come from tackling the more challenging path in life. Looking ahead to the next five years, Dr. Pontinen envisions the continued success of MAPS, but he defines success differently. For him, it's not solely about financial gain but rather an ongoing commitment to refining processes and enhancing the patient experience. Success means creating fulfilling jobs for the staff and expanding the practice to reach and help more people. He no longer sees growth as a means to sell but finds genuine contentment in the clinical work, his connection with patients and staff, the diversity of his schedule, and the daily challenges and tasks involved in running a business-like MAPS. This perspective emphasizes that true success is more than financial gains; it's about continuous improvement and making a positive impact. worldsleaders.com | 17
Ajmal Saleem Co-Founder & CEO Treat at Home App Ajmal Saleem Saleem Saleem Aiming to Bring Quality and Cost-Effec?ve Medical Services to Pa?ents' Doorstep 18 | February 2024
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Ajmal Saleem: Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company? I co-founded Treat at Home in 2018, right after high school. At that time, I had great experiences, like part-time jobs at a hospital and pharmacies. Jokes apart, there was no hands-on experience working at or running a company. But fortunately, I had closely observed healthcare practices from a very young age. Since my father is a consulting doctor, I used to see patients walk in, take a slip, and wait for their turns. They'd sit worried about their complaints, but right after the consultation, everyone walks away with a happy smile. Same goes with seeing trauma cases brought in, dressings, and fluid administration. Healthcare just gave me the sense of solving a huge hurdle and making people get back to normal. A jmal Saleem co-founded Treat at Home, a digital healthtech platform with the mission of bringing high-quality, reasonably priced healthcare to patients' homes.He looks after innovation, product development, and various team cohesion activities. Aspects of work would include enhancing ideas for the app, he also responsible for internal portals based on customer feedback, assessing key statistical data, identifying new growth opportunities, partnerships, etc. This prompted me to pursue Treat at Home and enroll in medical school the following year. It gave me this wonderful opportunity to develop a solution for the health sector while learning how healthcare works in and around the patient experience. Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start? Once I finished high school, the excitement of pursuing this idea kept me awake. When my co-founder asked, "When everything is delivered at home, why not healthcare?" we started looking for reasons. There were home healthcare pioneers at that time, but they were not making a huge impact like other sectors. Our brainstorming session kept us going till we reached that point, where "the traditional employment model" of companies was a barrier. Outside, Ajmal loves to attend startup events, network and connect with people, read articles about market trends, learn how our product could create more impact, and go for a swim when time permits. We started Treat at Home in 2018, and from inception until mid-2019, we completely studied the market for possible pitfalls. Simultaneously, we worldsleaders.com | 19
launched the beta version of our app and started enrolling healthcare providers. Until January 2020, when the pandemic began, our entire focus was on the supply side. specialist teleconsultations, in-home nursing, and caretaking. We also render value-added services like physical therapy, lab tests at home, medicine delivery, medical equipment, ambulance service, and hospital appointments. From the idea stage, we focused on key differentiators to stand out in the home health sector. closure of services, quality checklists for patients and providers to validate during a service, and much more. Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes? The spotlight is on 'the person' but the ship sails on a backstage of team members and processes working continuously to keep afloat. We witnessed a huge demand for medical services due to the ongoing situation, and when everyone was closing their doors, we started operations in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The initial idea was to develop an exclusive app based platform for higher scalability, but we realized that people needed to interact, particularly in the health sector. So, we pivot toward a call-based booking system with executives speaking the regional language. Treat at Home is the first healthcare app in India powered by live tracking that enables patients to receive real- time location updates from providers they receive services from. With our peer-to-peer app and hyperlocal network of providers like doctors, nurses, and therapists, we render services faster and at an affordable cost than our competitors. Through our aggregator model, we don't employ anyone but connect existing