Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, a chain of specialist cancer treatment centers in Lagos, Nigeria

Dr. Omolola Salako is an "Oncopreneur" who founded Sebeccly Cancer Care, Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, the Oncopadi App, and PROSECare AI, a digital patient monitoring platform in Nigeria. She is a global health leader and award-winning cancer researcher at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. With over two decades of specializing in oncology, she is among the 90 skilled clinical oncologists in Nigeria focusing on cancer treatment. She's won several awards for her excellent work, including the 2021 Brightest Minds in Cancer Research from the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the 2023 Global Bridges Oncology and Pfizer Global Medical Grants. She launched her business in 2018 and today it employs 40 people.

Lioness Weekender spoke to the mission-driven Dr. Omolola Salako about what drives her in the fight against cancer and her vision of transforming the landscape of cancer care in the region.

What does your company do?

Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital is a chain of cancer centers in Lagos, Nigeria. We operate in four communities and offer comprehensive cancer treatment and compassionate care to all our patients. Our team comprises over 40 healthcare professionals and administrators committed to providing personalized oncology services to our clients. Our mission is to prevent, treat, cure, and palliate cancer while providing calm, clarity, and hope to every patient we interact with.

As a technology-driven cancer center, we offer virtual cancer care services to our clients in partnership with Oncopadi Technologies. We leverage the proprietary Oncopadi platform to create a seamless connection between cancer patients and specialists, enabling them to access coping resources and engage with a supportive community. Patients can access video consultations, remote symptom monitoring, and a library of resources from the comfort of their homes, making cancer care more accessible and convenient.

Our collective expertise, technology-driven approach, and unwavering commitment to patients have positioned us as a leading cancer center in Nigeria and beyond. We are making significant strides in the fight against cancer and transforming the landscape of cancer care in the region.

Our commitment extends beyond medical procedures to creating a supportive and calm environment, providing patients with the clarity, calmness, and confidence to fight cancer. Recognizing that cancer care goes beyond the hospital walls, Pearl Oncology collaborates closely with Sebeccly Cancer Care. This renowned charity supports the psychosocial pillar and welfare of cancer patients who cannot afford the necessary care.

Through our collective clinical expertise, technology-driven approach, and unwavering commitment to patients, we are making significant strides in the fight against cancer and transforming the landscape of cancer care in Nigeria.

What inspired you to start your company?

My journey into oncology started in my bedroom in 2003 when my teenage sister was diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer, and I walked the dark path with her. In less than three months, she lost the cancer battle. That moment defined my mission, the heartbeat of my profession and ventures. As the founder of Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, this is my fifth venture. My motivation for creating this hospital comes from experiencing the devastating effects of cancer. I wanted to establish a haven for those affected by cancer and to be remembered as the oncologist who guided them through the dark paths of cancer recovery.

In 2006, I had a vision to establish a cancer center, but due to a multitude of reasons including fear, being young and it was arduous work laced with huge risks I didn't act on it until 2018. Finally, in 2018, a group of visionary physicians joined me in founding Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital. The hospital's goal is to provide humane cancer care and to become a valuable ally in the fight against cancer in Africa. We aimed to lead a new model of cancer care by offering personalized treatments and bringing cancer care closer to the people, thereby removing the fear factor from the cancer equation.

From 2018 to 2020, Pearl was an embedded clinic that was located within a hospital in Victoria Island. As the business grew, we decided to become an independent day clinic in January 2021, with its headquarters in Lekki. By 2023, we have expanded to an 8-bed cancer care hospital with three clinical sites and counting.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

Cancer care at Pearl Oncology is special because it is evidence-based, thoughtful and round-the-clock. Let me elaborate on why our patients rate us five stars. At Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, we prioritize empathy and patient-centricity. We understand that cancer can be challenging. Hence, you will find us implementing monthly support groups, survivorship programs and family meeting sessions to deliver comprehensive cancer care personalized to each patient's needs. We empower our patients with support services and digital tools that transform their care experience, ensuring they get the best possible outcome from every interaction. In all of this, we get feedback and act on it.

Also, our model is built on clinical partnership and innovation. We are the only cancer centre in Nigeria, spread across four communities. Our patient population is diverse socioeconomically, yet we deliver quality cancer care with a unique pricing strategy. Our proprietary cancer care apps make our patients happy because they can stay in touch with us, the cancer care team Together with our mission-aligned clinical partners, we provide over ten thousand cancer-patient interactions and clinical oncology services.

Our superpower is the humane cancer care we provide our patients, delivered by the dynamic Pearl Oncology team composed of cancer specialists and healthcare administrators who believe in our vision and purpose. Led by Dr Omolola Salako, a multi-award-winning Consultant Radiation Oncologist who is on a mission to expand access to quality cancer care, create solutions to catalyse health innovation and strengthen the health sector.

Tell us a little about your team:

There is no doubt that Pearl is blessed with the caliber and quality of team members. First, as a company, our third core value focuses on growth. We attract and nurture mission-aligned clinical leaders and managerial teams who are lifelong learners, owners, creatives, teachers, and ambitious leaders focused on delivering results. Together, we grow professionally and profitably to achieve our business goals and improve our communities.

Pearl Oncology is governed by a seasoned board of directors with domain expertise in various specialties: Oncology, Insurance, Finance and Tech. Our advisory and stakeholder committee fosters a collegial environment for harmonious and sustainable patient care with local and global partners.

Pearl Oncology boasts a team of exceptional individuals, each dedicated to the noble cause of fighting cancer and improving patients' lives. Our team is a diverse blend of medical experts, researchers, compassionate caregivers, and healthcare administrators.

