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SERVICE TO HUMANITY

The disease finally claimed her, but her illness made such an impact on him that Michael French decided to pursue a healthcare career in order to help others in need.

After his graduate studies of economics and accountancy, he enrolled in the Golden Gate University in San Francisco and earned his Masters in Healthcare Administration with focus on Hospital Management. And for the next 30 years, he worked ceaselessly. He managed all kinds of hospitals: small, large, single units, multiple speciality. He oversaw existing hospitals grow and develop and helped build new ones in several US cities. “But I thought still more efforts were needed,” says French.

He came to Dubai as Chief Executive Officer of American Hospital in 2002, and has helped turn it into one of the region’s leading healthcare centres. Founded in 1996, American Hospital Dubai is a 143-bed, acute care, general medical/surgical hospital, built on an American model, with North American Board Certified physicians. It is accredited by the Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA) from the US. Renowned for its joint replacement, diabetes, cardiology/cardiac surgery, oncology, laparoscopic surgery and other programmes, the hospital attracts 20 per cent of its patients from outside the UAE.

Under French’s sterwardship, American Hospital has registered continued growth, a position of specialisation known for the quality of its staff and focus on customer service. Through the support of the Board of Directors and owners, he ensures the hospital’s technology is constantly upgraded. “We’re shortly going to start a new Brain and Spinal Centre” he says. The hospital’s various community education programmes include: conducting screenings and clinics for people with cholesterol, CPR training, educating staff in corporations, schools and colleges about healthcare issues, working with the community and finding out its needs and meeting them. American Hospital Dubai is also the official healthcare sponsor for upcoming Dubai Tennis Championships.

Michael French was honoured last week for his achievements by Khaleej Times in association with Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas. He is the seventh of many prominent UAE personalities to be presented each month with the Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas Trophy for excellence in their respective fields. At a specially organised luncheon in the hotel, he was presented the trophy by Fadi Mazkour, Director of Business Development, Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas. Also present on the occasion were Foteh Tleel, Director, Marketing & Sales, American Hospital Dubai, Friedrich Albrecht, Director of Operations, Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas, Mohammed Elkahla, General Manager, Coral Deira and Tina Pavlova, Director of Spa & Recreation, Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas.

Involved in a regular exercise programme, Michael French is a picture of health in a black suit, as befits a man whose job is to ensure the physical well-being of others. He believes in relaxing in between bouts of intense work. Soft-spoken, he scrupulously avoids taking any credit to himself. “Quality patient care and western trained doctors are our biggest strengths” he says, “because when patients come to a hospital they look for quality doctors, quality staff and quality care.”

A well-known feature of the American Hospital is its specialty clinics. “The idea is to provide more services, more specialties, so patients’ healthcare needs can be met here in the UAE,” says French. “Some of UAE patients travel overseas, to US, UK, Germany and other places for treatment. Our thinking is, if we can provide the same quality western care, people can stay here, close to their families and customs.”

French thinks the present standard of healthcare services in the UAE is good. “But it can be improved, and expand, so that patients feel comfortable staying here,” he says. “Of course, the government is striving hard to create better services. The Dubai Healthcare City project, for example, is laudatory, as it is expected to bring renowned institutions here.”

Commenting on the difference in healthcare services between the US and the Middle East, he says, “Probably the biggest difference is, all physicians in the US that are trained overseas have completed their residency in the US. Here, physicians have various training programmes from the Far East and the Middle East. The scope of services is different here, and all physicians may not have western training. In the US, broad services are available, but here it may be a bit more restricted. Here, it is more multicultural. For example, we have 33 different nationalities among our hospital staff.”

French is now steering the American Hospital on an expansion path. Within three years, the hospital will have, among others, a new outpatient clinic building, double the number of inpatient beds and more that 100 doctors treating a whole gamut of diseases.

Michael French has a vision. “We want to continue to be the market leader and to provide outstanding and comprehensive service though our doctors and specialties, so that patients will remain in the UAE for their healthcare,” he says.

“We want to meet the healthcare needs, not only in the UAE but also in the GCC.”