Pioneering Skin Health: Most Visionary Leaders in Dermatology Innovation.
Dr. Rashmi Sharma, a distinguished dermatologist and venereologist, has dedicated her career to transforming skin health through innovation and personalized care. As the founder of KARA – Dermatology Solutions & Aesthetic Centre, Dr. Sharma stands at the forefront of dermatological advancements, combining science with artistry to address diverse skin concerns. Her commitment to excellence has earned her recognition as one of India’s leading figures in dermatology innovation, making her an inspiration to both her peers and aspiring dermatologists.
For Roula Youssef Halabi, Senior Vice President of Global Fertility Services at CooperSurgical, the pursuit of excellence in healthcare has been a lifelong mission.
Born and raised in Lebanon, her formative years were influenced by a culture that valued resilience, adaptability, and community—qualities that would later define her leadership style. Roula’s journey from a trained midwife to leadership roles in the fertility industry is not only a testament to her unwavering commitment to the health of women, babies, and families – the very mission she strives toward at CooperSurgical – but her dedication to excellence in everything she does.
CooperSurgical is a fertility & women’s health company rooted in a dedication to upholding the highest standards and reaching new heights as a leader in the industry: a guiding principle with which Roula found perfect harmony. Since 2023, she has led the global fertility services business, placing paramount importance on excellent quality care for customers and their patients, around the world.
Read on for excerpts from our interview with Roula where she brings to light how she inspires excellence in her teams through passionate leadership and empowering others.
The Path to Leadership
My journey began in the delivery rooms, where I witnessed firsthand the complexities and joys of bringing new life into the world. My education and training as a midwife gave me a deep understanding of the human side of healthcare. However, I felt a pull toward broader challenges in leadership, particularly in the domain of infertility—a field often fraught with emotional and physical hurdles for patients.
I’ve always been driven by the desire to create meaningful change and impact. Transitioning from midwifery to the infertility world having the opportunity to see the business from different lenses, the lens of a patient and the lens of a customer where I was the COO for the largest fertility network in the Middle East, and the lens of a supplier allowed me to address not only the clinical aspects, but also the emotional and social dynamics, of building families, along with the innovation and advanced technology that ensure access to care and improve outcomes.
After a few years in the field, I transitioned into business, combining clinical expertise with strategic acumen. I now bring 24 years of global healthcare expertise and leadership experience to my role, including managing a quarter-billion-dollar P&L and leading M&A endeavors. My journey has also been shaped by effective collaboration within complex organizations, strategic goal-setting, and international expansion initiatives. My multilingual skills (English, French, and Arabic) and dual nationalities (Lebanese and American) have enriched my ability to navigate diverse markets and cultures.
Staying Motivated in a Dynamic Role
For me, motivation stems from my dual focus: advancing medical innovation and making a real difference in patients’ lives. Every product we develop, every solution we deliver, has the potential to change someone’s story and help people achieve their dream of parenthood. That’s incredibly powerful.
Staying driven in a global leadership role requires balancing a demanding schedule with personal values. I credit my family for keeping me grounded; their support is my anchor. My commitment to a balanced and healthy lifestyle, including my active participation in the F45 High-Intensity Team Challenge, helps me maintain the energy and focus needed for my responsibilities.
Integrating Technology and Empathy
In a field as sensitive as fertility, the challenge lies in integrating cutting-edge technology without losing the patient focus. We can’t just innovate for innovation’s sake. We need to ask, ‘How does this improve the patient journey and the patient outcome? How does it support clinics in delivering better care for their patients?’
At CooperSurgical, we have introduced solutions and services that simplify complex processes, such as electronic witnessing systems and advanced genomic testing. But the real triumph lies in ensuring these innovations are accessible and empowering for patients and clinics alike.
Empowering Women Professionals
As a woman in a leadership role, I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where women can thrive. I have championed initiatives that promote mentorship, career development, and a culture of inclusivity. I believe that diverse voices drive innovation.
Empowerment is about creating opportunities and removing barriers. It’s about recognizing potential and investing in people, providing them with the tools to succeed.
My advice to young women aspiring to lead in healthcare is to believe in your vision and don’t be afraid to take risks. Seek mentors, build your network, and never stop learning. Most importantly, measure your success by the people you uplift, and don’t forget to celebrate the small wins along the way. Overcoming Challenges
My career has not been without its hurdles. Navigating a transition from a regional role to a global leadership position in a traditionally male-dominated industry came with unique challenges. These experiences, however, provided invaluable opportunities to break barriers, challenge biases, and pave the way for greater inclusivity.
Leadership is not just about making tough decisions in difficult times. It’s also about transparency, empathy, and ensuring that those decisions align with the organization’s values and long-term vision. As COO at Fakih IVF, I contributed to a significant industry acquisition and gained hands-on experience in board-level operations, preparing me for my current leadership responsibilities at CooperSurgical.
