The healthcare sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by digital advancements and the need for improved efficiency and patient outcomes. Consulting services in the healthcare sector have become increasingly valuable, providing expertise in navigating these complex changes through knowledge management and digital transformation strategies. One prominent leader in this space is Dr. Sora Al Rowas, who brings her extensive global experience and deep understanding of healthcare systems to the region. Her unwavering dedication to revolutionizing healthcare provision is evident through her establishment of Al Sorat Consulting, where she champions evidencebased decision-making and advocates for sustainable practices that prioritize patient well-being. Let us explore her profound insights and invaluable contributions that are driving positive change in the healthcare industry.

Give a brief account of your educational and professional background. Additionally, tell us about the expertise you have developed as a clinician.

I have obtained a Bachelor's in Biology, followed by a medical degree from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon. Later, returning to Oman and completing my internship, I worked as a general practitioner at a health center for a year. Subsequently, I also pursued a Master's degree in Research at McGill University.

To specialize in internal medicine, I completed my residency in Western Massachusetts, United States, and had the opportunity to serve as a Chief Resident for an additional year. Later on, relocating to Boston, I assumed the role of Assistant Professor at Tufts University, and eventually progressed to become the Director of Evidence-based medicine. During this time, I was selected to attend the esteemed ‘Train the Trainer’ course in faculty development at Stanford University for a month. Following that, I returned to the Gulf region, worked at the American Hospital Dubai, and later joined Muscat, been appointed as the Head of risk management at the Royal Hospital, and then rose to the Head of Acute medicine. This diverse background has provided me with expertise as a diagnostician and a comprehensive understanding of healthcare delivery systems and their impact on practice.

What inspired you to establish Al Sorat Consulting? Share with us the fundamental concept behind this venture and its various specialized fields.

The extensive experience I have gained in clinical medicine, combined with my leadership roles as a physician, has granted me valuable insights of systems of practice that significantly impact healthcare delivery. Understanding how flawed systems can hinder even the most skilled clinicians from performing optimally, I was driven by a strong passion to co-found Al Sorat Consulting alongside my sister, Dr. Meda Al Rowas. Our belief is that achieving excellence in healthcare delivery is not only attainable but also of utmost importance. We are dedicated to pursuing this goal through championing an iterative approach that emphasizes evidence-based decision-making.

What are some of the most significant obstacles you face as a healthcare consultant? How do you overcome these challenges?

Currently, my primary challenge lies in shifting the healthcare C-suite narrative away from a focus solely on cost-cutting and toward recognizing the importance of delivering excellent care. It is crucial to view healthcare as an industry that requires longterm thinking, spanning decades rather than focusing on short-term financial gains. Adjusting clients' expectations from immediate profits to sustainable practices that promote the long-term retention and trust of patient populations represents the biggest hurdle at present. I am driven by the desire to assist our region in reimagining how healthcare delivery is financed, aligning profitability with the value provided to patients and the wider community.

“My principle has always been prioritizing people, recognizing that neglecting their well-being in system design leads to failure”

Delineate some of your career milestones. Also, what has been your success mantra all along?

My principle has always been prioritizing people, recognizing that neglecting their well-being in system design leads to failure. Honesty about the organization's culture is crucial for meaningful change.

I take immense pride in being selected as the Chief Resident among my entire cohort, as it provided me with invaluable insights into educational systems and hospital administration. Additionally, I am proud to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading my own teaching team as a newly appointed attending, which is a rare opportunity at Tufts University.

Furthermore, I am proud to have completed the Stanford Faculty Development course, where I had the privilege to learn from exceptional mentors of global renown. I am also touched by my patient’s nominating me for the Shwartz Award for compassionate care and the testimonials patients have graced me with over the years. Those were moments that uplifted me during the hardest times. Lastly, within a relatively short period at the Royal Hospital, I swiftly progressed into leadership positions as the head of risk management and later as the head of acute medicine. These milestones demonstrated trust in my performance. This trust fuels my confidence in healthcare consulting to drive widespread excellence in regional healthcare systems.

Can you shed light on your personal life outside of work? Do you engage in any activities or hobbies that currently bring you joy?

I am immensely grateful to have achieved a satisfying work-life balance. Being a single woman has afforded me the opportunity to embark on various adventures. I am a certified yoga teacher and an ardent practitioner of meditation. Living in Oman has blessed me with frequent opportunities scuba dive and become a PADI rescue diver. Recently, I completed the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal, an experience that left me in awe and with a deep sense of humility. Moreover, I have recently joined the Middle East Leadership Academy (MELA) Community, an organization dedicated to supporting business leaders in the region. It is an honor for me to have been elected as a class representative for the MELA Board.

What is your perspective on the current representation of women in the business landscape of Oman? How do you envision their representation evolving and progressing in the future?

Over the years, numerous Omani women have paved the way in the business arena, showcasing their strong business acumen. However, women continue to be underrepresented, and I hope to witness more women taking the leap into entrepreneurship and actively contributing to shaping the narrative surrounding the country's business environment. Additionally, it is my aspiration to see a greater number of Omani women serving on the boards of major companies, further enhancing their representation and influence.

Sora Al Rowas, Co-Founder, Al Sorat Consulting

Sora Al Rowas is a healthcare visionary and the founder of Al Sorat Consulting, dedicated to driving excellence in healthcare delivery through evidence-based practices and transformative solutions.