An interview with Mr. Julien Donzel,
General Manager of Nescens Clinique de Genolier
Switzerland is globally renowned for its medical technology. Nescens Clinique de Genolier, based beside the picturesque Lake Geneva, is definitely a greater contributor to this. Being a prestigious private medical institute in Switzerland, Nescens is a pioneer in preventive medicine and innovative anti-aging programs. From comprehensive check-ups, lifestyle diseases management to autologous stem cell treatments, combined with five-star hotel services, Nescens helps every visitor fulfill their health goals in a magnificent environment.
Mr. Julien Donzel, General Manager of Nescens Clinique de Genolier has a very extensive background in the hospitality, wellness and health industry, managing luxury and prestigious hotels and clinics in various countries including the United States, France and Switzerland. Most recently, he has joined Nescens where he is able to promote his vision on why we should invest in our health capital in order to take advantage of our life for as long as possible, maintaining exceptional health and complete control of our lives, with full possession of our physical and intellectual capacities. SpaChina interviewed Mr. Donzel.
What is the background to Nescens Clinique de Genolier?
Professor Jacques Proust, when he created the first Aging Prevention Center at Clinique de Genolier, over 20 years ago, observed that life expectancy is constantly increasing and with it the desire to maintain good health. Health prevention measures have thus become a priority for everyone, regardless of age.
Nestled high above Lake Geneva and close to Geneva international airport, Nescens Clinique de Genolier is specialized in diagnostic and preventive health, as well as lifestyle diseases management (diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, stress, osteoarticular disorders…):
- Check-ups and specialized assessments adapted to individual needs, a Men’s Health program targeting the prevention and treatment of male-specific, age-related pathologies
- La Cure Nescens, a unique tailored-made medical program to treat diseases related to excess weight, metabolic disorders, and initiate durable weight loss
- Nescens Stem Cells, a rejuvenation program using your autolog stem cells for a future utilization
Nescens Clinique de Genolier benefits from more than 170 doctors and specialists, a state-of-the-art technical platform, analysis laboratory, etc. and is also part of the Swiss Medical Network, one of Switzerland’s two leading private clinic groups.
Based on its medical expertise, we have also developed spa Better-Aging programs targeting lifestyle-related issues (weight loss, fitness, detox, sleep disorders and stress) which are offered in our different health spa Nescens.
In recent years, overseas medical tourism has become very popular. Does Nescens Clinique de Genolier also participate in this trend? If yes, what are you doing, and how do you promote yourself to potential overseas guests?
We value the importance of our overseas guests and we meet with them as often as possible during international medical road shows where we present the philosophy of Nescens Clinique de Genolier as well as our check-ups and programs. We create therefore valuable and durable relationships with them.
Who are the main groups of overseas guests of Nescens Clinique? What treatments and experience do they seek? What global medical and health trends do you see as a result?
Our guests are coming mainly from Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. They are seeking renowned Swiss medicine quality as well as personalized checkups and health programs in a luxury environment. Afterwards, we notice more self-awareness about their health and an improvement of their wellbeing.
What are the top three medical and health concerns of guests at Nescens Clinique de Genolier? What is their typical age range, and how many days do they typically stay for medical services? How much are they willing to pay for such a medical tour?
The 3 main concerns are: health prevention and medical second opinion, overweight and metabolic diseases, and anti-aging. Our guests are mainly between 40 to 60 years old and their length of stay will vary depending on the program: 2 to 3 days for a checkup, 2 weeks for a weight loss program and 4 days for a stem cell program. According to the program, the price range is between CHF 5,000 and CHF 50,000.
What percentage of your guests are Chinese? What kind of medical package is their favorite? How many days will they stay?
We have about 30% Chinese guests who come most of the time for checkups and stem cell programs. This percentage has been increasing over the past few years. They stay usually around 4 to 5 days. Their budget will vary depending on the program chosen.
Please tell us about your excellent medical team and the professional doctors of Nescens Clinique.
Our medical team has extensive experience and their specializations are complementary with each other’s:
Pr. Jacques Proust, Medical Director of Nescens Preventive Medicine Center, Pioneer in the development of biology of aging and anti-aging medicine, FMH specialist in internal medicine and geriatrics.
Pr. Jacques Philippe, Medical Director at the Center for Nutrition and Metabolic diseases, FMH specialist in internal medicine, FMH specialist in endocrinology-diabetology. For 30 years, he has been the director of the diabetology and endocrinology center at the university hospital of Geneva.
Pr. Thierry Dantoine, Physician at Nescens Center for Preventive Medicine, FMH Specialist in nephrology; PHD in internal medicine, geriatrics and biology of aging.
How do you show personalization in your services?
We adapt our offers, services and accommodation to the wishes of our guests. Specifically, we show a great attention to the cultural aspects. We always respect carefully our guests’ requests and try to fulfill their wishes at our best.
For example, in our Detox program, we do a checkup with very thorough biology and genetic testing. According to the results, the planning, diet and sports activities are tailored to the patient’s needs.
What kind of services do you offer after the guests leave the Clinique? What percentage of the guests will choose to come back again for more medical service?
Depending on the program, our guests can have an e-consultation or a 6-month follow-up with the same specialist. In our 6-month program, we offer them an Apple watch and a connected scale at the beginning of the program; therefore we can easily keep track of their improvements. Usually, 80% of our guests will come back for another checkup after 2 years.
Switzerland has always been associated with stem cell technology. Could you explain briefly what stem cell treatment is and why Swiss stem cell treatments are so unique? Why should people choose stem-cell treatments at Nescens Clinique de Genolier?
Stem cells are the body’s raw materials – cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. Stem cell therapy is the use of stem cells to treat or prevent a disease or condition.
In Nescens Clinique, we use the guests’ own stem cells for treatments. There are two choices: Using your stem cells today allows you to take immediate action against the visible signs of aging, or store them and use them tomorrow for “advanced stem cell therapies in humans as Advance Therapies Medicinal Products” once the therapies have been approved by regulatory agencies.
Advantages of using your own Stem Cells:
- Diminished risk of allergy or rejection
- Stem cell injections activate the production of collagen
- Less invasive than plastic surgery
As one of the pioneers, Nescens Clinique de Genolier strives for excellence in every aspect of your experience:
- Our plastic surgeons are validated, highly trained & experienced in the latest stem cell procedures.
- We have a wide array of body fat stem cell treatments.
- We have one of the largest medical infrastructures, with 19 clinics across Switzerland offering medical excellence, convenience and discretion.
- We are actively involved in stem cells research, ensuring access to the latest data and techniques.
- Trusted and reliable, we collaborate with a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) laboratory, certified by Swissmedic.
