Clinic with purpose

In conversation with Shriyal Sethumadhavan, Dr Manu S Walia delves into her inspiring transition from clinical practice to entrepreneurship with the launch of The Dermahouse clinic in Mumbai, where patient-centric design, advanced technology, and a passion for personalised care come together.

From delivering advanced dermatological treatments to launching her very new clinic in Mumbai, Dr Manu S Walia, Founder & Chief Dermatologist, The Dermahouse, Mumbai, has successfully transitioned from practitioner to entrepreneur. Known for her expertise in treating a wide spectrum of skin and hair concerns, Dr Manu combines her clinical acumen with a deep passion for wellness and aesthetic medicine. With her new clinic, she aims to create not just a treatment space, but a healing environment where patient comfort is as important as clinical results.

In a special conversation, Shriyal Sethumadhavan connected with Dr Manu to learn more about this next chapter – how her clinic is designed around patient-centric care and what advice she has for aspiring dermatologists looking to take the entrepreneurial leap.

Congratulations on launching your new clinic! What inspired you to take this step, and what was your vision when creating this space?

First of all, I truly believe that great skincare – or skin health in general – goes beyond just science. Of course, science is an important part of it, but it is also about creating a personal experience. When a client or patient visits, they should feel that the experience is uniquely theirs – they should feel relaxed and personally cared for.

When I was planning the clinic, I wanted every detail to reflect that vision – from the warm, welcoming interiors to the kind of service I offer. I wanted each patient or client to feel genuinely cared for. The ultimate vision was to combine advanced dermatological care with a space that feels comforting and inviting.

Could you walk us through the clinic design process? How did you ensure it aligns with both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency for treatments?

Designing the clinic was a journey for me – a journey of meaningful and high-quality collaborations. I worked with a talented team, and I also had a strong creative vision in mind. I wanted to blend a modern and elegant design with natural and earthy tones, just like can see in the final space. The goal was to create something that feels both sophisticated and grounded.

I focused on designing private treatment rooms that are not only functionally efficient but also soothing. Every space, every corner of the clinic was intentionally planned to be both beautiful and practical. This way, we can deliver advanced dermatology treatments in an environment that feels calming and relaxing. I did not want patients to feel stressed during their treatments – this was always at the heart of my design process.

What were the biggest challenges you faced while setting up the clinic, and how did you overcome them?

With any new venture, challenges are inevitable – and this was no different. One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing high-end design with clinical functionality. It was crucial for me to ensure that the aesthetics did not compromise the practical aspects of the clinic.

There was also a lot of coordination involved, as I was working with multiple teams. I had to make sure that every single detail was carefully thought through and that the clinic’s functional requirements were seamlessly integrated into the design. This process took time, required a lot of flexibility, and involved not just my own ideas but also input from experts in their respective fields. Adaptability was key throughout.

Most importantly, I always kept the client experience at the forefront. My constant focus was on how a patient or client would feel while in the clinic. I truly believe that every challenge teaches us something — and in this case, those lessons helped shape the clinic into what it is today.

Many dermatologists aspire to open their own clinic. What key factors should they consider before making this move?

For dermatologists planning to open their own clinic, the first and most important step is to have a clear vision in mind. It is important to know exactly what kind of experience they want to offer their patients. Of course, we all provide treatments and patient care, but the ‘how’ matters – whether it is a traditional clinical setup or a more personalised, boutique-style experience.

That clarity of vision should guide the entire process. Beyond that, it is important to invest in the right technology, quality design, and building a strong team. These foundational elements are essential.

And lastly, smooth clinic operations are crucial. Everything – from scheduling appointments and managing treatments to follow-ups – should be streamlined and well thought out in advance. When planning a clinic, these aspects should definitely be top of mind.

What range of treatments and services do you offer?

We offer the latest technologies and cutting-edge treatments, all of which are US FDA-approved. Safety and efficacy are top priorities in everything we provide, and I ensure that any treatment offered meets those standards.

As for signature procedures, we offer Hydrafacial, Hollywood Carbon Laser (the original one), Microneedling with RF (Morpheus8), Forma treatments, and more. We also provide a variety of non-invasive, energy-based treatments. In addition, we have our own in-house curated bespoke medifacial and IV therapy, both of which I personally customise based on each client’s skin type, concerns, and goals. My aim is to ensure that every client experiences the perfect blend of advanced technology and truly personalised care.

How do you ensure operational efficiency, from appointment scheduling to patient follow-ups?

We use a structured platform and software, which is globally recognised and trusted by many top clinics. It helps us manage appointment scheduling, follow-ups, and track treatment sessions efficiently. It is also convenient for clients – they receive hassle-free updates and reminders about their appointments.

The software plays a major role in ensuring smooth operations. In addition, our team is highly trained. Before launching the clinic, we conducted thorough training sessions, including hands-on guidance from the software team on managing daily operations, scheduling, follow-ups, and rescheduling. From the very first consultation to the final follow-up, my goal is to ensure that every client has a seamless and positive experience.

Patient education and engagement are crucial in aesthetic medicine. How do you approach counselling and setting realistic expectations for your patients?

Consultations and setting the right expectations form the foundation of any successful treatment. Informed decisions always lead to better outcomes.

My consultations are detailed because it is essential for a doctor to examine the patient, understand their concerns, and truly listen to them. We discuss their goals, recommend the best treatment options, and provide clear counselling on what to expect from each procedure.

When we take the time to explain the treatment process, expected outcomes, timelines, and limitations, patients feel more confident and at ease – and when they are comfortable, we are able to deliver the best possible results.

The aesthetic industry is constantly evolving. How do you stay updated with the latest advancements?

Staying updated comes from continuous learning. I regularly attend conferences, training sessions, and academic discussions. I also read extensively, including the latest research papers in medicine, which helps me stay informed and current in the field.

These learning opportunities allow us to refine our treatment approaches and introduce new technologies in the clinic to enhance results and address a wider range of concerns. As for innovations, we always keep that door open. Whenever we come across treatments that can truly benefit our clients, we are happy to bring them in.

What advice would you give to dermatologists planning to transition from practice to entrepreneurship?

My biggest advice would be to stay true to your vision and never compromise on ethics or the quality of care. The transition from clinical practice to entrepreneurship can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Overcoming those challenges to build something aligned with your vision is deeply fulfilling.

Having a great team is essential. Invest time in building and training a strong, dependable team. Every obstacle is an opportunity for growth. As I mentioned earlier, patient experience is at the core of everything I do. No matter what we offer, it should enhance the client’s journey and deliver results.