Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber is the CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, professor of surgery, and a renowned urologist specializing in robotics. He leads a team of over 5,600 caregivers, focusing on growth, innovation, and excellence, and aligning with Cleveland Clinic and M42’s joint mission to drive innovation and implement tech-enabled health solutions. He tells Economy Middle East about the medical facility’s latest innovations and achievements that help elevate medical standards in the region and ensure a robust healthcare ecosystem that lead to a better quality of life.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi recently performed the UAE’s first bilateral kidney transplant and the first simultaneous robotic donor and recipient kidney transplant. How important is it for Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to achieve such milestones and what does it mean for the healthcare industry in the region?
Performing the UAE’s first bilateral kidney transplant and the first simultaneous robotic kidney transplant are remarkable milestones for Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and a proud moment for healthcare in the region. These are more than just a technological breakthrough – it’s about giving patients hope and options that were not available before. These procedures allow us to provide very sick patients with a less invasive surgical solution, shortening their stay at hospital, and reducing their risk of infection and speeding up recovery. These benefit patients in ways that traditional open surgery could not.
It is worth noting that the kidney transplant program in 2024 has delivered 107 kidney transplants, 28 of those were living related kidney transplants, 17 of those were living unrelated kidney transplants, and 62 were from deceased donors. In fact, our transplant center, the only multi-organ transplant facility in the UAE, has delivered over 775 transplants since its inception in 2017. These advancements reflect the rapid progress we are making toward becoming a global hub for medical care. It sets a new benchmark for what is possible in healthcare beyond the boundaries of the norm, opening doors for others to follow and ultimately elevating the standard of care for all.
How was this technology developed? How was the team trained to manage it effectively?
Robotic surgery integrates advanced robotic systems designed to enhance surgical precision while the surgeons maintains full control of the surgery. The technology uses sophisticated robotic arms that mimic the surgeon’s movements, enabling minimally invasive procedures through tiny incisions. While the system assists in certain aspects, such as improving visualization, stabilization and precision control, human intervention remains integral. Surgeons guide every step, ensuring safety and customization to each patient’s needs.
To achieve this level of expertise, our robotic surgical team underwent rigorous advanced training, and now is one of the most experienced, high volume surgical teams in the world. This approach ensures not only technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of patient outcomes and care. The development of this capability reflects Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s commitment to transforming healthcare through innovation, cutting-edge technology and advanced expertise.
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What role does advanced technology play in shaping the future of healthcare at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi?
Innovation is at the heart of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s mission to redefine the future of healthcare. From a clinical perspective, advanced technology enables us to offer innovative treatments like robotic surgery, cutting-edge imaging, and precision medicine that transform patient outcomes. These advancements not only improve recovery times and quality of life but also allow us to manage increasingly complex cases with unparalleled precision. On the operational side, technology streamlines workflows, enhances resource utilization, and ensures seamless patient experiences, helping us maintain efficiency in an ever-evolving, fast-paced industry.
Our multidisciplinary model of care was designed to bring world-class, complex healthcare closer to home, meeting the needs of patients in the UAE and the region. However, the level of care we provide has gained global recognition, attracting patients from around the world and positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for healthcare. This aligns with the UAE’s vision of building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem – one that not only meets the needs of its people but also drives innovation and economic growth. By leveraging technology, we are helping to fulfill this vision, ensuring that Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi remains at the forefront of healthcare excellence.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi earned the Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for the second time. What key goals are you focusing on to further improve quality and patient care?
Earning the Magnet® designation for the second time is a testament to the extraordinary dedication and expertise of our nursing team, who lie at the heart of our success. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we prioritize enabling our nurses with advanced training, leadership development opportunities, and cutting-edge technology to thrive in their roles. With over 97 percent holding advanced certifications and 100 percent completing patient safety training, our nurses are empowered to excel in their profession and drive meaningful innovation in care delivery. As we build on this achievement, our focus is on advancing quality and patient outcomes through three strategic goals.
First, we will continue to enhance our nursing leadership and professional development programs to further empower caregivers to take on transformative roles in shaping care delivery. Second, we will continue to leverage cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights to ensure precision, safety, and efficiency in every aspect of care. Lastly, we will deepen our commitment to research and innovation, encouraging our teams to pioneer new practices that set global benchmarks.
What initiatives are in place to ensure Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi remains a top destination for medical expertise?
What sets us apart is our model of care, our ability to combine a multidisciplinary team approach with the expertise of the Cleveland Clinic network. This ensures patients benefit from cutting-edge innovations and global best practices right here in Abu Dhabi. What also attract talent is the standards of living in the UAE, which is rapidly transforming into a global hub for healthcare excellence, and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is proud to be at the heart of this evolution.
By bringing world-class care closer to home, we’ve made it possible for patients to access advanced treatments locally, eliminating the need for international travel and setting new benchmarks in complex care. Equally important is our focus on career development of our workforce, not only in Abu Dhabi but across our Cleveland Clinic network.
In addition by hosting events like the Global Summit on Innovations in Cancer Care and conferences on robotics and nursing – global talent are able to experience first-hand the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi model and inspire them to join our team.