Board Memberships and Industry Contributions
Beyond my executive role at CooperSurgical, I serve as a board member for MECOMED and AVL Skincare, where I leverage my expertise to drive strategic initiatives and foster industry growth. My involvement underscores my dedication to advancing healthcare and related sectors through collaboration and innovation.
Defining Success and The Future of Fertility
Looking ahead, I see a future shaped by more personalized treatment, increased accessibility, and the integration of AI in clinical decision-making. The next frontier is making fertility solutions available to more people, irrespective of geography or socioeconomic status.
For me, success is about impact. It’s not just about hitting numbers or launching products. It’s about leaving a legacy of innovation, compassion, and empowerment. It’s about the lives we touch and the futures we help create.
As I continue to lead CooperSurgical’s fertility services with vision and heart, I am committed to excellence and inspiration to change fertility care for generations to come.
Pioneering Skin Health: India's Visionary Leaders in Dermatology Innovation.
The Early Years: Inspiration and Dedication
Dr. Sharma’s journey into dermatology was shaped by her innate curiosity about the complexities of human skin and her desire to improve people’s lives. Growing up in a family of five siblings, with four pursuing careers in medicine, she was profoundly influenced by her father, a doctor, and her mother, a homemaker. “My father is my inspiration and my guiding star,” she shares. “He always instilled in us the human values and the joy of hard work.” These early lessons fostered a deep commitment to excellence and compassion that continues to guide her career.
She pursued her MBBS with distinction from B. J. Government Medical College, Pune, graduating as a topper from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. Her academic excellence continued with an IADVL Fellowship in Vesicobullous Diseases from AIIMS, New Delhi, and an ACSI Fellowship in Aesthetic and Cutaneous Surgery at Safdarjung Hospital.
“The skin is a mirror of our overall health,” Dr. Sharma often says, emphasizing her holistic approach to skincare. Her early experiences instilled a deep appreciation for the impact of dermatological health on physical and emotional well-being, motivating her to specialize in this dynamic field.
Establishing KARA: A Vision for Advanced Skincare
Dr. Sharma founded KARA – Dermatology Solutions & Aesthetic Centre to deliver cutting-edge treatments tailored to individual needs. With expertise spanning over 130 dermatological procedures, including laser hair reduction, PRP treatments, chemical peeling, and anti-aging solutions like Botox and fillers, KARA has become a trusted name in the Delhi NCR region.
“Innovation means combining science with empathy,” Dr. Sharma explains. Under her leadership, KARA prioritizes personalized care, ensuring that each patient’s unique concerns are addressed with the latest advancements in dermatology. Her team’s dedication to excellence reflects her philosophy of merging precision with compassion.
Milestones and Recognitions
Dr. Sharma’s career is marked by significant milestones, from serving as a Senior Consultant at premier institutions like Fortis Hospital to presenting at over 50 national and international dermatology conferences. Her groundbreaking work on axillary hyperhidrosis, acne scars, and premature greying of hair has been featured in leading journals, including the Australasian Journal of Dermatology and BMJ Case Reports.
Awards such as the IADVL-L’Oréal Grant for Dermatology Research and the First Prize in the National Dermatology PG Quiz underscore her contributions to the field. Additionally, her leadership roles within IADVL, including Convener and Chairperson positions, highlight her influence in shaping the future of dermatology in India.
Innovation and Leadership
For Dr. Sharma, innovation in dermatology extends beyond new treatments to fostering a culture of creativity and excellence within her team. “True innovation is about challenging the status quo while keeping patient care at the core,” she says. Her workshops on dermatosurgery, fillers, and Botox techniques have trained countless professionals, furthering her mission to elevate dermatological standards.
Overcoming Challenges
Building a successful practice in a competitive field has not been without its challenges. Dr. Sharma credits her resilience and strategic vision for navigating obstacles, from managing patient expectations to staying ahead of emerging trends. Her ability to adapt and innovate has positioned KARA as a leader in advanced dermatology solutions.
Emerging Trends and Future Vision
Dr. Sharma is particularly excited about advancements in personalized skincare, regenerative medicine, and minimally invasive procedures. She is actively involved in research exploring these areas, ensuring her practice remains at the cutting edge of dermatological innovation.
“The future of dermatology lies in integrating technology with a patient-centric approach,” she asserts. Dr. Sharma’s vision includes expanding access to advanced skincare solutions across India, advocating for greater awareness of dermatological health, and fostering collaborations that drive progress in the field.
Advice to Aspiring Dermatologists
To young professionals entering the field, Dr. Sharma emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and empathy. “Dermatology is as much about understanding people as it is about treating their skin,” she advises. Her journey underscores the value of perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Dr. Rashmi Sharma’s career is a testament to the transformative power of vision and dedication. Through her innovative practices at KARA, her leadership in dermatological research, and her unwavering focus on patient care, she continues to redefine the standards of excellence in skin health. Her story inspires a new generation of dermatologists to push boundaries, embrace innovation, and prioritize the well-being of those they serve.
