Team Additions

It’s with great pleasure that we welcome Vanessa Pala to our Lanserhof at The Arts Club family.

Vanessa started her career as a Radiographer and has over twenty years’ experience in healthcare. She has worked in the NHS for over ten years as well as private medical centres across London, including a world class orthopaedic clinic.

Vanessa not only manages the clinic, but also acts as the CQC Registered Manager. Her ambition is to ensure the Lanserhof ethos is realised in our London day clinic. Therefore, she works closely with all our experts; doctors, therapists, clinicians and team members to bring the best possible experience and outcomes to our clients.

Dr Taher Mahmud is a consultant rheumatologist based in central London and Tunbridge Wells. He is renowned for his expertise in osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and inflammatory arthritis.

Dr Mahmud qualified in medicine from King’s College London before undertaking training at various esteemed institutions including St Thomas’, and Pembury Hospitals, as well as completing a research fellowship at King’s College Hospital, gaining an MD and a Master’s in biochemistry. He further honed his skills in rheumatology through specialist training at King’s College, the Lupus Unit at St Thomas’, and Guy’s Hospital Rheumatology Units. Serving as a consultant rheumatologist since 2000, he was awarded fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians in 2014.

Boasting more than 30 years of experience, Dr Mahmud has held various prominent roles throughout his career, including as cofounder and clinical lead for osteoporosis at the London Osteoporosis Clinic, and has also received a Clinical Excellence Award in recognition of his excellence and dedication to his practice.

With a wealth of expertise and experience, he has been actively involved in medical education having lectured and trained a wide range of medical students and fellow practitioners and continues to make significant contributions to the field of rheumatology. He has appeared in numerous peer-reviewed publications, has authored his own book on the subject of patient care and feedback, and is passionate about raising awareness of the prevention of osteoporosis fractures and maintaining healthy bones. He is also a member of various professional organisations, including the American College of Rheumatology, British Medical Association, British Society of Rheumatology, General Medical Council and the Royal Society of Medicine.

Francine has obtained a Master’s degree (MA, Distinction) in Integrative Psychotherapy from Regent’s University and is a fully qualified member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP). Her approach to therapy is collaborative, practical and personal. Fundamental to her approach is the belief that human beings are naturally resilient and have an incredible capacity for change.

Approaching human behaviour and psychotherapy from a unique perspective, Francine, draws on her background in both law and neuropsychology, with a particular passion for understanding the nuanced intersection between the mind and the body. With a Human Biology degree from Stanford University, Francine’s distinctive outlook allows her to see the client as a whole, understanding the individual in their environment, taking into account their medical and personal history, genetic and generational imprint, as well as their core beliefs, patterns and defences. As a former lawyer, she is a critical thinker who is adept at investigating and tying together themes and patterns to help clients understand how their life experiences have shaped who they are.

In her private practice and at Lanserhof at the Arts Club, Francine supports clients across a variety of presenting issues; including anxiety and depression, post-natal depression, body image, Trauma/PTSD, attachment and relationship issues, chronic pain, unexplained health issues, auto immune diseases, fertility concerns, stress and health anxiety.

She is passionate about helping people understand themselves better and to recognise areas where they are “stuck,” identifying old patterns of thought and behaviour that may not be serving them well anymore. By challenging and breaking these old ways of thinking, whilst recognising the established effects stress and unprocessed emotions can have on the body, Francine is a strong advocate that clients can feel empowered to regain control over their mental health, allowing them to optimise both their mental and physical wellbeing.

We are delighted to welcome back renowned holistic wellness expert, Francy Lema. With over a decade of experience in the field of wellness and nutrition, she has continuously refined her craft and become the go-to practitioner for high-profile personalities seeking optimal well-being.

Francy’s extensive knowledge and training in both Eastern and Western practices allow her to provide a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. She has exceptional skills in naturopathy, acupuncture, yoga, Thai massage, and therapeutic massage. With her expertise extending beyond her academic achievements, which includes a first-class honours degree in Psychology. This enables her to connect with clients on a deep level, addressing their physical and emotional needs, and thus setting her apart in the industry.