Ethics in longevity

Viviana Botoaca talks to editor Anna Dobbie about her aims to create the first sustainable clinic

By merging her expertise in longevity with a passion for philanthropy and sustainability, Viviana Botoaca has founded a longevity clinic to transform communities as well as patients. From genetic testing for personalised health plans to its unique partnership with an ocean cleaning charity, Geneviv Clinic is redefining what it means to be a healthcare provider in today’s world.

FROM A VISION TO REALITY

The idea for Geneviv Clinic and its philanthropic arm Geneviv Empower began with a simple realisation: healthcare should be accessible, sustainable, and holistic. Two years ago, Botoaca decided to combine her experience running longevity clinics with a deep commitment to making a difference. That’s when the concept of both the clinic (which is in the process of getting CQC registered) and the charity was born. Botoaca’s journey into philanthropy started when she explored the potential of non-surgical treatments. After learning about InMode’s Empower device, which offers body contouring without the need for surgery, she saw an opportunity to extend these advanced technologies to women who might not otherwise be able to afford them: “I thought, how can we help the people who need this the most but can’t pay for it?” This sparked the creation of Geneviv Empower, a charity aimed at supporting underprivileged women, particularly those who have suffered from trauma or lack access to proper healthcare.

A LIFELINE FOR THE VULNERABLE

Geneviv Empower is designed to assist those in need by offering non-invasive treatments, genetic tests, and hormonal analysis, focusing on women. Botoaca’s mission is to address multiple stages of life, from young mothers dealing with post-pregnancy changes to elderly women struggling with urinary incontinence and menopause. By offering these services free of charge, the clinic aims to step in where traditional healthcare systems often fall short.

Geneviv offers genetic testing to predict potential health risks, such as obesity, insulin resistance, or celiac disease. By catching these conditions early, the clinic can provide preventative care.. Genetic tests can offer insights into how the body processes food, helping make more informed nutritional choices that could prevent long-term health issues like heart disease, diabetes, or anxiety. “Obesity isn’t just about eating too much or moving too little,” she says. “It’s about genetics, lifestyle, and the environment.” By addressing these factors early, Botoaca believes she can give people a better chance at a healthier future.

THE SUSTAINABLE CLINIC

Botoaca’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the clinic’s charity work. In addition to offering charitable services, Geneviv Clinic is built around the principle of sustainability. It is the first clinic in its area to implement sustainable practices, removing five pounds of ocean trash for every treatment or product sold. This initiative is done in partnership with 4Ocean, a charity dedicated to cleaning the oceans and protecting marine life.

The partnership is more than just a donation; it’s a way for the clinic’s patients to feel like they are part of something bigger. Each patient receives a bracelet made from recycled ocean plastics as a reminder of the positive impact their treatment has on the planet. “It’s not just about taking care of yourself — it’s about taking care of the world around you,” Botoaca adds.

While sustainability can be challenging in an industry reliant on consumables like plastic and single-use materials, Botoaca has managed to find a balance. Working with sustainable materials in the clinic’s design, she’s made conscious choices to reduce waste and minimise the environmental footprint: “We are trying to do the right thing with what we can control. We can’t fix everything, but if we all do a little, it becomes a lot.”

THE POWER OF GENETICS

One of the most unique aspects of Geneviv Clinic is its use of genetic testing to provide a highly personalised approach to health and wellness. This is especially important for Botoaca who believes in the power of tailored treatments. “Nutrition isn’t one-size-f its-all,” Botoaca notes. “What works for one person may not work for another.” The clinic uses genetic testing to offer personalised diet and lifestyle recommendations based on factors like thyroid health, insulin resistance, and vitamin deficiencies. “We are all unique,” she says. “Genetics plays a huge role in how our body responds to food, stress, and exercise.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH COLLABORATION

Botoaca’s work isn’t done alone. She’s actively seeking partnerships with other charities and organisations to expand the reach of Geneviv Empower. She’s particularly interested in collaborating with groups like Refuge, a charity for women fleeing domestic violence, to ensure the clinic’s services reach those who need them most.

Her aim is to build a strong network of clinics and professionals who share her vision. This could involve expanding Geneviv Empower to more cities, offering more treatments and expanding access to underprivileged communities. “I would love to see this grow,” Botoaca says. “It’s not just about one clinic — it’s about creating a movement.”

MORE CLINICS, MORE IMPACT

Botoaca’s plans are ambitious. She envisions opening additional Geneviv clinics across the UK, each one focusing on sustainability and healthcare for vulnerable populations. As the clinic grows, so too will the impact of Geneviv Empower. In addition to the charity’s work, Botoaca is considering expanding her sustainable initiatives to include tree planting programmes, alongside the ongoing effort to clean the oceans. She’s passionate about leaving the world in a better place, for her children and for the future generations who will benefit from the changes she’s helping to instigate. “We’re not here just to treat people,” Botoaca says. “We’re here to make a change.” Through her innovative work at Geneviv Clinic, it’s clear that Botoaca is already making that change, one patient, one treatment, and one environmental initiative at a time.