Mason Cobb: Charting a Trail of Healthcare Brilliance

Mason Cobb, Chairman, Victoria Healthcare

In the intricate maze of red tape that hinder healthcare, entrepreneurs emerge as pioneers, skillfully charting unexplored territories where innovation and compassion seamlessly intersect.

Their minds traverse uncharted skies with unwavering purpose, fueled by a deep understanding of human needs. Crafting solutions that transcend boundaries, their audacious spirit and determined resolve illuminate a path where healthcare knows no limits.

Amidst this transformative landscape, Mason Cobb and Victoria Healthcare shine as beacons of innovation and compassion, redefining the standards of medical distinction in Vietnam. 

In the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City, amidst the bustling rhythm of progress, Mason Cobb, a seasoned paediatric surgeon from Tacoma, Washington, USA, envisioned a new chapter in healthcare. Alongside his trusted colleague, Dr. Nguyen Vinh Tuong, they embarked on a journey that would redefine medical excellence in Vietnam.

Their inspiration sparked a serendipitous encounter—a passing glimpse of the Victoria Clipper ferry steering the waters of Puget Sound. In that fleeting moment, surrounded by calm waters, the name “Victoria” was born, a beacon of resilience and unfaltering resolve. 

Armed with a shared vision and an allegiance to prowess, Mason Cobb and Dr. Tuong transformed a humble clinic on Dien Bien Phu Street into a haven of healing, where patients are not mere cases but cherished individuals. With each interaction, they defied convention, embracing a model of care grounded in empathy and respect. Through adversity and triumphs, Victoria Healthcare emerged as a pillar of light in Vietnam’s evolving healthcare landscape, a testament to the power of vision and perseverance.

Mason Cobb’s legacy lives on, etched not only in the walls of Victoria Healthcare but in the hearts of those touched by compassion for those in need of healing. 

Navigation Doubt and Building Faith

Facing the arduous journey of entrepreneurship, Mason Cobb encountered his fair share of challenges while building Victoria Healthcare. Among the most formidable was the skepticism of naysayers, doubting the readiness of Vietnam for world-class healthcare. Yet, Cobb’s unfluctuating belief in the vision propelled him forward, undeterred by doubts.

Capital investments post another hurdle, requiring substantial upfronts for long-term returns. However, with the support of investors who shared his faith, Cobb’s team overcame this obstacle, securing the necessary resources to barely get the doors open. 

Navigating cultural nuances presented yet another challenge, particularly in a foreign land like Vietnam. Collaboration with native partners proved invaluable, particularly, his partner, Dr. Tuong and his wife and CEO, Binh Pham Cobb. They smoothed out cultural differences and ensured the clinic’s comfort and accessibility for Vietnamese patients.

Throughout these trials, Cobb held onto a singular guiding force: faith. With unswerving conviction in the mission to serve and innovate, he found the resilience to deal with obstacles, echoing the sentiments of Steve Jobs, who emphasized the transformative power of faith in achieving visionary goals. 

Putting Patients First

At Victoria Healthcare, the ethos of “Patients First” is not just a slogan; it’s the heartbeat of organisational culture. Ensuring this principle is deeply ingrained, the team of over 300 medical professionals and their supporters, is nurtured in a familial atmosphere.

As Chairman of Victoria Healthcare, Mason Cobb stresses the importance of treating internal customers as family, echoing the sentiment that this approach extends to how patients are cared for. 

Under the stewardship of COO Ms. Vu Lam Ngoc Huong and CEO Ms. Binh Pham Cobb, the patients first perspective remains central. Following the wisdom of Jack Welch, who stated, “Leaders make sure people not only see the vision, they live and breathe it”. An environment is fostered where team members are dedicated to the mission of providing exceptional care, as they would for their own family.

At Victoria Healthcare, the team is not just employees; they are valued members of the family, committed to serving patients with compassion and expertise. 

Evidence-Based Distinction

In Victoria Healthcare, the dedication to evidence-based medicine is ingrained in the culture, ensuring that the “Victoria Way” is consistently applied across all the clinics. As Mason Cobb empathises, “this must be institutionalised as continuous quality improvement.” The focus lies on ongoing learning and repetition of best practices to deliver optimal patient care.

To maintain international standards in healthcare delivery, rigorous quality assurance measures are implemented. Charts are audited, and doctors are rewarded through pay-for-performance(“P4P”) incentives. Positive reinforcement fosters a culture of expertise, while poor performance is identified and corrected. Root cause analysis helps accurately identify the source of a problem. Patient feedback, garnered through follow-up calls and surveys, plays a crucial role in identifying areas for improvement. 

Continuing medical education is paramount, with online learning programs from the strategic partner, Sanford Health, USA. In times of rapidly evolving evidence-based care, staying abreast of research and advancements is essential.

Victoria Healthcare is dedicated to delivering care that meets international standards, ensuring the best outcomes for patients. 

Cobb’s Impact on Health in Vietnam

Balancing personal and professional life has been a perpetual challenge for Mason Cobb, yet his dedication to work, driven by his ‘ikigai’, remains firm. However, amidst the demands of entrepreneurship, Cobb finds solace and rejuvenation in his hobbies, particularly travelling. Yet, the true essence of balance lies in cherishing the people in his life—his family, friends, and community. As Mason Cobb shares, “The ‘Blue Zones’ are associated with long life because they have a sense of belonging, community, and lower stress because of their social relationships”.

Looking ahead, while his role as Chairman has transitioned to Chairman Emeritus due to health reasons, Cobb’s vision for Victoria Healthcare remains steadfast. He trusts in its ability to uphold its standards and principles while embarking on aggressive expansion.

Meanwhile, Mason Cobb believes in “Medicine 3.0”: emphasising regenerative and functional medicine and promoting health over illness. Optimising health, rather than just treating illness is the new frontier.

Additionally, he is passionate about enhancing senior care in Ho Chi Minh City, organising and developing it to greater extents.

Despite stepping back from direct leadership, Mason Cobb’s loyalty to shaping the healthcare landscape in Vietnam continues unabated. 

Insights on Legacy and Entrepreneurial Brilliance

Reflecting on his career, Mason Cobb finds himself less concerned about leaving behind a legacy and more focused on the impact of his actions in service to others. If he is remembered for the good he has done, then that is satisfactory. If not, it does not diminish the positive contributions made during his lifetime.

Mason Cobb offers this advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly in the healthcare sector: .”a reasonable person never accomplished anything great”. It is vital to be unreasonable enough to be dedicated to an idea he believes in wholeheartedly. Surrounding oneself with quality individuals and continually expanding knowledge to fuel passion is key.

True success is found in the elevation of others. Maintaining a steadfast dedication to service ensures an unstoppable journey towards growth and excellence.