Opening, growing, empowering, and operating India’s number one skin clinic with 39+ centers for the last 27 years, where one lakh patients visit yearly, requires the highest kind of inspirational leadership.
Similarly, running a total of 18,000 square feet multidisciplinary clinical medicine, and technology transfer located in Surat, Gujarat, demands a visionary approach.
That visionary leadership makes Dr. Jagdish Sakhiya, the Founder of Sakhiya Skin Clinic®, one of the most inspirational healthcare and wellness champions of the country in 2025.
Redefining Aesthetic Dermatology
Devoting his life and career to a mission – advancing the practice of clinical and aesthetic dermatology – from the moment he graduated, Dr.Sakhiya, with his medical degree in dermatology, has been an innovator. He is not only one of India’s top dermatologists; he is an internationally recognized and well-respected expert whose extensive knowledge has gained recognition and respect from his peers.
Dr. Sakhiya’s passion for becoming an expert in his line of work can be seen in his specialized, international education. He has sought specialty skills in Anti-Wrinkle Injections Therapy in Australia, Micro-Derma & Chemical Peelings in Paris, and Fractional CO2 Laser for Facial Resurfacing in the USA.
His expertise also includes Advanced Fillers in Dubai, Meso-therapy in Greece, Sclerotherapy in Bangalore, and Light-based IPL Skin Treatments in Malaysia.
His expertise in technology encompasses Laser Hair Removal in Israel, Q-Switched Nd-Yag Laser for Skin in the USA, Radio Frequency for Skin Tightening in Spain, and Derma-Roller skills in Australia.
Each of these certifications reinforces his status as a doctor leading his profession.
The exemplary leader, Dr. Sakhiya, has served in various high-profile roles, including General Secretary of the Gujarat State Branch of Dermatology and President of the Pigmentary Disorders Society of India. He is also the President of the Varachha Road Medical Association, Surat, and an Executive Committee Member of the Cosmetology Dermatology Society of India.
Apart from his professional designations, he is the visionary Founder of the P.J. SAKHIYA CHARITABLE TRUST, a charitable program dedicated to organizing free medical camps, conducting regular blood donation drives, and providing treatment for needy patients through various social service activities for the community. His impact reaches across the globe, as attested by his fellowships with respected organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology (A.A.D.), the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery (ASLMS), and the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), among many others. Along with exceptional clinical expertise, he possesses strong organizational skills, serving as the Organising Secretary for three major associations — the Association of Cutaneous Surgeons of India (ACSI), the Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgeons of India (CDSI), and CUTICON — as well as for the upcoming DERMACON 2027 International.
A Journey of Discipline, Clarity, and Patient-First Care
Dr. Sakhiya’s leadership journey is a powerful narrative of growth, discipline, and unwavering dedication to his patients. From his humble beginnings with a single clinic, he has spent over 27 years building a legacy rooted in ethical care. “I started as a dermatologist with just one clinic and a strong belief in ethical care,” he explains. “Over 27 years, I’ve led our organization with discipline, clarity, and patient-first thinking.”
This hands-on approach to leadership is a hallmark of his style, driven by the belief that a leader must set a clear standard through actions rather than just words. His motivation to step into a leadership role was sparked by a desire to bridge the gap between clinical care and organized, accessible skin health services.
Learning to Lead by Doing
Dr. Sakhiya’s preparation for the challenges of leadership was a testament to his comprehensive and strategic mindset. Recognizing the need for a holistic approach to skin health delivery, he committed himself to understanding every facet of his organization. “I prepared by learning every part of the business—medicine, operations, HR, marketing,” he states.
This deep dive into every operational area was crucial, not just for his development but for the well-being of his team. By making mistakes early on in his career, he was able to forge a path that allowed his team to avoid similar pitfalls. This proactive, hands-on learning model is what has enabled him to build a robust organization that is as resilient as it is renowned.
Decisive Leadership Rooted in Empathy and Trust
Dr. Jagdish Sakhiya’s leadership style is a compelling blend of decisiveness and empathy, a “lead by example” approach that has defined his career. Over the years, this style has evolved, becoming more strategic and focused on a broader vision.
As he matured as a leader, he cultivated a deeper trust in his teams, allowing them the autonomy to excel. At the same time, he focused on establishing robust systems and a clear direction for the organization.
This evolution is a testament to his adaptability and his understanding that effective leadership is about empowering others. Every decision he makes is guided by the core values of integrity, transparency, consistency, and performance. For him, there are simply “no shortcuts in healthcare or business.”
Cultivating a Culture of Growth and Resilience
Dr. Sakhiya’s ability to inspire and motivate his team is a direct result of his commitment to their personal and professional growth. He fosters a sense of shared purpose by explicitly linking individual growth with the expansion of the clinic. “By showing them results. I link personal growth with clinic growth,” he explains.
