COMBINING QUALITY HEALTH CARE WITH THE SPA EXPERIENCE
ICC AT THE MEDI SPA, GREENBELT, MARYLAND USA
By Tasha Lewis

Class is what comes to mind when I think of my long time Doctor, Dr. Caryl Mussenden. When I learned that she was expanding her practice to include a new venture, Medi Spa, I was not surprised since quality has always been a part of the high quality service that she has provided myself and her countless clients.

When I arrived at the grand opening celebration, the first thing that I saw was an ice sculpture of a Butterfly, which was a part of the spa's logo. From the extraordinary Executive Chef Nat Jordan, the patrons where wooed by a wide array of delicacies. One of my favorites was the crab dip and beverage in one of the beverage fountains. Next thing was a tour of the spa. A family affair is all I can say. From the Spa's design to decoration, various members of Dr. Mussenden's family played an intricate part in opening the new spa. Her husband, Dr. Rodney Ellis, who is not only her partner in life but who shares a joint practice with her, plays an essential part with the spa as well.

MediSpa Brochure (PDF)

The spa was designed by a local artist, Sofale, who is their niece. She designed the interior of the spa, including the colors, the textures, the fixtures and the accessories. The pictures of the models in the stairway and the framed clouds on the walls were developed by Camille, Dr. Mussenden's daughter who is a photographer.

Throughout the day, the patrons could sample many of the services. One of my favorites, massage, was being offered as a chair massage. Unfortunately due to a previous commitment, I was unable to sample my next favorite, Facial.

Prior to completing the article, I had to come back to try out my favorites to give me a flavor for how the spa experience would go. As you enter the facility, you are greeted by the receptionist who confirms your visit details and invited to sit in the waiting area and relax with some of the complementary beverages/snacks.

While waiting for my first appointment, I chatted with the spa staff and a client about travel and our various professions. One of the things that I loved the most were the wonderful smells in the air. Each room was decorated based on tropical/exotic colors that allowed you to feel like you could be anywhere in the world. From the Hot Stone Massage to the Microdermabraision Facial, I felt I was well cared for. The great thing about my doctor's practice being located on the premises was that she made herself personally available to ensure that each service met and exceeded my expectations.

Later on, I could even make my next appointment with my doctor.

After all that, Dr. Caryl Mussenden (CM) provided me with an interview to give us an inside track into their vision for Medi Spa.

ICC: "What is your role at Medi Spa?"

CM: "I am the physician owner and originator."

ICC: "How long have you been with the Medi Spa?"

CM: "I began performing Liposuction 3 years ago and have totally enjoyed helping to sculpt people's bodies the way they "used to be." About a year ago, I wanted to offer laser hair and vein removal but knew I didn't have the space here to bring equipment in. Additionally, performing laser work really requires it to be done in a different venue other than an office-although my office is aesthetically pleasing. So I tucked the thought of Liposuction away for the time. Last spring, the space directly above and connected to my office was put on the market. It was not hard to see that this was perfect to realize my desire to offer not only laser procedures, but services that would be found in a spa. After renovations and design by a renowned local artist, my niece Sofale, we opened the spa just before the Christmas holiday in 2006. Personally, I love going to spas, so I knew what I would want if I was visiting one. Of course, that's why the spa has the ambiance it has. I love to have services performed here! AND I do!"

ICC: "What in your opinion is the most compelling reason for a client to utilize the services of Medi Spa?"

CM: "I believe that what clients like about a Med or Medi Spa is that it is physician run and that is what gives it more credence and a safety factor regarding many of the services offered."

ICC: "What makes Medi Spa unique?"

CM: "My Medi Spa is unique in that I offer Liposuction in the spa. I think it is a perfect facility for surgical procedures where the body is being designed. In fact, when my door is closed during surgery, the signage outside reads 'SHHHH, Body being Designed.'"

ICC: "Explain some of the services that you offer?"

CM: "In LipoSculpture & Body By Design Medi Spa, I offer Colonic Therapy-cleansing of the colon to help improve the overall body's functioning; Facial cleansing with facials, Dermabrasion and Glycolic peels to help remove dead cells and lighten and rejuvenate the face; Eyebrow Threading in lieu of waxing; Eyelash Extensions to make one look more glamorous; Mesotherapy for cellulite and Spot Fat Reduction-this is injecting vitamins, minerals and homeopathic agents into the areas that are problematic; Botox for wrinkles; Facial fillers to make the client look 10 years younger-it lasts for up to 2 years and works immediately; Laser Hair and Vein removal; Sclerotherapy or injecting larger veins that are cosmetically unsightly."

ICC: "How does this enhance your clients health or reach their individual goals?"

CM: "All of the procedures performed in the spa, except Colonic Therapy, are cosmetic procedures that enhance a person's face and body. They are not medically indicated procedures and are, therefore, not covered by insurance. In looking better physically, most of us will feel better over all. Colonic Therapy does help a person in that the colon is cleansed and therefore allows better absorption of substances through the colon wall. Clients have reported feeling lighter, less gassy or bloated, passing their bowels more regularly, clearing of their skin and less fatigue."

ICC: "What is your criteria for evaluating clients or organizations for using your services?"

CM: "Depending on the service requested, there are certain medical questions we must ask and obtain. This will determine if a service is appropriate and, if so, what type of service should be offered, particularly in discussing facial work."

ICC: "Explain your company's philosophy and long term goals."

CM: "My goal is that clients of our spa leave the spa with the desire to return. We emphasize personable service provided from the time one makes an appointment until that person leaves the spa. We have the desire to see us as their first choice in the spa services we offer and to let them know that they do not have to go into downtown Washington for what we offer here. Because our patients advertise for us, we want to provide an excellent experience in each service that we offer so the patient will encourage others to visit with us."

ICC: "Thank you for the interview." .

My overall opinion was that the Medi Spa made me feel like I was being taken care of by family. Before my Mom passed away in 2001, we shared many experiences in the Spa environment. This brought many of those happy memories back.

International Connections Consulting (ICC) would like to thank Dr. Caryl Mussenden and all of her staff and the people involved in the grand opening for all they did and continue to do.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact them at