professionals to patients in need of medical care. This makes us highly scalable and less dependent on infrastructure. What are your responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine? As the CEO, I look at key decisions, team coordination, statistics, innovation, product development, and enhancements. Scaling Treat at Home has been my dream, and I am happy to be a part of it every day. "I took over as CEO in May 2020 and scaled Treat at Home to an active network of 850 healthcare professionals and 3000+ medical services at home in 2 years.” What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? As I'm young myself, I believe there's more to learn, but I'll share my thoughts and insights so far. First of all, when I started, I had two options. Either to attend college or to pursue Treatment at Home. We come across all these stories where entrepreneurs quit their universities and pursued their startup ideas. It's cool, but not everyone can do that. In India, we have our own culture; our parents want us to finish a degree, and so on. But it doesn't mean, we have to set the spark aside. We can keep on reading stuff, study the market, and try to, if possible, develop a prototype. So, wherever we are in life, the first step is to pursue our passion. The second is building the right team; only they can take our vision and product to new heights. The third is to keep pivoting; the problem we are solving is the most important, not the solution itself. So, be open to change and keep hustling. What has made you successful? What do you value? As an executive, I feel success is still at a distance, but we have made marked achievements with Treat at Home. Customer feedback is the most important value we measure, among others.How users feel about our product matters more than how we feel about it. This only comes if we launch our solution soon, and yes, the first version of our platform used to be a complete mess. As people started using it, we gathered a ton of feedback and improvised based on that. It's also important to keep hustling and pivoting. What are the most important aspects of a company's culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture? A strong company culture reflects in customer success, and aspects like inclusivity, fairness, and constructive criticism play a major role. We believe that everyone's opinion matters, and team members ranging in rank from an executive to the chief can contribute to our customer-first approach. Building this culture starts with our core team adapting these values and passing them on to the expanding team. Which are the major services of the company and how do the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide? Treat at Home is a digital health technology platform that brings quality and cost-effective medical care to patients' doorsteps. Our portfolio of services includes home doctor visits, What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company? Innovation drives our company. As a healthtech platform, we have developed and implemented various technological solutions like app-to-app voice calling to enhance the privacy of doctors, virtual prescriptions that patients can print on-demand, completion codes to ensure the proper 20 | February 2024
Ajmal Saleem co-founder Treat at Home worldsleaders.com | 21
Dr. Chuck Le Charting Excellence in Dentistry 22 | February 2024
stands as a beacon of excellence in the field of dentistry, and his journey is a testament to the pursuit of the American Dream through dedication, effort, and hard work. Immigrating to the United States in the 1970s, Dr. Le embarked on a remarkable educational journey that laid the foundation for his impactful career. Dr. Chuck Le After an intensive academic education in high school, Dr. Le entered the renowned School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California (USC). His dedication and commitment were evident as he participated in the first accelerated Doctorate of Dentistry program. In 1989, after only six years, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, marking the commencement of a distinguished career that would blend expertise, continuous learning, and community leadership. 24 | February 2024
Dr. Le's commitment to staying at the forefront of odontological advances is evident in his pursuit of continued professional development and education. His journey extended beyond traditional education, encompassing a three-year residency program at Esthetic Professionals in Woodland Hills from 2002 to 2005. This program focused on esthetic dentistry, showcasing Dr. Le's dedication to mastering evolving procedures and techniques in the dental field. leadership. Recognized as a notable business leader in the Anaheim community, he received the Business of the Year Award from the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce in 2006. In 2010, Dr. Le was honored with the Businessperson of the Year Award for his outstanding business achievements and notable contributions to society. most recent ones in Ladera Ranch and Laguna Woods. Multi-specialty dental