This approach has led to exceptional team loyalty, with many staff members remaining for over 20 years, a powerful indicator of his commitment to their progress. When faced with the most significant leadership challenge of handling internal fraud and ethical breaches while preparing for an IPO, he responded with strategic resilience.
He overcame this adversity by strengthening standard operating procedures (SOPs), taking legal action, and introducing a culture of radical transparency across all departments. This demonstrated his ability to not only lead a thriving business but also to safeguard its integrity in the face of immense pressure.
Strategic Vision Meets Operational Excellence
Dr.Sakhiya has mastered the art of balancing strategic vision with the daily demands of leadership by systematically delegating responsibilities. He has entrusted daily operations to a team of trained heads, freeing himself to focus on a metrics-driven approach.
His routine includes reviewing progress every morning and night, while reserving weekends for crucial big-picture planning. This disciplined approach ensures that the organization remains agile and focused on both its immediate and long-term goals.
For Dr. Sakhiya, innovation is not merely a buzzword but a core component of his leadership strategy. He fosters a culture of creativity by backing new ideas, from integrating AI in dermatology to launching new product lines, with the necessary resources and giving his team the freedom to execute their vision.
Mentorship and a Meritocratic Culture
Mentorship is a cornerstone of Dr. Sakhiya’s leadership, a commitment he extends across all levels of his organization. He personally mentors everyone from doctors and managers to front-desk staff, believing that leadership development is a collective effort.
His advice to aspiring leaders is straightforward yet profound: “Build discipline, learn finance early, and always keep promises.” This guidance reflects his belief that foundational skills and integrity are the keys to long-term success.
On the matter of inclusivity and diversity, Dr. Sakhiya’s philosophy is rooted in meritocracy. His team is a mosaic of individuals from various states and backgrounds, with women making up over 60% of his staff.
He firmly believes that “Inclusivity happens when you value skills above everything else,” demonstrating that a commitment to merit naturally creates a diverse and equitable environment.
Resilience Fueled by Data and Adaptability
Dr. Sakhiya’s leadership is defined by his remarkable resilience and adaptability in a constantly changing environment. He achieves this by maintaining a sharp focus on data, customer feedback, and technology.
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a pivotal test of his strategies, and his organization did not falter. Instead, it adapted with incredible agility, launching telemedicine services, implementing remote training for staff, and establishing a digital pharmacy. This ability to pivot and innovate in the face of a global crisis highlights his forward-thinking approach.
For Dr. Sakhiya, success is measured by a much broader metric than just financial outcomes. He finds true validation in the human impact of his work. “I look at how many lives we’ve improved, how many careers we’ve built, and how often patients or staff say, ‘I trust you,’“ he explains.
The Foundations of Growth and a Defining Moment
A set of disciplined habits underpins Dr. Sakhiya’s personal and professional growth. His routine includes early waking, consistent reading, and a daily review of his goals, practices that keep him sharp and focused.
He also credits “honest reflection with my wife and sons, who keep me grounded,” for providing a vital support system. One defining moment in his career stands out as a powerful lesson that shaped his leadership forever.
In 2008, a single wrong hiring decision led to an internal collapse at one of his centers. This experience taught him the invaluable importance of “hiring slow, firing fast, and building systems, not depending on individuals.” This painful but formative event reinforced his commitment to creating a resilient, process-driven organization capable of thriving regardless of individual personnel changes.
A Legacy Built on Accessibility, Honesty, and Trust
Dr. Sakhiya’s journey culminates in a powerful vision for his legacy—a future where dermatology in India is more accessible, honest, and respected. He doesn’t aspire to be remembered for a single achievement, but as a “builder—of people, clinics, and trust.”
This profound desire to uplift his profession and empower those around him is the true measure of his success. His legacy is etched not only in the clinics he built but in the lives he has improved and the careers he has nurtured.
By consistently prioritizing ethical practice and patient well-being, he has set a new standard for what a medical leader can achieve, creating a foundation of trust that will endure for generations.
The Grand Vision: Building the Future of Dermatology
Looking ahead, Dr. Jagdish’s vision is nothing short of revolutionary. His plans are defined by scale, technology, and a deep commitment to education. He is currently focused on building the world’s largest skin clinic, a sprawling 3 lakh sq ft facility that will serve as a hub of dermatological excellence.
Simultaneously, he is launching the ‘Just Skin & Hair Clinic’ network — smaller-format branches of Sakhiya Skin Clinic designed to provide dermatology services in underserved Tier 3 cities at affordable prices. He is also establishing a laser manufacturing line in India through SSC Devices Private Ltd. In addition, Sakhiya Advanced Skin Science serves as the product division, with the goal of producing affordable, world-class skincare products backed by clinical expertise .To ensure the continuity of his vision, he is also developing a structured ‘Skin Academy’ to train the next generation of dermatologists with real-world protocols, innovation, and ethical practice, ensuring his legacy of integrity and excellence continues to thrive.
For booking an appointment, contact 1800 1200 70000 (Toll Free) or email enquiry@sakhiyaskinclinic.com.
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