Patients should be ‘seen, heard and valued’
Offering holistic care
El Roi Medical Practice, based in Otjiwarongo, seeks to embody the core values of the healthcare profession: compassion, integrity, faith and community .
These principles are central to the vision of the centre’s founder, Dr Simon Naulondo, a medical doctor driven by a strong sense of purpose.
“The idea was born from a desire to offer care that goes beyond the exam room,” Naulondo said.
“I wanted to create a space where people feel seen, heard and valued.”
Dr Naulondo said he was inspired to open the practice in response to the growing healthcare needs of Otjiwarongo’s expanding population.
“With the growing population, there are also increasing healthcare demands. Filling this gap means I’m solving a real problem and immediately adding value,” he explained.
True healthcare
The name El Roi, Hebrew for The God Who Sees Me’, originates from the biblical story of Hagar and symbolises compassionate, attentive and holistic care.
By offering a range of services, including general consultations, family planning, HIV care and vaccinations, Naulondo saw an opportunity to address growing healthcare needs through a one-stop medical facility.
For Naulondo, true success as a healthcare provider goes far beyond clinical outcomes or financial metrics.
“It’s about making a meaningful, lasting impact on people’s lives. Success is when your patients get better, feel heard and trust you. It means treating every patient with dignity and being honest about what you know and don’t.”
Balancing act
As with any new venture, launching the practice came with its challenges. These included building trust within the community, hiring skilled staff and managing day-to-day operations.
“It takes planning and resilience,” the doctor said. “Good communication, quality care and patient feedback are essential.”
El Roi Medical Practice also focuses on patients’ emotional and spiritual well-being, not just physical symptoms.
Patients benefit from extended consultations, personalised treatment plans and ongoing follow-up care. The practice also practises community outreach programmes to promote wellness and preventative healthcare.
Naulondo highlighted the importance of structure and delegation in managing the practice, particularly when balancing clinical duties with the responsibilities of a CEO.
“Success isn’t about doing it all yourself; it’s about building a sustainable system,” he said.
His advice to aspiring doctors looking to open their own practices? “Know the kind of care you want to offer, stay humble and learn continuously, not just as a doctor, but as a leader.”
These principles are central to the vision of the centre’s founder, Dr Simon Naulondo, a medical doctor driven by a strong sense of purpose.
“The idea was born from a desire to offer care that goes beyond the exam room,” Naulondo said.
“I wanted to create a space where people feel seen, heard and valued.”
Dr Naulondo said he was inspired to open the practice in response to the growing healthcare needs of Otjiwarongo’s expanding population.
“With the growing population, there are also increasing healthcare demands. Filling this gap means I’m solving a real problem and immediately adding value,” he explained.
True healthcare
The name El Roi, Hebrew for The God Who Sees Me’, originates from the biblical story of Hagar and symbolises compassionate, attentive and holistic care.
By offering a range of services, including general consultations, family planning, HIV care and vaccinations, Naulondo saw an opportunity to address growing healthcare needs through a one-stop medical facility.
For Naulondo, true success as a healthcare provider goes far beyond clinical outcomes or financial metrics.
“It’s about making a meaningful, lasting impact on people’s lives. Success is when your patients get better, feel heard and trust you. It means treating every patient with dignity and being honest about what you know and don’t.”
Balancing act
As with any new venture, launching the practice came with its challenges. These included building trust within the community, hiring skilled staff and managing day-to-day operations.
“It takes planning and resilience,” the doctor said. “Good communication, quality care and patient feedback are essential.”
El Roi Medical Practice also focuses on patients’ emotional and spiritual well-being, not just physical symptoms.
Patients benefit from extended consultations, personalised treatment plans and ongoing follow-up care. The practice also practises community outreach programmes to promote wellness and preventative healthcare.
Naulondo highlighted the importance of structure and delegation in managing the practice, particularly when balancing clinical duties with the responsibilities of a CEO.
“Success isn’t about doing it all yourself; it’s about building a sustainable system,” he said.
His advice to aspiring doctors looking to open their own practices? “Know the kind of care you want to offer, stay humble and learn continuously, not just as a doctor, but as a leader.”
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