Dr. Hassan Mubark, CEO of Auckland Regenerative Clinic: A Visionary Leader Driving Innovation and Improving Lives through Resilience and Advancements in Regenerative Medicine

True innovation in medicine doesn’t just come from laboratories—it comes from leaders who see beyond limitations and believe in what’s possible. These are the pioneers who don’t wait for change; they create it. Dr. Hassan Mubark is one of those rare leaders, who, with courage, compassion, and a relentless commitment to progress, is bringing new hope to patients who’ve been told to “just live with the pain.” A visionary in the field of regenerative medicine, Dr. Mubark brings together over three decades of experience, a deep understanding of joint disease, and a heart for healing.

Originally trained at Baghdad University and now a proud Kiwi since 1995, Dr. Mubark blends deep medical expertise with a forward-thinking mindset, offering treatments that aim not just to manage pain—but to change lives. Specializing in stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and viscous hyaluronic injections, Dr. Mubark focuses on interventional procedures that may delay or even prevent the need for surgery. His work has been featured in respected orthopedic journals, with success stories ranging from everyday patients to elite athletes and world champions.

We at CIO Bulletin had the distinct privilege of interviewing Dr. Hassan Mubark, CEO, rheumatologist & stem cell therapy specialist of Auckland Regenerative Clinic. He shared invaluable insights into his early journey, the initial challenges he overcame, and how his pioneering work in the fields of rheumatology and stem cell therapy is transforming what it means to live with arthritis, injury, and chronic joint pain—moving beyond traditional approaches to create a future where science genuinely serves people.

Interview Highlights

Dr. Mubark, you’ve dedicated over 30 years to medicine and pioneered regenerative therapies in New Zealand—what personal philosophy drives your innovation in such a conservative field?

I believe the body has an incredible ability to heal itself when properly supported. After 30 years in medicine, I’ve seen traditional treatments focus more on symptoms than on root causes—a mindset that never aligned with me. Regenerative medicine offers a proactive path to restore function and quality of life without unnecessary surgery. This vision drives my continued passion and purpose.

Every great clinic has a powerful story at its core. What inspired the founding of Auckland Regenerative Clinic, and how did your journey—from traditional rheumatology to pioneering stem cell therapy—shape its mission and identity?

Auckland Regenerative Clinic was founded from a deep dissatisfaction with the limitations of traditional rheumatology. After years of witnessing patients trapped in cycles of toxic medications without true relief and complicated surgeries with prolonged recovery, I sought a better approach. The discovery of non-surgical therapies that promote genuine healing was transformative. Our mission is to support healing through both science and empathy, providing treatments that restore function instead of replacing it. Transitioning from traditional methods to regenerative care wasn't just a career change—it was a personal mission.

Moving from Iraq to New Zealand in 1995, you brought a global perspective to Kiwi healthcare. What’s one defining moment from your journey that shaped you into the leader you are today?

In 1995, I relocated from Iraq to New Zealand, navigating cultural differences and language challenges as I worked to reestablish my medical career. After successfully completing the necessary examinations, I became a rheumatologist, specializing in the treatment of autoimmune rheumatic conditions using immune-modulating therapies. However, for patients with age-related joint problems, joint replacement surgery—often delayed by long waiting lists—was frequently the only solution. One day, I questioned this approach: instead of replacing a joint with metal, why not explore ways to repair the natural joint when feasible? That simple thought resonated deeply with me, serving as a powerful reminder that genuine leadership in medicine is grounded in empathy and human connection. It reinforced my dedication to compassionate, patient-centered care driven by a clear sense of purpose.

Stem cell therapy walks a fine line between cutting-edge care and ethical scrutiny. How do you lead your clinic through these debates while keeping patient trust at the core?

Stem cell therapy demands transparency, integrity, and evidence-based practice. At Auckland Regenerative Clinic, we prioritize science and patient trust. While we never promise miracles, we commit to honesty, strict protocols, and verified clinical outcomes. Education is central to our approach—we ensure patients understand the risks, benefits, and limitations of treatment. They’re not just recipients but active partners in their care. Guided by ethics and research, we’ve earned our patients’ trust and work hard every day to uphold it.

