Dr. Salah Aqtash, Chief Nursing Officer at The Medical Office/PureHealth, is a leading personality in the Arab healthcare industry, noted for his innovative leadership and dedication to nursing excellence. His 38 years path in nursing commenced in 1987 with a desire to help others, beginning as a bedside nurse where he gained a deep appreciation for the intricacies of patient care.
Throughout the years, Dr. Aqtash has become keenly conscious of systemic issues in healthcare, including staffing shortages and burnout, which inspired him to seek further education in healthcare management from California State University in Los Angeles (CSULA) and nursing leadership from University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA).
As he moved into management positions, he prioritized building supportive environments that encourage creativity and career growth for nurses. Dr. Aqtash contends that strong leadership involves promoting beneficial change and establishing a lasting legacy of outstanding care. His perspectives and contributions establish him as one of the most notable healthcare leaders to observe in 2025.
Let’s delve into the interview details below!
How would you describe your leadership style, and what principles guide your decision-making in nursing?
My leadership style is characterized by collaboration, empathy, and empowerment, influenced by transformative and situational leadership models. I prioritize listening to my team to understand their needs and challenges, which helps create a shared vision and fosters ownership.
I adapt my leadership approach based on the team’s experience: I take a more directive role with less experienced members to build confidence, while I empower seasoned teams to take initiative and drive innovation. This flexibility allows me to lead diverse teams effectively while promoting growth and trust.
My decision-making principles are rooted in evidence-based practice and a focus on long-term sustainability. I prioritize stakeholder engagement when implementing new policies or decisions to ensure they are both practical and well-received. By leading with integrity, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning, I strive to inspire and support those around me. I believe that great leaders do more than manage; they build capacity within their teams, fostering environments where individuals and groups can truly thrive.
Can you share an example of a successful initiative you implemented in your nursing career?
One of my key initiatives was creating a comprehensive model to determine the optimal number of nurses needed to meet hospital demands. This model integrates various metrics, such as nursing care hours, occupancy rates, and nurse-patient ratios, to balance high-quality patient care with efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This data-driven approach allows for optimal resource allocation while ensuring safe care environments. I presented this model at several international nursing conferences, receiving recognition from global nursing leaders who expressed interest in implementing it in their systems.
Additionally, for 15 years, I have conducted a nursing leadership and management workshop aimed at aligning senior nurses with progressive, evidence-based leadership. This workshop enhances competencies in leadership and team management, fostering a new generation of confident nursing leaders. I also published a peer-reviewed article highlighting the workshop’s transformative impact on emerging nurse leaders. These initiatives demonstrate my commitment to advancing nursing practices and improving healthcare delivery worldwide.
What challenges have you faced in your nursing leadership roles, and how have you overcome them?
One significant challenge I’ve faced is overcoming resistance to change when introducing new practices or technologies. I’ve found that transparency and education are key; by clearly communicating the reasons for changes and involving staff in the planning process, I can turn skeptics into advocates.
Another challenge has been addressing the emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to burnout and anxiety among healthcare workers including nurses To support my team, I implemented peer support initiatives and resilience training, enhancing our ability to provide compassionate care under pressure.
Currently, I am tackling the global nursing shortage, worsened by the pandemic. This has complicated workforce planning and resource allocation due to high demand for skilled nurses. In response, I focus on innovative staffing models to maximize productivity while maintaining care quality. Additionally, I prioritize creating a supportive work environment that retains existing staff and attracts new talent through career development opportunities and mentoring programs. Perhaps collaborating with local universities and nursing colleges is key in this process.
Addressing these challenges requires flexibility, patience, and trust-building. By combining strategic planning with empathetic leadership, I aim to create effective solutions that support both my team and our patients in demanding circumstances.
How do you see the role of technology evolving in nursing practice?
Technology is transforming nursing practice through innovations like wearable devices, predictive analytics, and telehealth. I view technology as a powerful tool that enhances, rather than replaces, the essential human touch in nursing. For instance, AI-powered decision support systems help nurses prioritize tasks and identify at-risk patients early, facilitating timely interventions that improve outcomes. Telehealth has expanded access to care, especially for underserved populations, enabling nurses to monitor chronic conditions and provide remote education and support.
Wearable devices and mobile health apps empower patients to manage their health actively, with nurses interpreting data to create holistic care plans. However, successful integration of these technologies requires nurses’ involvement in their design and implementation to ensure they are user-friendly and align with clinical workflows. Additionally, technology should alleviate administrative burdens, allowing nurses to focus more on direct patient care. Striking this balance is crucial for ensuring that technology supports the core of nursing practice while adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape.
What role do you think nurses will play in shaping the future of healthcare delivery?
Nurses are uniquely positioned to lead the transformation of healthcare. With their holistic perspective and close patient interactions, nurses are often the first to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for innovation. In the future, I would like to see nurses taking on expanded roles as care coordinators, policy advocates, clinical researchers, educators, healthcare entrepreneurs, and leaders in technology adoption. For example, as healthcare shifts toward value-based models, nurses will play a critical role in preventive care and chronic disease management, helping to reduce hospital readmissions and improve population health. Additionally, nurses will continue to advocate for patient-centered care, ensuring that technological advancements and policy changes align with the needs and dignity of those we serve.
Lastly, what advice would you give to new nurses entering the profession?
To new nurses, I advise embracing every experience as an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference. Nursing is a dynamic and gratifying field that offers countless opportunities for impact, but it also comes with challenges. Approach these challenges with a mindset of resilience and adaptability. Seek mentorship from experienced colleagues who can guide and inspire you, and invest in building strong, supportive relationships within your team. These connections will be invaluable throughout your career. Prioritize self-care as an essential part of your practice, recognizing that your well-being directly influences your ability to provide the best care for others. Stay curious and committed to lifelong learning by pursuing continuing education, certifications, and professional development opportunities. Keep up with emerging trends and innovations in healthcare, as these will enhance your practice and keep you at the forefront of this evolving profession. Remember, mistakes are inevitable but also integral to the learning process. What truly matters is how you reflect on and grow from them, turning challenges into stepping stones for success. Finally, always maintain sight of the profound and often immeasurable impact you have on patients’ lives. The compassion, skill, and dedication you bring to your work make a difference every single day, even in ways you may not immediately recognize. Take pride in your unique role in the healthcare system, and let that pride fuel your journey forward.
