Our mothers and grandmas are our first doctors, who counter small skin and hair troubles with home remedies and herbal mixtures. In a larger picture, the healthcare industry comprises such mother-like compassionate women leaders who work with extra empathy and care. We are delighted to recognize Dr. Radha Lachhiramani as such an outstanding woman in healthcare.

Dr. Radha is a qualified MD Dermatologist, certified in Aesthetic Medicine from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine USA, and achieved a Master's in Clinical Dermatology from the University of Cardiff. She's also a GMC (UK) registered Medical Practitioner and International fellowship of the American Academy of Dermatology. Women Entrepreneur magazine engages in an exclusive conversation to deduce more about her journey.

Take us through your early educational journey and the prior industry experience that you bring to the table.

After completing my primary and high school in Dubai, I moved to Mumbai to do my bachelor's in medicine. I was initially en-rolled at the University of London to train as a paediatrician but returned to India during the London bombings of 2005. I wanted to practice medicine and surgery together and the only branch that involved both was dermatology. Subsequently, I pursued a Master's in Clinical Dermatology from the University of Cardiff. I am certified in Aesthetic Medicine from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine USA and practicing in the UAE for over 15 years now. I started my career with VLCC and then moved to Cos-mo Laser Medical Centre, and also explored other hospitals and centres while encountering a different experience. Eventually, I became the head and was responsible for setting up the cosmetology department in a couple of hospitals. Yeah, it's been quite a fascinating, challenging, and rewarding journey so far. Although my journey began with Cosmo Laser, I am currently working at Gargash Hospital, Dubai.

Introduce us to Cosmo Laser Medical Centre. Tell us about the underlying idea behind the practice and some of its most unique features.

I joined Cosmo Laser Medical Centre in 2007 as a specialist cosmetologist and dermatologist. The company was built by 40 great dermatologists in UAE. It evolved as a referral centre for dermatologists. It was one-of-its-kind because there was no such centre as big; equipped with all dermatology equipment.

What are some important features of your expertise as a dermatologist?

Growing up in Dubai, I was exposed to people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. I also practiced medicine in India and abroad, and the understanding I have gained of skin phototype has been immense. My expertise is varied and primarily involves core dermatology, and cosmetic procedures such as dermal fillers, botox, PRP, mesotherapy, thread lifts, lasers, micro-needling, chemical peels, As a specialist, my first role is to manage common skin and hair ailments and also manage chronic disor-ders, which include allergies, dermatitis, cutaneous in-fections, and superficial or deep fungal infections. Also, derma emergencies, genetic dermatosis, and more. I also do various treatments and procedures like chemical peels, dermal fillers, laser surgery, radiofrequency treatments, sclerotherapy, excision of benign malignant, and more. In fact, I have hands-on experience in all derma procedures, except hair transplants due to legal restrictions in the country. Cryosurgery, skin biopsies, and more. I've been fortunate to have played a role in all kinds of procedures in different countries as well.

Enumerate the various challenges you face as a healthcare practitioner. What steps do you take to overcome the roadblocks that you face?

The first important thing is to develop faith or trust because only then the patient will be more comfortable. It is important to talk to them and have a full consultation so that they can get well with you and continue on a long-term basis; because most dermatology cases are chronic. Again, that's a challenge to be able to stay consistent for very long, otherwise, the patients get frustrated if the allergies or eczemas' are coming back.

In terms of aesthetics, the biggest challenge here in Dubai is everyone is culturally different. You can find almost equal Indians, Europeans, and Americans as the Locals, and each one's needs are completely different. They come to you with different skin types and needs. Overcoming this challenge has been fascinating but also difficult sometimes. However, over the years, I have learned how to deal with these differences.

I don't rush into finishing my duty and make sure each patient's needs are met. What we do for them is secondary, achieving their needs is primary. For in-stance, somebody wants to have huge lips and someone else wants to have very natural treatments with subtle changes, which are not visible in the mirror but makes them feel fresh. Some people want everything, some need quick fixes, and some are not satisfied no matter what, but are extremely gratified when happy. So, aesthetics is a different game altogether. However, I think it is not so difficult if you really put your heart and mind into it.

“Know your goal so that you don't waver in a different direction”

What would your advice be to young women and girls who also aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

Know your goal so that you don't waver in a different direction. Take one step at a time and achieve it to reach that goal. If you keep wavering, then life becomes a mess.

Many people today are completely going into cosmetics, I tell them to not pursue it just to make money. Do it only if interests you because you will have a lot of challenges in a big way when compared to core dermatology. Moreover, don't consider Derma as a beauty field.

Keep derma as your core and then evolve yourself to learn new things. Be careful, go slow; never over-correct, always under-correct; so you will have something to do when they come back.

Dr. Radha Lachhiramani, Dermatologist & Cosmetologist, Gargash Hospital

Dr. Radha shows special interest in Infectious Diseases, Pigment disorders, Allergies, Wart treatment, Scar Treatment, Hair Loss Management, Anti-Ageing therapy, Psoriasis, Blistering Diseases, and Melasma. She is a recipient of numerous scholarships locally and internationally and has participated in numerous National and International Conferences. Radha has recently joined Gargash Hospital in Dubai.