practices, as exemplified by 7 Day Dental, represent a groundbreaking shift in the approach and management of oral health. These innovative establishments unite a team of dental specialists under one roof, offering a comprehensive range of services tailored to address every aspect of patients' dental needs. By integrating diverse disciplines, these practices redefine the dental experience, emphasizing convenience, expert collaborative care, and a steadfast commitment to sustaining long-term oral health. His professional memberships include the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Orange County Dental Society. Dr. Le has also garnered recognition from Top Docs L.A. for his outstanding achievements in dentistry. Dr. Le's contributions extend beyond clinical expertise to community In the field of implantology, Dr. Le and his wife, Dr. Chung, are poised to enter their third year of residency at the esteemed Boston Dental Institute's DII Residency program, commencing in January 2024. Notably, Dr. Carmy is actively mentoring Dr. Le and his wife, empowering them to instruct and lead fellow residents during intricate surgical procedures. Dr. Le's exceptional qualifications and expertise in dental implantology have merited him recognition and membership as a certified specialist in dental implantology by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). Patients benefit from a streamlined and expedient journey, accessing a wide spectrum of treatments all in one convenient location. This eliminates the need for multiple visits to different offices, providing a cohesive approach to receiving a range of treatments, from routine check-ups to intricate procedures. Making a Global Impact in Healthcare For many years, Dr. Le has devoted his personal time and resources to engage with organizations and initiatives dedicated to assisting the less fortunate, as well as fostering youth development and well-being on both a national and international scale. His philanthropic endeavors have encompassed significant contributions, such as aiding in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami in Thailand and participating in restoration efforts following major conflagrations in Vietnam. Revolutionizing Oral Healthcare The inception of 7 Day Dental in 1990 at the Euclid office in Anaheim marked Dr. Le's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to accessible dental care. Over the years, 7 Day Dental has expanded to four locations in Orange County, including additional offices in Anaheim on Lincoln Avenue, and the worldsleaders.com | 25
Dr. Ravneet Dhaliwal Trea?ng Pa?ents with Utmost Compassion in Sickness and in Health ith a passion for providing quality healthcare to children, W She is a cer?fied pediatrician with extensive experience in her local community's Pediatric ED and has privileges at Inova Children's Hospital in Annandale, Virginia. She is an esteemed member of both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Society of Pediatric Urgent Care, showcasing her dedica?on to her medical profession. The Care Center Night Watch Urgent Care is a leading urgent care facility located in Northern VA, with a special focus on pediatrics, evidence-based medicine, and patient education. The team is available late into the night and can perform a variety of minor urgent procedures, allowing emergency rooms to prioritize higher acuity cases. Additionally, it places a strong emphasis on connecting patients with their primary care physicians for preventative care. she aims to offer peace of mind to parents and families, Dr. Ravneet Dhaliwal founded Night Watch Urgent Care. Dr. Dhaliwal, in her role as Medical Director, bears the responsibility of overseeing healthcare providers, reviewing their medical records, conduc?ng medical drills, and managing the clinical flow of the clinic. By collabora?ng with various departments, she ensures that pa?ents receive op?mal care throughout their en?re clinic visit. One of the most enjoyable aspects of her daily rou?ne is engaging with her staff, sharing her vision with them, and crea?ng educa?onal materials. Moreover, Dr. Dhaliwal strives to foster a team that upholds the company's core values and is genuinely commi?ed to serving and suppor?ng the local community. Night Watch's approach to medical care centers around delivering high- quality, evidence-based treatments to its patients. It understands that many patients may not be well-versed in their medical history, so its team makes it a priority to educate them on their diagnosis, treatment plan, and follow-up care. Beyond her work in the medical field, Dr. Dhaliwal enjoys traveling, reading, and going to the gym. She values spending ?me with her family and is a proud resident of Loudoun County, Virginia, where she resides with her husband, two children, and dog. At Night Watch Urgent Care, the team strives to provide a personalized and comprehensive healthcare experience for all of its patients. 26 | February 2024
