Empowering by example

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Empowering by example
Dr. Reem Osman, CEO Saudi German Hospitals Group

Setting in motion a trail of female leaders in the region by assuming the title of CEO in 2012, Dr. Reem Osman, CEO of the Saudi German Hospitals Group, has been defying the odds with her success Setting in motion a trail of female leaders in the region by assuming the title of CEO in 2012, Dr. Reem Osman, CEO of the Saudi German Hospitals Group, has been defying the odds with her success

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Published: Thu 24 May 2018, 12:08 PM

Last updated: Thu 24 May 2018, 3:17 PM

One of the most influential women in the Arab world, Dr. Reem Osman has earned her coveted title as CEO of the Saudi German Hospitals Group, through sheer determination and work ethic like no other. Born in Jableh, a coastal city on the Mediterranean in Syria, Dr. Osman could always feel ambition running through her veins, since she was a young girl in school. With straight A's and an unwavering passion to excel, she was already shattering the glass ceiling decades ago by defying stereotypes. She credits her upbringing and her mother's support as instigators towards setting her on the path of medicine.
After graduating from Tishreen University in Latakia, Syria, as an ophthalmologist, Dr. Osman had a decision to make, which would change her career and life indefinitely. "My mother instilled in us the value of education from a very young age, which was unconventional at the time, especially in the Arab region. It developed my character tremendously, and I was empowered through the example of my siblings who were high achievers. It made me realise that my gender, in no way, would hinder me from accomplishing my goals and setting them high. Therefore, after specialising in ophthalmology, I wanted to seek the next challenge in my career by exploring options abroad. After considerate research, I decided to venture to Saudi Arabia, a decision that brought great opportunities for me. As a medical professional, being exposed to a melting pot of cultures and nationalities was an incredibly enriching experience," she explains.
From Operating rooms to the Boardroom
For Dr. Osman, Saudi Arabia holds an important place in her heart, for being a place, which defined her career, and also her life by introducing her to the role of motherhood. "I met my pillar of support, my husband, who recognised my potential early in my career. I was able to embrace motherhood and undertake a management role because of his encouragement." In addition to her specialisation as an ophthalmologist, she gained an MBA from Sydney Business School at Wollongong University to analyse the layers of management, and the application of it in diverse corporations. "I believe in exploring my capabilities, there is an abundance of opportunity that lies ahead of us, and once we established a comfort zone that is the point we start to limit ourselves. Educating children and adults to accept change as a positive notion should be encouraged to promote growth in ideas. It should be a part of life. I always encourage my daughters to be self-driven and make the choices they are passionate about; according to me that is the mark of success.
The Saudi German Group remains a key player in evolving the healthcare industry in the UAE and international markets.  However, when appointed as the CEO, she describes the role as a challenge on another level, due to the high expectations of being a woman in-charge. "A career in the healthcare industry is demanding occupationally; however it encourages women to take on various roles. Whereas the corporate world is cut-throat with soaring expectations from the management, shareholders and employees. You are responsible for the integrity of the constitution by maintaining its core values and mission, while simultaneously breaking even. The success of every organisation is attributed to the contribution it has made to the society and economy. As a CEO, I empower my management to surpass their capabilities. It is crucial to establish equality in your corporation, where people are recognised for their efforts, not their gender."
Focusing on philanthropy
The CEO settles for nothing but the best, and her drive for excellence has been rewarded with numerous titles to her role. Featured in the Forbes Middle East's 200 most powerful Arab women listing in 2015, Dr. Osman has many honours to her name; including being one of the top 15 most influential business people in the emirate, according to Arabian Business in 2017. "Since I was appointed as the CEO six years ago, the word 'impossible' does not belong in my dictionary. I believe that if you are passionate about your work, you will have success. Your commitment to work will be contagious to your team, and I am vocal about our hospital being the best and do not accept any less."
"We have achieved many milestones, and we are distinguished from other hospitals in our CSR responsibilities and events. In many ways, we are leading the way for other hospitals to follow through these endeavours. An important facet of being a leader is to be a teacher. I communicate with my employees directly, and feel that going through layers of management deters them from establishing a relationship which is professionally fulfilling. Direct communication cultivates leadership and exchange of ideas among employees, which guarantees our vision being executed in every hospital within our network. Innovation can flourish from simple ideas which can help improve our patient's experience, therefore every employee's input matters," she adds.
In addition to her achievements, the international organisation for development and human rights nominated Dr. Osman as a peace ambassador. Saudi German Hospital Dubai's collaboration with the Zayed Giving Initiative has been making strides in the healthcare industry, with Dr. Osman appointed as the Humanitarian Ambassador for the cause. Through supporting medical residency, personal services, free in-patient and surgical services to countries like Egypt, Sudan and Zanzibar, Saudi German Hospital has alleviated the sufferings of patients in need. Saudi German's team of doctors have volunteered for humanitarian missions of the Zayed Giving Convoys, with the recent Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazaar, Bangladesh and Zanzibar, through providing the best diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive services.
"Educating children and adults to accept change as a positive notion should be encouraged to promote growth in ideas, it should be a part of life."
"As a doctor, being a humanitarian is innate. Our team was dedicated to work in the Emirati field hospital and its mobile medical units. These divisions were equipped with the latest specialised medical equipment, including reception, emergency, intensive care, laboratory and pharmacy units. In line with the "Day for Dubai" initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, Saudi German Hospital's aim is to set an example for healthcare providers in the region to involve themselves in charity campaigns. At Saudi German Hospital, we encourage philanthropy through awareness, especially for healthcare providers who have the right tools such as doctors, and medical equipment, collaborating with various organisations and authorities to serve the society is crucial," she explains.
- Fatima Abbas


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