image: Tuğba Ariz (Turkey) Chairman of the Board ALRA International Trade & Consulting. Inc. Founder & Owner. Interview: Women in Trade & Business. Foto: Copyright Courtesy of Tuba Ariz. imagofeminae spring 2025.

TUĞBA ARIZ

Chairman of the Board ALRA International Trade & Consulting  Inc. (Turkey)

WORKS & VISIONS

Tuğba Ariz is a seasoned healthcare executive and entrepreneur based in Ankara, Turkey, with over two decades of experience in the healthcare sector. She is the founder and owner of Alra Consultancy, a firm specializing in international healthcare business development, market entry strategies, and investment consultancy. Prior to establishing her consultancy, Arız served as the Director of International Markets and Business Development at Several Group Hospitals, those are one of Turkey's leading private healthcare providers. In this role, she led a multicultural team and was instrumental in expanding the hospital's international patient services and partnerships. Arız is also actively involved in cross-cultural healthcare projects. She served as the Project Deputy Coordinator for "A Common Challenge – Two Different Cultural Perspectives," a collaboration between Turkish and Dutch institutions aimed at improving elderly care through shared knowledge and innovation. A strong advocate for women's empowerment, Arız has built an all-women team at Alra Consultancy and is committed to creating leadership opportunities for women in the healthcare industry. Her work bridges healthcare systems across borders, particularly between Turkey, Europian Countries, African Countires and North America, focusing on quality, empathy, and sustainable growth.

TUĞBA ARIZ visited the 4th Health Expo in Berlin on April 4, 2025, presenting her works, visions and facts in the health care system in Turkey, Europe and worldwide.

image: Tuğba Ariz (l.) & Mülkiye Alagöz (r.) both founders of ALRA Cousultancy International Inc. (Turkey) . foto: courtesy of T. Ariz.Berlin 2025. imagofeminae PERSONALITIES spring 2025.

Leadership, Legacy, and the Future of Women in Healthcare

imagofeminae:Tuğba, this year marks your 24th year in healthcare—a huge milestone. Can you walk us through the journey?

Tuğba Ariz:It’s been a truly rewarding journey. I started in traditional hospital management and, over time, transitioned into international healthcare business development. For the past 16 years, I’ve focused on expanding the global reach of the Turkish healthcare system, especially through international collaboration.

imagofeminae:Speaking of international collaboration, you’ve mentioned Turkey and Germany have a unique dynamic in healthcare. How does that work?

Tuğba Ariz:Yes, Turkey and Germany have a particularly strong relationship. Every year, German patients are among the top five groups of international visitors to Turkish medical institutions. While we may appear as competitors, our strengths actually complement each other, which allows for both healthy competition and meaningful collaboration.

imagofeminae:After years in corporate roles, you took a leap into entrepreneurship. What inspired that move?

Tuğba Ariz:After nearly two decades in corporate, I felt ready for a new chapter. I co-founded a women-led consultancy with a fellow woman entrepreneur. Our entire team is made up of women, and empowering women—especially in a country like Turkey where professional visibility for women is still evolving—is central to our mission.

imagofeminae:What kind of work does your consultancy focus on?

Tuğba Ariz:We wear many hats! One key focus is headhunting talented women professionals for leadership roles in private hospitals. We also help healthcare institutions expand internationally by identifying new markets, crafting marketing strategies, and leveraging incentive programs to support global investment.

imagofeminae:You recently became the first Turkish representative of the Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA). That’s a major achievement!

Tuğba Ariz:Thank you—it’s something I’m deeply proud of. GHA accreditation ensures hospitals that serve international patients meet high standards. This role allows us to work closely with clients in the U.S. and Canada, helping to bridge systems and find areas of mutual opportunity. It’s incredibly fulfilling to contribute to projects with global impact.

image: Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection S. Zulphar (Republic of Mongolia) met with representatives including Mrs. Tugba Ariz, Director of Foreign Relations of Guven Network Hospital, Turkey.  foto: copyright Ministry of Labor & Social Protection Government of Mongolia. Ulaanbaatar 2023. imagofeminae  PERSONALITIES spring 2025.

imagofeminae:You previously led large multicultural teams. What did that experience teach you about leadership?

Tuğba Ariz:I managed a team of over 50 people from diverse regions like Africa, Iraq, Russia, and Central Asia. That experience emphasized the need for empathy and cultural sensitivity. We’re not just serving systems—we’re serving people. I always told my team, “If you don’t love this job, leave it—because patients deserve our full attention.”