Enter the world of luxury health care with Dr. Aceel Alanizi

Dr Aceel Alanizi.

Launching a new business is always a challenge but it helps if you start with strong foundations. For Dr. Aceel Alanizi, it’s her years of scientific training that give her a special understanding of what excellence means in the medical context.
Alanizi has a Masters in Human Molecular Medicine and a Ph.D. in Molecular Immunology, both from Imperial College, London. Her main area of research focused on the genetic markers of Multiple Sclerosis. Her undergraduate studies in Biological Sciences were undertaken at King Saud University in Riyadh.
She especially values the influence of her father from whom she has learned a great deal through observing him run his hospital management business.
“My father is my role model and backbone; working with him has shaped my business persona and the fact that he is a medical doctor exponentially increased my knowledge in the field,” she said.
Luxury Healthstyle (www.luxuryhealthstyle.com) was launched in May this year, and already Alanizi is thriving in her new role guiding clients through the maze of options on offer in London’s private medical sector.
Her core principle goes to the heart of what she aims to achieve: “Your health is your greatest asset and it should be given the high standard of care it deserves. I only recommend what I would choose for myself, and I believe this information should be accessible to those who need it,” she said.
So what kind of people are turning to her company for help? Some clients are London based and many come from the Gulf with a wide range of needs. These include surgery, post-operative/illness recuperation and cosmetic procedures. Some are looking for a chance to improve their overall well-being, which might include a stay at a recommended health spa and special dietary and exercise programs.
Clients flying into London have the option of being met by a chauffeur service and if required they can have their accommodation booked by the company. Alanizi prefers to use luxury boutique hotels, which have a unique character and give an added sense of privacy and exclusivity.
She has a clear view on what luxury means. “I don’t use ‘luxury’ in the pretentious sense of the word; to me luxury means being comfortable. You need to have the comfort of knowing that your health is in good hands — that you are being taken care of — that your mind is at peace,” she said.
She described a recent experience of a client and the kind of services offered: “A lady from the Gulf flew in for a knee operation. She was keen to complete her treatment before Ramadan. Part of our service was to transfer her medical data; she had already seen a doctor but she wanted a second opinion.
“A panel of doctors was presented with her case and they gave their opinions and advice. This was accomplished within 48 hrs; we understand that patients are anxious so speed and reassurance are very important.
“We presented her with the findings and options — in her case surgery was recommended. We gave her the prices and the background of the orthopaedic surgeon. We told her what to expect — how long the operation would take and what the recovery time would be.
“She stayed in London for two weeks. One of our staff members accompanied her to the hospital. She was very happy with the procedure — she had her follow up ten days later and then she flew back home all within the two-week timeframe.”
Alanizi personally selects her staff and assigns the same staff member to a client throughout their visit to ensure continuity and smooth communication.
“My staff and collaborators are the ambassadors of my company and represent the image I want to convey. They are people I trust that also have the cultural awareness that is important to my clients; the most important thing here is consistency” she said.
Some staff are expert dietitians and nutritionists and are chosen for their specialisms and ability to translate their passion and skills into their work.
She personally inspects the medical facilities that she recommends.
“I tend to go and walk around a new clinic or a new center. I walk around the waiting room just to check — to make sure that everything looks presentable and to get a sense of the atmosphere. I chat to the nurses and meet the doctors as it’s important to establish good relationships.
“My background really helps me because although I’m not a medical doctor I do understand and speak the language — and I am very analytical and pay close attention to details,” she explained.
She has forged connections with some excellent spas outside of London, which are equipped to provide a wide range of treatments.
“If there is a serious issue — perhaps a chronic problem with weight that needs addressing over a longer period then certain health spas can provide longer term programs which also allow for family visits,” she explained.
Alanizi says that some people expected her to shape her career either in academia or as a researcher in her specialized field. But for her, fulfillment is coming through assisting others to overcome medical problems and optimize their health and well-being.
“The career path for a PhD is fairly limited. You either continue into research or go into academia. Although I love teaching, I just don’t see it as the right job for me; nor working in a lab from nine to five — I find it too isolating as I love interacting with people,” she said.
At the moment she finds that word of mouth recommendations are driving the business and she is happy to move slowly and build the company step by step.
“In essence, we are a boutique health management firm and I would like to establish my clientele and gradually grow with them. If all goes well, we can expand and have a base in the Middle East as well as in London. I want to build a reputable name that people can trust and go to whenever they need medical advice. In future, we can use our network on a wider scale and create an educational platform to increase awareness of certain health issues, including ways to prevent them or how to help someone going through a chronic illness. If you have a quality network, you can really make a difference,” she said.
She is focused on keeping service standards at the highest level and has traveled widely to see at first-hand what leading medical and holistic facilities provide.
“I’ve seen the very best that the world has to offer and the best that London has to offer. In terms of professional staff, services and the thoughtfulness and quality of care London rates very highly.
“There are some pioneering centers here with state of the art technology and equipment. Many of the hospitals have close links with hospitals in the US and Saudi. You have an open channel – for example if you need a referral — for additional advice and help,” she said.
She has a lot of ideas for developing the business including luxury health style holidays.
“We offer luxury healthstyle holidays in Europe. Here you can rent a villa for up to ten people, for example in Spain or Italy, and you turn it into your own little resort with staff provided by us.
“We provide a yoga instructor, a dietician and nutritionist; if you need someone with a medical background or a nurse this can be arranged. We hire all of the staff for you and organize the villa — all you have to do is get on the plane. The experience will be very private and tailored to the needs of whoever is in your group – perhaps members of your family, friends or perhaps a special ladies’ health vacation,” she said.
Alanizi recognizes that there is huge potential to develop the business but what motivates her is seeing people benefit from the guidance and services her company offers.
“It’s a great feeling when you are able to help someone overcome a health problem that has weighed on their mind,” she concluded.