Leaders

India is the diabetic capital of the world and the hub of lifestyle diseases like heart disease, diabetes, PCOS, obesity, high lipid, high BP, and so on, most of which start early during adolescence; however, they go undiagnosed due to a lack of symptoms, rightly known as silent killers, which need to be identified early and treated. Dr. Paula Mukherjee Goel, founder of Fayth Clinic, with expertise in the management of lifestyle diseases in adolescents and youth, is trained in pediatrics and adolescent medicines, which help her connect, treat and counsel adolescents and their parents. Fayth Clinic is a chain of certified Multi-Specialty clinics and diagnostic centers specializing in cardiac healthcare, child healthcare, diagnostics, vaccinations, skincare, and corporate and institutional health checkups.  

Dr. Paula Goel, a certified trainer of a national level in paediatrics and adolescent medicine is using her abilities to deliver better healthcare and create awareness about lifestyle diseases. In a recent interaction with Women Entrepreneur, Dr. Paula Goel shares more about her journey. Let’s hear from her.

What motivated you to establish Fayth Clinic? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture and some of its most unique features.

During the early years of my practice, I came across many adolescents with lifestyle diseases that went undiagnosed and untreated as parents did not feel the need for treatment due to lack of symptoms. That is when I decided to set up Fayth Clinic, which would identify, diagnose, counsel, treat and provide patient education to enable them to make informed decisions regarding their health. Over the last 14 years, we have treated more than 250000 patients of lifestyle diseases and more than 3500 international patients. One of the unique features was to develop a holistic patient-centric approach where medical care (physical, mental, emotional) may be given under one roof in a comprehensive, affordable, time-bound manner, along with medical diagnostics. Healthy heart, Blood pressure and Diabetes management, Teenage Obesity, Secrets to successful living – redesign your life are some of the preventive programs which helps patients to take corrective actions with lifestyle modifications by personal counselling, group discussions, exercise protocols and disease specific nutrition. This enables patients to understand and manage their health problems better.

Throw some light on the most critical challenges you face in your current role. What steps do you take to overcome the roadblocks that you face?

The initial years of starting were difficult as resources were tight, and it takes time for healthcare services to grow profitably. Since the venture was not funded and was self-owned, the financial pressures remained very high in the early years. Developing and implementing systems in all sections needed to be looked into critically. Recovery of dues for work done on a credit basis from different companies, primarily from the insurance sector, was a nightmare. Building trust, belief, and credibility to turn patients who walked in to get their medical tests done into lifelong dedicated patients was a challenge, but we came through eventually. Success came when problems were identified and addressed immediately, regular training of paramedical staff, and company culture development – all worked together with single-minded focus, dedication, and commitment. Keeping a positive mind is necessary to motivate the team to continue to perform to the best of their abilities and capabilities.

What are some of the most significant milestones you have achieved throughout your professional journey? What has been the driving force behind your success as a professional?

Developing Fayth Clinic into the brand it is now, and getting NABH accredited and ISO 9001;2015 certified was a milestone that we achieved and provided healthcare services successfully to over 250000 national and 3500 international clients. The next milestone was growing Fayth Clinic into three full-fledged diagnostic and medical centers in Mumbai and 35 pan-India network partners. We conducted mega camps of more than 500 beneficiaries in Mumbai in association with NGOs, including Lions Club, and adolescent health camps with over 500 beneficiaries. The main driving force behind the milestones is the desire to provide patientcentric healthcare services across the country and patient education. This helps improve the patient-doctor relationship based on trust and faith.

"Do Not Follow Anyone Blindly; Instead, Create Your Own Path By Building On Your Strength, & You Will Achieve Success"

Drawing from your experience as a business leader, what would your advice be to young women and girls who aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

Remaining faithful to your vision and not giving up in crises is the mainstay. Have a single-minded focus and stay motivated, dedicated, and focused. Do not change your vision, no matter what anybody in your sector does. There will be many disruptors in your industry, but remaining true to who you are, will eventually help you to achieve your goal.

Dr. Paula Mukherjee Goel, Founder & Director, Fayth Clinic

Dr. Paula Goel has done her postgraduation in pediatrics from Pune University and further specialization in diabetology from John Hopkins University, USA. She has worked as a pediatrician for the last 17 years and in adolescent pediatrics for the last 11 years. She is particularly interested in adolescent obesity and its multiple problems and lifestyle diseases in the young. She has been featured in many press reviews on adolescent obesity nationally and internationally, including the Agence French Press (AFP). She is an active member of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics adolescent chapter and a certified national trainer for training pediatricians in adolescent medicine.