“I am your child’s advocate: I will always try to ensure that they are protected and safe from disease, by informing and educating you and dispelling your fears.” – Dr. Rania Ayat Hawayek
Starting her journey as a passionate advocate for children’s health, Dr. Rania Ayat Hawayek has become a prominent figure in paediatric care in the UAE. As a Paediatrician, CEO, and Founder of Circle Care Clinic, she has dedicated her life to revolutionizing the delivery of healthcare to families in the region. Dr. Rania goes beyond treatment to help parents gain both knowledge and confidence for their and their children’s health to receive top quality care.
In 1996, and after completing her school education in Dubai, Dr. Rania started her medical path by joining Guy’s King’s and St Thomas’ School of Medicine at King’s College based in London. Following this, she pursued her dream of becoming a paediatrician, through extensive paediatric training programmes. Training within the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) provided her with invaluable experience in dealing with diverse medical cases. Reflecting on her time in the NHS, she says, “The two things I learnt the most in that setting and which continue to anchor me and inform my work ethic are: humility and empathy – without which, I believe, a doctor is unable to truly deliver a complete service to their patients.”
Let’s delve into Dr. Rania’s incredible journey and explore her impact on the healthcare of families!
A Dream Realized
Dr. Rania’s vision of establishing a patient-centred clinic was born out of a desire to create a space that prioritizes comprehensive, high-quality healthcare. The idea of Circle Care Clinic was not just about opening a medical facility but to establish a place where families could rely on expert-driven care. “Throughout my medical training, I dreamt of one day bringing my expertise and method of service delivery to patients, in a setting which allowed me to do so, without the bureaucracy of larger institutions and various restrictions of complex healthcare systems,” she explains. This vision materialized in December 2019 with the establishment of Circle Care Clinic.
However, just three months after the launch, the clinic faced an unforeseen challenge—the COVID-19 pandemic. With curfews in place and a widespread fear of in-person consultations, the clinic had to pivot quickly. But amidst all this, Dr. Rania proactively utilized social media, providing reliable updates on COVID-19 and educating the public on the safety protocols implemented at Circle Care Clinic. Her approach not only reassured patients but also led to a steady increase in patient numbers, helping the clinic navigate through uncertain times.
Overcoming Challenges in Healthcare
Running a medical practice comes with its fair share of challenges. Apart from the difficulties caused by the pandemic, Dr. Rania highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining the highest standards of care across all departments. Recruiting exceptional healthcare professionals and fostering a culture of continuous learning has been key to overcoming these obstacles. “Regular training, team building and educational events help cement our relationship with each other so we continue to work as one team, focused on delivering the best patient care we can,” she shares.
Another concerning challenge is educating parents about childhood vaccinations. Misinformation and fear often lead to vaccine hesitancy, making it imperative for healthcare professionals to address concerns with compassion and facts. Dr. Rania tackles this issue by prioritizing the child’s well-being and ensuring protection through transparent communication. She fosters trust by transparently communicating with compassion, empowering parents to make informed decisions. This patient-centred strategy helps ensure children receive crucial vaccinations, safeguarding their health and the community at large.
A Multi-Specialty Approach to Family Care
The clinic has a team of highly experienced physicians, providing comprehensive multi-specialty care to families. The paediatricians each have expertise in different areas, such as paediatric emergency medicine, infectious diseases, vaccinology, nutrition, and gastro-oesophageal reflux. The clinic also provides specialized services in general adult medicine, adult and paediatric orthopaedics, hand surgery, radiography, paediatric endocrinology, allergy medicine ENT, and dermatology. This makes Circle Care Clinic a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all family members’ healthcare needs.
This extensive range of expertise ensures that every patient, whether child or adult, receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs. The collaborative approach among specialists allows for seamless coordination in treatment, leading to better health outcomes for all patients.
Addressing Modern Health Concerns in Children
Healthcare needs are constantly changing across all ages. For children, while nutritional concerns and disease prevention remain top priorities, modern challenges such as excessive social media exposure and its impact on mental health are becoming increasingly prevalent. Dr. Rania and her team proactively address these issues during wellness checks, providing guidance to parents and teenagers on maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Educating parents on healthy nutrition from infancy to adolescence is another area where the clinic makes a significant impact. With today’s fast-paced lifestyles, maintaining a nutritious diet can be difficult. The paediatric team dedicates time during consultations to provide practical strategies that empower families to make healthier choices.
The Unique Perspective of a Woman in Healthcare Leadership
As a female leader in healthcare, Dr. Rania brings a unique perspective to her role. Her ability to multitask and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously has been instrumental in running a successful clinic. She explains, “I wear many hats at Circle Care Clinic – I flit between being a paediatrician, colleague, medical director, manager, and CEO, often all within the same hour.” Her leadership philosophy is built on recognizing the strengths of her team members and channelling them effectively to create a patient-centred environment.
By fostering a workplace culture that values collaboration and expertise, she ensures that the clinic provides not only medical care but also a holistic approach that considers physical, social, and psychological well-being.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Female Healthcare Professionals
For aspiring female healthcare professionals, Dr. Rania offers valuable advice. She believes that women’s natural abilities to multitask and pay attention to detail make them exceptionally well-suited for the medical field. By embracing these strengths, women can revolutionize patient care, making it more comprehensive and preventive.
She encourages young women to pursue their ambitions in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of resilience, education, and a commitment to excellence. Through her own journey, she has demonstrated that dedication and innovation can lead to profound changes in the healthcare landscape.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Rania’s contributions to healthcare extend beyond the walls of Circle Care Clinic. Her leadership, medical expertise, and patient-first approach have set new standards in the industry. By addressing modern health challenges, advocating for evidence-based medicine, and fostering a collaborative healthcare environment, she continues to drive positive change in the region.
Looking ahead, expansion is a key priority. The clinic aims to broaden its reach by adding more specialties and opening new locations both locally and internationally. The vision is clear: to bring high-end, personalized healthcare into more communities, increasing accessibility and improving overall health outcomes in the region.
