Anabel Rosselló, director of the Instituto Médico Rosselló in Palma, shares her inspiring journey from childhood dreams of diverse careers to becoming a leading force in healthcare innovation. In this exclusive interview with Humans of Mallorca, she opens up about how her family shaped her outlook, her professional challenges, and her passion for helping patients navigate intimate health issues. As she prepares to host her upcoming workshop, “Menopause, A User’s Guide,”(on September 20) Anabel reflects on her life’s mission and what it takes to create lasting positive change in healthcare.
Where were you born?
In Palma de Mallorca, in a hospital that used to be called “Mare Nostrum” (our sea, in Latin).
Where did you study?
Royal Holloway, London University and then, a few years later, at the Instituto de Empresa, Madrid.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I had many ideas: they ranged from travel journalist to silk-painting artist, to doctor, to actress, to setting up an NGO… I knew how I wanted to feel, but changed my mind often about how to get there!
Who are your parents?
Mariano (a doctor and optimist extraordinaire) and Victoria (journalist and the epitome of resilience). The best possible parents for someone like me.
What did they give you in life? What are you grateful for?
My brother for starters! They gave me the superpower to see possibilities where others see problems, a broad liberal and values-based education and languages. They continue to show me the importance of not taking anything for granted. I am forever grateful for their unquestioning support and unconditional love.
Where do you live now and why do you like this place?
I live in Palma, bang in the middle of Las Ramblas. I like to improvise plans, potter about, and I love the feeling of being part of a “barrio”. Living in Palma gives me all that.
How did you choose your profession?
It keeps evolving actually, but most of my work has been in the field of communication and project management in healthcare. For the past 4 years, I’ve been leading a wonderful team of healthcare professionals at our clinic in Palma. Thos has turned out to be a fantastic professional chapter. I am truly proud of them and of the work we do to help women and men solve intimate healthcare problems (urinary system, sexual health and hormonal balance).
What was your first professional success?
I was about to get fired from my first job and managed to convince my boss he was making a mistake. I stayed on and a year later he asked me not to leave when I voluntarily handed in my notice!
What challenges have you faced?
Difficulties (and difficult people!) arise at certain points in life, and as you grow older, you realize they are there for a reason. They actually lead you to opportunities that you might not have considered.
So, instead of letting problems overwhelm you, it’s better to see problems as a chance to step-up your game. Sometimes, just daring to pursue an idea, putting yourself forward for a job or asking the right questions, will allow you to move forward and get the job done. Don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm be felt. Attitude is everything! Act as if you are already achieving what it is you want. Be creative!
What are you most proud of?
My family. Both the original family I was born into and the one I’ve created with my husband and son. Together with my “chosen family” which is formed by the people I work and spend my personal time with.
What do you think about the protests against mass tourism in Mallorca?
I understand the motivation behind the protests, and I trust the local authorities and private business networks to come up with solutions while fostering diversified development. The system and local resources are stressed and stretched out, that is a fact. But we need tourism, that is also a fact and both realities need to find common ground.
In what ways is Mallorca better than Barcelona or Madrid?
It’s different, not necessarily better. It depends on your perspective and your priorities. Is chocolate ice-cream better than lemon-pie or cheesecake?!
What plans do you have for this year?
My short-term goal is to make our forthcoming workshop, “Menopause, A User’s Guide” a memorable event for the women who are attending this Friday, 20th of September. My plans for the rest of the year basically involve reinforcing our clinic’s leadership in Intimate Health and Functional Medicine as well as creating a great environment for our wonderful team and our patients.
What is your goal in life?
Connecting with more joy, in a nutshell! Working more efficiently in order to have more time to spend with family and make it count. Continuing to improve patient’s lives through our medical work in male and female intimate healthcare.
How do you see Mallorca in 2030? What changes would you like to see?
I would like to see less graffiti and zero rubbish in the streets of Palma, more support for local entrepreneurship and a limit to the number of cruise ships in one single day in Palma Port to prevent overwhelming our infrastructure.
Text by Anastasia Barysheva
