Shewan Rand is an established physician with more than ten years of experience. She is currently a gynecologist after specializing a few years ago. Before specializing in women’s reproductive health, Rand had practiced as a general doctor for more than a decade, after which she decided to return to medical school to specialize. After finishing her studies, she practiced for a while and then opened a clinic, focusing mainly on women’s reproductive health, birth, and fertility issues. Her inspiration emanates from a strong desire to help other people, and especially women. Rand developed an interest in medicine as a very young person. So passionate about medical sciences that when she got to high school, she concentrated mainly on medical and biological sciences, and excelled. She soon joined medical school and graduated with high honors before starting her practice. During her tenure as a general doctor, she realized there was a severe shortage of gynecologist’s specialists. It’s at this point that she decided to return to medical school to specialize and research in this field to try and play a part in filling this gap. So far, she has been very successful in her practice thanks to passion, hard work, and a desire to assist others.
Besides her medical career, Rand is a giver and has often donated millions in money and medical equipment, primarily to charities that support communities on reproductive health issues. In her bid to reduce the maternal mortality rate in marginalized communities in developing countries, she has dedicated a lot of effort, even sacrificing time to visit such places to provide expertise and knowledge. Rand has been doing this for quite some time now and has had a significant impact on many communities. Rand also loves spending time with family when she is not at work, but often makes an effort to create time to be with them, even when she has a tight schedule. To have fun and relax, Rand likes outdoor games like tennis and often jogs regularly to keep fit. She also has a particular liking for long walks and hiking.
How did you get started in this business?
I began my practice after completing my specialist studies in women’s reproductive health. Before, I was a general practitioner but identified the gap that there was in the area of reproductive health, and so I ventured into it. I now own a clinic dealing with the same and often offer consultancy services to various hospitals.
How do you make money?
A consultancy fee is my primary way of making money. There are very few specialists in this area, so I consult with multiple hospitals and health institutions, public and private. I also get money from practicing the same in my clinic. So far, it has been a profitable business.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
Considering the capital I used to set up my clinic, the fees I spent in medical schools studying and researching in this field, I would say I eventually became profitable in about a year and a half. It is quite expensive to study and research in this field. Setting up a clinic is also expensive as you need specialized medical equipment and professionals that can operate the same. So you need to train others who will assist you on the side.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
I had already identified a gap, and I knew what was needed, so I never doubted its viability. With so few gynecologists, the demand can only remain higher even soon. These are necessary, if not mandatory, services that all women require. I had no doubt whatsoever that the business would work. Besides, I wanted to assist people. So, I have ended up achieving both. I am helping people and growing my business and my practice at the same time.
How did you get your first customer?
I started serving people even before I opened my clinic. I was already attached to a major hospital both as a practitioner and a consultant. When I eventually opened my clinic, it was reasonably easy to get clients. Most of the patients I had given my services to in various hospitals naturally followed me to my clinic. However, I had to do some advertisements and create a bit of awareness.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
Apart from referrals, which have brought me quite many clients, I use social media marketing. I utilize social media to communicate and advise communities about reproductive health and utilize the same to market my practice. So far, it has been working perfectly.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
In the medical field, you make tough decisions almost in every other situation. You never know when you will be faced with a difficult situation where your decision could significantly affect the lives or the lives of other people. Recently, the world has been hit with the COVID-19 pandemic. Being a medic, I found myself on the frontline to help resolve this crisis. I was in a dilemma whether first to close my private practice and concentrate on the general rule or have them both. I had to keep my clinic open despite having many patients coming not being able to pay as most had lost their jobs. But I have persevered, and I am very proud of myself.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I am passionate about what I do. I also take time to learn things before engaging in anything. I realized earlier on in life that the probable ingredient for failure is lack of preparation. I have always carried this knowledge with me in whatever I set to do. Preparation is key, and that is my mantra.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
I would say every day is an enjoyable day. My job entails meeting individuals with different challenges. While some just require simple check-ups, some require complicated procedures. I feel good every time I help a patient, and I am happy when I see them happy.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
There is a lot of positives going forward. The medical field has made a lot of advancements in the last decade, especially in reproductive health. There is still a lot to be done; hence numerous research projects in progress. I intend to keep pace with new developments to remain as relevant as possible in the industry. As an individual, I still want to advance my studies to practice and establish a training institution where I can pass on my knowledge and have the next generation advance in this field.
What business books have inspired you?
I read a lot in my free time, especially in the medical field, but I also read business books since I am also an entrepreneur. Currently, I am reading Good to Great. It is an excellent book that will teach you the fundamentals of management.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I do not regret how I have led my life because I am doing just what I wanted to do as a young person. However, I would advise myself to diversify my reading and read more books that are not related to medical sciences. I have discovered that there is an array of knowledge that can transform our lives for the better.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?
I am willing to be a mentor. Through sharing our success with others and helping others grow determines if we did anything meaningful in this world. Those willing to walk my path and become more than I am can call my business number and book an appointment with me. They can also send private messages via our social media pages.