Providing High-Quality Urgent Care Services Globally opportunities as children within their homes. This early support system builds a strong foundation for future leadership roles. technology has been leveraged to connect with patients through portals, secure messaging, and educational content. The clinic offers a feature where patients can book appointments from home and receive text messages about their updated wait times, which enhances efficiency and convenience. Dr. Dhaliwal worked in Pediatric ER for 4 years and as a Pediatric hospitalist and managed acute urgent and emergent cases. In the ER, she noticed the need for urgent care that patients trusted and could manage slightly higher acuity than other urgent cares at that time. She shares, “At Night Watch, we don't turn away patients that need IVFs or sutures, something that most urgent cares were not performing, at least at that time.” As a female leader, Dr. Dhaliwal highlights that having a clear vision of one's goals is important for progress. For her, as a doctor and urgent care owner, understanding how her services improve the lives of others is critical. Sharing these dreams and visions with family members and finding a support system of friends and family also play important roles in achieving success as a female leader. Dr. Dhaliwal has identified three things that she would like to improve in society, healthcare, and people's lives. Firstly, she would like to improve health education for the community. Dr. Dhaliwal believes that patients should have a better understanding of their health and treatment plans, which will allow them to make informed decisions and take better care of themselves. In the United States, the company sees a growing need for acute mental health care services, as well as slightly higher acuity urgent care options. In other countries, there is a basic need for urgent care services that we hope to fulfill. Through its expansion efforts, the Night Watch's team aims to provide accessible, reliable, and effective healthcare services to individuals and communities around the world. Dr. Dhaliwal has a strong vision for growth, as she recognizes the pressing need for patient education and high- quality medical care. The team at Night Watch Urgent Care is planning to expand globally, with a focus on establishing acute care centers in countries where these services are in high demand. The goal is not only to increase the quantity of urgent care facilities, but also to enhance the quality of care provided. Dr. Dhaliwal also stresses that delegating and prioritizing tasks are crucial for avoiding burnout and focusing on creative goals. These leadership qualities are not unique to female leaders, but they are essential for anyone who wants to be a successful leader. Secondly, she would like to improve access to convenient care that is available at odd hours. Dr. Dhaliwal recognizes that people have busy schedules and may not always be able to see a doctor during traditional business hours. By making care more accessible, patients can receive the treatment they need without disrupting their daily lives. Dr. Dhaliwal identifies a few qualities that she thinks are lacking among today's emerging leaders. One key trait is empathy. She believes that leaders need to understand and connect with the people they lead, especially in times of crisis. Leaders who lack empathy risk creating a disconnected team that may not be able to work effectively towards a common goal. Another quality that is missing is the ability to adapt to change. In today's fast-paced and rapidly evolving world, leaders need to be agile and able to pivot quickly. Those who resist change or cannot keep up with the pace risk being left behind. Lastly, Dr. Dhaliwal would like to promote the practice of evidence-based medicine. She believes that medical decisions should be made based on the best available evidence, rather than relying on tradition or personal beliefs. This approach can lead to better outcomes for patients and improve the quality of healthcare overall. Growing and Developing as a Female Leader In addition to these three areas of focus, Dr. Dhaliwal also believes that the doctor-patient relationship should not have many layers in between. She believes that patients should have direct access to their doctors and that this can lead to better communication and improved healthcare outcomes. Despite the increasing number of female leaders, there is still a significant gap in gender representation in leadership positions. Dr. Dhaliwal emphasizes that the foundation of becoming a female leader starts at a younger age, where women are encouraged and given equal Changes that the Society Needs Dr. Dhaliwal observed that patient interaction time has significantly reduced in recent years due to healthcare changes, especially in the United States. To counter this, worldsleaders.com | 29
Committed to a Better Healthcare System worldsleaders.com | 37
