As part of our client spotlight series, we’re thrilled to feature Mr. Himan Chawla, Managing Director and Dr. Jeffrey J. Herbert, CEO of Allied Health GME Holdings, who are visionary leaders in the Allied Health sector in the UAE. With a strong background in international business and healthcare innovation, they have expanded their company’s reach to address critical gaps in the Allied Health landscape across Asia Pacific and the USA. Through Allied Health GME, they aim to pioneer new educational programmes and sustainable healthcare models to support the UAE’s growing needs.
Dr Herbert and Mr. Chawla discuss their journey, Allied Health GME’s unique offerings, and how their collaboration with CBD Corporate Services has helped achieve these goals.
- Please tell me about yourselves, Dr. Herbert and Mr. Chawla.
Mr. Himan Chawla, a Bachelor of Science graduate in Accounting and Finance, is an accomplished business professional with a deep understanding of international business dynamics. Educated at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, he has dedicated the past eight years to leading the Allied Health sector. As Managing Director of ARC Medical Group Australia, he has successfully expanded the business to an international level, establishing new healthcare business models across the Asia Pacific and USA markets. His work includes creating a sustainable support infrastructure for Australian public hospitals, focusing on eco-friendly medical solutions.
Dr. Jeffrey J. Herbert, D.C., holds a Doctorate in Chiropractic and is the inventor and developer of the “Bionomic Seating,” a medical device recognized by the Australian Government. With over 39 years of clinical experience across the US and Australian markets, Dr. Herbert graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic, the renowned institution of Chiropractic education. He is a trailblazer of the “Bionomic” approach to Chiropractic, which has gained academic recognition. His expertise is further complemented by certifications in communication and human behavior, making him an ideal expert to lead initiatives in this field through his blend of clinical experience, academic contributions, and innovative, government-approved approaches.
- What inspired the creation of Allied Health GME? What gap are you filling in the market?
Allied Health in the Middle East is currently a developing market, with a large gap for academically driven, specialist providers. As one of the world’s highest growth healthcare markets, we believe there is a real opportunity to establish AHGME as thought leaders early in its development. Following from this, there is a demonstrable lack of opportunity for education in allied health professions outside the traditional medical environment. There is a growing demand for proactive health services support outside of the reactive medical services environment will present a growing need for specialist allied health practitioners in the coming years. We believe a support infrastructure for this growing demand will likely be received well by the UAE’s leadership, keeping consistent with their agile adaptation of efficiencies in their market.
Allied Health serves a critical function in the health care space. It alleviates pressures on the medical system by supporting patients’ needs with specialist services, often focused on rehabilitation and/or prevention, that operate in a regulated, controlled environment. For patients, it provides more robust care solutions that operate outside a medical infrastructure that is often slow moving and focused on medical priorities.
Chiropractic is the largest Primary Health discipline worldwide second only to Allopathic Medicine. Chiropractic healthcare is grounded in the science of spinal alignment and its profound impact on overall health. Chiropractors provide specific, focused and directional spinal adjustments to rebalance the dysfunctional mal-adaptive spinal structures. Office consults also include education and associated lifestyle advice to improve physiological health, movement, the reduction of pain, and to manage a range of physical impairments.
- Could you elaborate on the range of programmes and services offered by Allied Health GME?
The disciplines Allied Health GME intends to offer Chiropractic, Naturopathy, Occupational Health, Rehabilitation and Recovery.
Bionomic® Chiropractic will be the first program. It is a unique and very patient centric concept that focuses on how the spine functions with, and adapts to, gravitational forces (Geotropism). Emphasis is placed on the neuroplasticity of the spinal cord and contents of the spinal column. Neuroplasticity directly affects the function of the brain on an impulse level. Any changes in the neuroplasticity of the cord affects the homeostatic balance of the sympathetic (fight or flight) and the parasympathetic (calming, healing, recovery) halves of the brain. Any homeostatic imbalance of these systems leads to pain and dis-ease in the body. Bionomic® Chiropractic focuses on optimisation of this neuroplastic element thus mitigating the negative impacts of misalignment that are a cause of a range of health challenges over time.
From this initial offering AHGME will source world class curriculums from around the world and bring them to the Middle East.
- How does Allied differentiate itself from other healthcare education/training providers?
As established thought leaders at the forefront of allied health education in the market, we aim to establish an advisory business unit which support more robust regulatory frameworks within the market. This will support the development of the industry in the market by improving consistency, safety, and quality throughout the industry.
Our education business unit will be the first entrance into the market. This will start with our established Bionomic® Chiropractic channel, which aims to support best-practice chiropractic services education within an established education infrastructure. This will organically expand into a broader allied health education business unit.
We’re also established thought leaders in our space. Our board of consultants have decades of experience, along-side academic qualifications, and respected positions in ongoing academic discussions in allied health subject matter.
- How is Allied contributing to the advancement of healthcare professionals in the UAE?
Allied Health Clinics: Our objective is to educate/develop world class educational programs that produce exceptional Allied health professionals that work parallel to the medical, dental or nursing professions. They will be University Qualified Practitioners with specialised expertise in preventing, diagnosing and treating a range of conditions and illnesses. Our Allied health practitioners work within a multidisciplinary health teams to provide specialised support for different patient needs.
- What advice would you give to aspiring healthcare professionals looking to advance their careers?
Join us to find out!
To advance in an Allied Health career, focus on building strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of your field. Effective communication is key: give clear instructions, provide constructive feedback, and engage patients with clarity. Strong leaders also foster collaboration across disciplines, essential for achieving the best patient outcomes. The role of Allied Health leaders has evolved significantly; future leaders need adaptable skills, a forward-thinking mindset, and the ability to embrace new technologies like AI to boost productivity and efficiency.
- How was your experience working with CBD?
Fantastic! Everyone was friendly and extremely helpful. We would definitely recommend your business to others.
To learn more about Allied Health GME and their services, visit: https://alliedhealthgme.com/