In 2005 Bostonian David Printy, accepted the position of CEO of Oasis Hospital in the U.A.E, to expand the hospital’s medical infrastructure and to build a bridge attracting U.S. physicians and the rotation of U.S. physicians in training to the Middle East for the greater good of globalized healthcare.

“I think people are very interested in contributing to the welfare of humanity,” said Printy, “And having these international rotations allows physicians to really contribute to improving the world’s health care and the social fabric of many of these troubled parts of the world.”

Live Interview with Industry Expert David Printy

Globalization of Health Care

“Everyone thinks of globalization dealing with software and manufacturing, but healthcare is now joined in this globalization and patients really have the freedom to travel for quality and cost options” said Printy.

“Given what’s going on in the economy and particularly in the oil industry I think a lot of the capital structure that supported health care in the west is moving in a global direction, and certainly the last few years here in the Middle East,” he said.

U.S. companies are invested heavily in the globalization of healthcare.   “Significant investments in building, technology and training have taken place here in the Gulf region which I think in the future will make it a very attractive place for healthcare,” said Printy.

International Presence of American Institutions

“The Cleveland Clinic is here, John Hopkins International is here, the Mayo Clinic is here.  Duke University is starting a cardiac program here, and In Qatar you have the Cornell Medical School Campus.  So U.S. institutions are in place.

Medical Tourism in The U.A.E.

I think over the next five years citizens of the U.S. will start exploring the area for tourism and from there I think you will find opportunities for certain healthcare procedures here.  There really is a major opportunity to reduce healthcare costs particularly for cardiac care and other very high cost medical procedures.

I have some doctors coming here to visit in January and February to evaluate the opportunities of practicing abroad; particularly some surgeons, internal medicine specialists and a cardiologist and a group of pediatricians and an OBGYN as well.  Most of them are interested in improving the educational experience of the residents back in the U.S., and they want to start some rotations internationally,” Printy said
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As our U.S. medical and insurance infrastructure grow roots in the Middle East, our citizens will become more comfortable taking advantage of the cost and quality options of having medical procedures done in the U.A.E.

Major Insurers Expanding International Network of Providers

“United Health Care is growing an international network of providers.  They are really aggressive and I’m sure do a good job.  There are also a number of Blue Cross associations in the U.S. that are beginning to build kind of ‘pilot’ programs.

The other company that was very active in the international market was the health side of American International Group ‘AIG’ that is in the news a lot.  They are highly respected in the world, and they have one of the most efficient health care programs in the Middle East,” Printy said.

Benefit to U.S. Medical Tourists

All this bodes well for the U.S. citizen managing their medical care expenses.  Where before one might save two-thirds or more of the expense of a medical procedure by having it done abroad, now your out-of-pocket expense may be further reduced as U.S. insurance companies pitch in to reimburse for offshore care.

“Oasis Hospital was the very first private hospital to in the Abu Dhabi Emirate to be joint commissioned international accredited.  As a result of that we became part of the United Health Care network for this part of the world,” said Printy.

“The U.A. E. is a very strong ally of the U.S. and it’s a very comfortable for U.S. citizens here.  The Bedouin people are very inviting and tolerant people,” said Printy, “Over time I think the citizens will follow the U.S. institutions who are locating here.”

What’s it like for an American healthcare professional living in the Middle East?  “We’re very fortunate,” said Printy, “The hospital has grown tremendously.   Since I’ve been here we’ve been able to revitalize the hospital and reposition it to meet the community needs.  My staff comes from 32 nations, so you can imagine the daily challenges getting everybody to understand where we need to go and to build a collective spirit with such diversity.  It’s a very rewarding experience.”