“If you have a great idea, stick with it. Calvin Coolidge has a quote on “Persistence” that everyone needs to know. Go look it up and post it by your desk.” Michael Gorton is a seasoned entrepreneur with a remarkable track record, having founded 15 companies across a wide range of industries. His journey into the healthcare sector began during a memorable expedi?on to climb Kilimanjaro, where he was accompanied by his close friend, Dr. G. Byron Brooks, a medical doctor. It was during this adventure that Dr. Brooks proposed the idea of establishing a telemedicine company—an innova?ve concept at the ?me, as there were no such companies in existence. Upon returning to the United States, Michael and Dr. Brooks joined forces to establish Teladoc. Over the years, Teladoc has played a pioneering role in shaping the telemedicine industry, ul?mately contribu?ng to the crea?on of what is now a massive half-trillion-dollar industry on a global scale. Michael's passion for healthcare is driven by a profound belief that the current healthcare system is fundamentally flawed. While there are many dedicated and skilled healthcare professionals providing excellent care, the cost of healthcare con?nues to rise, and overall health outcomes are not showing significant improvement. He is deeply commi?ed to finding innova?ve solu?ons to address these challenges and create a more effec?ve and accessible healthcare system. 38 | February 2024
The Importance of Shared Ownership in Leadership experienced and knowledgeable individuals to make informed decisions. Michael's approach to leadership and goal-setting reflects a highly organized and collaborative mindset. He is known for his goal-oriented and persistent nature, exemplified by his daily routine of prioritizing tasks, setting clear timelines, and aiming to complete projects ahead of schedule. This disciplined approach to time management and task execution contributes to his success in various ventures. Michael is a proponent of shared ownership and believes that when employees have a stake in the company, it fosters a sense of ownership and shared success. This approach empowers individuals to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities, contributing to the overall success of the company. As a leader, Michael subscribes to the "Trust & Inspire" leadership style. He places trust in his team members, selects the right people for the job, provides support when needed, and trusts them to achieve the organization's objectives. This leadership philosophy promotes a culture of trust, collaboration, and inspiration, which are essential elements of his leadership approach. One of Michael's key leadership principles is surrounding himself with smart and focused individuals. He values diverse perspectives and believes that the best course of action may not always be his own. Ego has no place in a successful team or organization, and Michael emphasizes the importance of collaborating with worldsleaders.com | 39
ORIOL SEGARRA Leading the Transformation of The Family Firm from a Traditional Pharmaceutical Company to a Successful Transnational Corporation Focused on Natural Consumer Healthcare It's a transformation that we are very proud of, by the way. It's been an extraordinary journey in which I've had the best years of my professional life, like many others who are part of this great family. And we still have a lot of challenges ahead of us!" 40 | February 2024
CEO | Uriach worldsleaders.com | 41
P industry, in addition to other more operational aspects such as omnichannel, the growth of e- commerce, personalization, distribution, regulatory issues, sustainability, direct consumer relationships, and so on. Oriol Segarra is a leadership and change management expert with over 20 years of business experience in multinational pharmaceutical firms. As Uriach's Chief Executive Officer, he oversaw the pharmaceutical company's development from a traditional pharmaceutical company to a successful transnational corporation focus on natural consumer healthcare. People want to live longer, but they also want to live better, with improved health, well-being, and quality of life. And they understand that achieving this requires a multifaceted approach that includes diet, physical activity, sport, rest, sleep, body care, emotions, mind, and spirit. beneficial influence on people's health and lives while also striving to improve the earth as a whole. It provides the greatest natural goods to consumers, based on sound research and creativity. Uriach is a corporation that thinks that harnessing the power of nature is the best (and most sustainable) approach to caring for human health and well-being. This is why Uriach is solely dedicated to natural consumer healthcare. Its purpose is to have a This humanization and integration of many disciplines around well-being is undoubtedly the most significant challenge confronting the healthcare With a history of over 182 years, Uriach's notable worldwide trademarks include Aquilea, Fisiocrem, Laborest, Aerored, Fave de Fuca, Utabon, Biodramina, and Halibut, with a presence in the major European markets. The company's headquarters are presently located in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Romania. Life Outside of the Workplace Oriol was born in Barcelona in 1971 and is the father of two children. Oriol defines himself as an inquisitive, restless, and ambitious individual who is always looking for new reasons, challenges, and learning opportunities in order to improve professionally and personally. He attended ESADE, Harvard, Stanford, Singularity University, and IMD, among other business institutions. 42 | February 2024