Dr Omolola Salako, CEO and Chief oncologist, leads the charge with her deep wealth of industry insights, network and cutting-edge knowledge in cancer treatment. Dr. Salako is complemented by a team of oncologists, medical doctors, dedicated nurses, and technicians who ensure the highest standard of patient care.

Our research and innovation division, led by Dr. Adaorah Enyi, tirelessly explores innovative digital health strategies, pushing the boundaries of oncology. As the pioneer Director, she oversees clinical operations, research, and innovation pillars.

The growth team led by Elizabeth Dahunsi is accelerating the company’s growth and commercial activities. She leads business development and sales executives to establish customer growth, acquisition, and activation.

Funke Anifowose leads our oncology nursing services and is a registered nurse with eight years of experience delivering a solid patient-centered approach to cancer care. She plays a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive the support and guidance they need throughout their cancer journey, helping them navigate treatment plans and access essential resources.

Esther Obinyan leads the hospital management team. She specializes in the general administration of Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital and partner clinical sites. Her expertise in patient care coordination ensures that the hospital and its clinical operations adhere to the highest ethical and scientific standards.

Behind the scenes, Timi Olubodun serves as the Human Resources and Administrative Manager, ensuring that the Pearl Oncology team runs smoothly and efficiently. His organizational skills and attention to detail are essential in coordinating schedules, managing resources, and maintaining the administrative aspects of the organization.

A common goal unites the dedicated professionals at Pearl Oncology: to make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer. With diverse backgrounds and expertise spanning clinical care, research, patient support, and administration, this remarkable team works collaboratively to drive progress and improve the lives of cancer patients. Their unwavering dedication and passion are the driving force behind Pearl Oncology's pioneering work in oncology. As they continue to push the boundaries of cancer care, their efforts offer hope to countless individuals affected by this devastating disease.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

As a child, I witnessed my parents grow and expand the family business with great ambition. By observing my parents, I could comprehend the essence of hard work, patience and reaping the benefits of one's labor. At the age of ten, I initiated my first business venture - selling sweets and biscuits to my siblings, followed by a mini-scale bank. I collected contributions from my siblings and promised to double their money, but unfortunately, I couldn't figure out how to do it, so I returned their money. During my later teenage years, I earned a 100% profit selling trendy wear and makeup to schoolmates at university, as well as setting up a phone call center where people paid to make phone calls. During the early 2000s, call centers were in high demand, as not everyone owned a mobile phone. This was an excellent business to be in. Afterwards, I attempted to sell homeware items, unfortunately, the business failed due to delayed goods at the Seaport and the fact that I had taken a loan to start the business.

I am hardwired to commit, innovate, and complete my projects, simultaneously training people to do better than me within the venture. As an individual, I am curious, hands-on, a risk taker and hardworking; I am biologically incapable of giving up. So, I find entrepreneurship my default and preferred career choice. Trust me, I enjoy practicing clinical oncology, but I love creating valuable products and services for the oncology market.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

My focus is on fulfilling the vision of Pearl Oncology, which is to be the preferred choice for humane cancer care, and an ally in conquering cancer. Pearl is a pan-African enterprise with clinical sites in every African country, as well as in the diaspora where people with African ancestry reside. I believe in Habakkuk 2:2-3. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end, it shall speak and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

A few months ago, Pearl Oncology closed its seed round and raised capital from mission-aligned investors. With these funds, we are expanding our clinical oncology capabilities in Lagos state. As the founding CEO, I understand my role today is to launch Pearl’s foundation, solidify the corporate structure and governance, be investor-ready, and prepare us for the future.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

I would rather be the oncologist who increased access to quality cancer care in 100 communities than be the oncologist who saw 1,000 patients in a few hospitals. My greatest satisfaction is the freedom to create, serve, and increase value sustainably.

My fulfilment comes from the fact that I am walking and working on my purpose. I can create valuable products and services that transform cancer care. That makes me satisfied. To know that over 2,000 patients have used the Oncopadi cancer apps and that patients are happy with the quality of our service at Pearl is just a dream come true. Also, the fact that institutions believe, donate, and invest in my creations and vision is the most satisfying feeling I experience daily.

Being an entrepreneur comes with pain, blood, sweat, tears, stress, and a lot of hard work that makes me question myself. Still, there are more wins than losses. I know how often entrepreneurship wears me out, but it gives me the perfect opportunity to express myself and combine my business acumen, entrepreneurial mindset, and clinical skills together. If I could change the medical curriculum, I would include a compulsory MBA spread across the six years of medical school. This way, a doctor's entry into business is cast in stone with the basic knowledge and business skills to lead medical and non-medical teams efficiently, accurately track key performance indicators, and manage people and resources in alignment with the company vision. Medical doctors are leaders. However, they are forced to lead hospitals and large teams without formal business education or apprenticeship. In my early entrepreneurship days, I hated legal documentation, accounting, and finance in the past, but I have had to learn these very quickly, and I am still working on them.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

My favourite quote is, “The best things in life are free. The second are very expensive.” Coco Chanel. As a woman, you are unique and must work towards being the best version of yourself. You must know who you are. You must be self-aware. This is as simple as conducting a SWOT on yourself or getting a professional coach to help you. Design your life by writing your vision, mission, core values and annual goals. Many women have an identity crisis that makes them compete, doubt themselves, prioritize the wrong things and chase low-hanging fruits. I advise you to spend time with yourself, invest in your self-development, assess your weak areas, get professional advice to strengthen the weak areas and mind your business as you scale up your life.”

To find out more about the work of Dr. Omolola Salako and her team at Pearl Oncology, send an email to: lola@pearloncology.com or visit the company’s website and social media pages.

Website: http://pearloncology.com/

Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/company/76746391/admin/feed/posts/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pearloncology/