Your success stories—like healing tendon tears and osteoarthritis—rely on a skilled crew. What’s your secret to fostering a team that’s as passionate and precise as you are?

Leading a pioneering, world-first case in tendon healing with stem cell therapy requires a unified vision and strong trust. I lead by example, sharing my passion for advancing medicine with my team. Through open communication, continuous learning, and a collaborative environment, each member feels valued and empowered. By fostering growth and innovation, we stay focused on a single goal.

Stem cell therapy isn’t yet funded by ACC, most insurance companies or available in public health system. How is your clinic working to bridge that gap and bring this care to more New Zealanders?

While stem cell therapy isn’t yet funded by ACC or most insurance companies, our clinic is actively working to bridge that gap. We’re focused on building a solid foundation of clinical evidence by tracking patient outcomes and demonstrating the long-term benefits of regenerative therapies. By showcasing real-world success stories and collaborating with researchers, healthcare providers, and policy-makers, we aim to build greater awareness and trust in the therapy. Our goal is to prove its effectiveness, which we believe will eventually lead to broader acceptance and future funding from ACC, insurance companies, and public health systems. We’re hopeful that as more data becomes available and the results speak for themselves, stem cell therapy might become a viable option for New Zealanders in the future.

Could you share a glimpse into your collaborations with fellow specialists, researchers, or technology partners, and how these relationships have helped elevate Auckland Regenerative Clinic’s impact?

Our collaborations with scientists, researchers, and technology partners have been integral to Auckland Regenerative Clinic’s success. By working alongside leading experts in regenerative medicine and innovative technologies, we've been able to bring cutting-edge treatments to our patients. These partnerships not only enhance the quality of care we provide but also foster a shared commitment to advancing science and improving outcomes. Celebrating these collaborations highlights the collective effort that drives our transformative work and reinforces our dedication to offering the best in regenerative care.

Every leader is shaped by mentors, role models, or pivotal moments. Is there a book, quote, or person who has profoundly influenced your leadership philosophy?

My leadership philosophy has been profoundly shaped by a combination of remarkable figures, transformative ideas, and insightful teachings. Dr. Barry Marshall’s groundbreaking work (Nobel Prize) in discovering the link between H. pylori and stomach ulcers taught me the power of curiosity, perseverance, and challenging the status quo. His determination to prove his theory, despite initial skepticism, reinforced the importance of evidence-based leadership and staying true to what you believe in, even when it’s not the popular opinion. Similarly, Dr. Shinya Yamanaka’s pioneering research (Nobel Prize) in stem cells has been a major influence. His ability to turn what seemed impossible into reality—transforming adult cells into pluripotent stem cells—reminds me of the transformative power of innovation and how leadership is often about creating new possibilities for others. Lastly, the saying “everyone has a doctor in him or her,” attributed to Hippocrates, is a guiding principle for me. It reminds me that healing comes from within and that, as a leader, my role is to empower others—whether it’s my patients or my team—to tap into their own innate potential for recovery and growth.

You’ve paved the way for stem cell therapy in New Zealand. What legacy do you hope to leave behind—not just medically, but in terms of societal perception and access to treatment?

Although stem cell therapy isn’t currently funded by ACC or most insurers, we’re working to change that. By tracking patient outcomes and building clinical evidence, we aim to demonstrate its long-term benefits. Through collaboration and sharing real-world results, we’re fostering trust in the therapy. Our goal is to pave the way for future funding and, hopefully, make regenerative treatments more accessible to New Zealanders.

The Ardent Visionary behind Auckland Regenerative Clinic’s Unwavering Success

Dr. Hassan Mubark, CEO of Auckland Regenerative Clinic, is a leading rheumatologist and stem cell therapy specialist with over 30 years of experience. He focuses on regenerative treatments for musculoskeletal and sports injuries, achieving significant successes in complex cases. Dr. Mubark is dedicated to advancing medical science and improving the lives of patients suffering from arthritis and joint conditions.

“Our goal is to pave the way for future stem cell therapy funding and, hopefully, make regenerative treatments more accessible to New Zealanders.”