Shaping the future of healthcare with international collaborations and strategic relationships
Standing tall as a testimony to Saudi Arabia’s women empowerment programs and a beacon of hope for millions of women across the Middle East, Dr. Basma Ghandourah’s journey in Healthcare has been a profound lesson in the virtues of continuous learning, innovation, adaptability, agility, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence, molding her into the award-winning professional that she is today.
Throughout her journey, Dr. Ghandourah has had the privilege of experiencing both sides of the healthcare spectrum. As a leading Restorative Dentist, she’s been on the front lines, dedicated to enhancing the smiles and well-being of patients grappling with complex oral health challenges. This hands-on practice has reinforced the values of precision, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to patient-centric care.
Simultaneously, her career has led Dr. Ghandourah into the realm of Healthcare Leadership, Management, Strategic Relationships, and International Collaboration. In this capacity, she’s been privileged to be among the few who initially embarked on the journey towards healthcare reform in Saudi Arabia. Her role in international collaboration and strategic partnerships has empowered her to import global expertise into their local healthcare landscape, driving transformative initiatives and nurturing a culture of innovation.
Today, she works as a General Manager of the Executive Directory of Business Partners at the prestigious Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS).
“My career reflects my unwavering commitment to healthcare excellence, innovation, and a deep-rooted desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. At its core, my journey has been about fostering strategic alliances and partnerships that transcend borders to elevate the quality of care. This vision has driven me to cultivate over 35 partnerships with esteemed international and local organizations and universities, creating a dynamic ecosystem for healthcare innovation,” says Basma.
Based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Basma obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Riyadh Elm University; Advanced Specialty Education Program & Master’s in Restorative Dentistry from University of Michigan’s School of Dentistry; and MBA in Hospital and Health Care Facilities Administration/Management from Alfaisal University.
In the field for more than a decade, Dr. Ghandourah has worked for the Vision Realization office of the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Saudi Arabia, then joined SCFHS in 2019. She is recognized for consistently meeting organizational goals, combining precision and strong interpersonal skills. A detail-oriented leader, she is skilled in strategic planning, adapting to new situations and challenges, and managing multiple priorities while directing high-performing teams. While contributing strategically, she continues to practice as a restorative dentist at a private clinic. Dr. Ghandourah is a dynamic healthcare leader dedicated to enhancing the industry’s landscape.
“My passion lies in shaping the future of healthcare on a global scale, fueled by a burning desire to improve lives. I am constantly motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through strategic partnerships, innovation, and leadership. The prospect of fostering collaboration and creating transformative healthcare solutions drives me every day.”
Throughout her career, Dr. Ghandourah has had the honor of receiving prestigious awards such as the IADR Heraeus Kulzer Travel Award and the IAAM Young Scientist Medal in 2016, recognizing her groundbreaking contributions to healthcare. Additionally, her recent designation as an International Hospital Federation Young Executive Leader (#IHFYEL2023) underscores her exceptional leadership and commitment to healthcare excellence.
According to her, ‘Leadership’ is all about cultivating a culture of empowerment and growth. It’s the art of creating more leaders, taking care of those under your guidance, and uniting everyone towards a common vision. True leadership is characterized by a commitment to fostering collaboration, agility, and a culture of continuous learning. It’s about enabling others to reach their full potential and collectively striving for excellence.
Does she believe in the rat race, we asked her. Telling us how she’s a veritable tiger in the rat race, she says, “I firmly believe in setting my own path, not just running in the race. Being a tiger means being a fierce, agile, determined, and strategic leader. To me, it means leading with vision, courage, and purpose. It’s about making a difference and leaving a legacy that inspires others to lead with integrity. The healthcare landscape demands innovation and a proactive approach. By being a tiger, I can lead transformative initiatives, help shape the industry’s future, and hopefully inspire others to do the same.”
Basma’s wellspring of inspiration is rooted in her parents’ remarkable professional journeys. Witnessing their impactful achievements, which continue to shape their respective industries, has been a driving force in her own path. Like them, she aspires to be a catalyst for change, someone who strives to enhance lives, not just for today but for generations to come. Her aim is to create a lasting legacy characterized by innovation, collaboration, and transformative leadership. She’s committed to leveraging international collaboration and innovation to empower humanity, foster cultural development, and confront the challenges of our era.
However, every journey comes with its share of challenges, and Basma’s path was no exception. She encountered numerous Obstacles from navigating complex international partnerships to managing multifaceted healthcare initiatives. While luck may have a role to play, she firmly believes that success is primarily a result of faith, unwavering hard work, devotion, and strategic thinking. Challenges, in her view, are opportunities for growth, and each one helped shape her, reinforcing the importance of diligence and continuous improvement. Thomas Edison wisely said, ‘Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration’, and Basma wholeheartedly embraces this philosophy in her approach to both dentistry and healthcare leadership.
Grateful for this opportunity to share her journey, the charismatic Dr. Ghandourah shares an important message for our readers: “I’d like to emphasize that the road to success is indeed paved with courage, an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning, and a profound passion for creating a positive impact. In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, our greatest achievements come when we work together, transcending boundaries and embracing innovation to create a healthier world for all.”