Robert Rose started his career producing medical devices before moving on to top positions in consumer electronics at NEC and Toshiba. He co-founded MedWand almost eight years ago. Along with multiple prosperous start- ups, he has overseen significant business divisions for Fortune 500 firms, including Tandy, CompUSA, Systemax, and Wyle. Bob has worked with Angel Flight West as a Command Pilot and Hospital & Outreach Coordinator. Bob has more than 30 years of leadership expertise in engineering and operations management, manufacturing, and international strategic business success. Bob came to the conclusion that there was a genuine need for a different kind of design services company—one that could accomplish for its clients what was previously impossible, push the boundaries of science, engineering, and imagination, and transform ideas into products with unprecedented levels of performance and quality. This deep experience and an intense drive for excellence led Bob to this conclusion. Bob put together the very elite group of top scientists, engineers, and manufacturing experts that would eventually become Cypher Scientific in order to accomplish this lofty aim. Robert (Bob) Rose Making a Difference in the Lives of People in Need Robert (Bob) Rose Robert (Bob) Rose worldsleaders.com | 47
B Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and World's Leaders and Bob: MedWand Solutions, Inc. delivers digital healthcare technologies that enhance the accessibility and quality of healthcare services for clinicians and patients, regardless of location. MedWand was created by a team of physicians and engineers to enhance the quality and accessibility of health care services regardless of physical location. The company offers its MedWand device and VirtualCare Clinic solutions for a wide range of applications that include hospitals, field clinics, nursing homes, schools, and workplaces, wherever Internet access is available. MedWand solves this problem by enabling the physician, or caregiver, to collect this information with a user-friendly platform. What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company? Until now, there has never been a single telemedicine device that "does it all." There is no longer a need for suitcases full of separate telemedicine diagnostics because MedWand houses up to eight diagnostic tools in one simple, hand- held device. The team behind the cutting-edge device is already planning future generations of the product, which are expected to include even more critical diagnostic tools in the device's remarkable form factor. MedWand will make access to healthcare portable and telemedicine global: In one word, MedWand is freedom. Wherever you are, the device will provide access to medical care. Erasing geographical borders across nations, MedWand has created technology that allows a patient in Vietnam to be examined by a doctor in New York. With MedWand, healthcare becomes convenient, accessible, and portable. Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start? A company of visionaries and a steward of big ideas, MedWand combine multiple clinically accurate vital sensors and an Ultra-HD resolution camera. Operating via MedWand's VirtualCare Clinic software, physicians can conduct comprehensive video consultations and physical exams over the Internet, with real-time monitoring and recording of key vitals. Data collected includes core temperature, blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate, heart, lung and abdominal auscultations, electrocardiogram, and high definition otoscopic, oropharynx, and dermatoscopic exam images. The MedWand device was conceived by Dr. Samir Qamar, a family physician and founder of MedLion Direct Primary Care, one of the nation's leading direct primary care companies. It was after being dissatisfied with the current limitations of telemedicine that Dr. Qamar came up with the idea of building a compact telemedicine device capable of remote patient exams. After an extensive search, Dr. Qamar approached engineer Robert Rose, founder of Cypher Scientific Engineering, formerly of Red Digital Cinema, who agreed to join the project. Together, on a mission to advance telemedicine, Dr. Qamar and Mr. Rose created MedWand Solutions, the MedWand device, and the MedWand platform ecosystem. MedWand represents the evolution of telemedicine, enabling a multi- diagnostic assessment with a single device that can be used anywhere in the world. One of the major challenges telemedicine clinicians face today is the lack of the ability to obtain key physical assessment information, such as lung sounds and EKG, during the telemedicine visit. Which are the major services of the company and how do the company to get ahead in the competition? 48 | February 2024