As part of the BHAAAS Student Program, the Mentorship Program 2025/2026 has been successfully completed. Through the program, 11 medical students from Bosnia and Herzegovina spent nine months learning with the support of experienced physicians, researchers, and BHAAAS members. The program was designed to enable students to complement the knowledge gained during their studies with practical and professional insights, develop research, clinical, and communication skills, and receive support in shaping their future academic and career paths.
Among the mentors in this year’s program were, among others, Dr. Nedim Huković, a psychiatry specialist in the United States; Dr. Srđan Nikolovski, MD, PhD, physician and researcher at Loyola University Chicago; Dr. Asim Haračić, a psychiatry specialist in Washington; Prof. Dr. med. Mirza Pojskić, neurosurgeon and managing senior physician at the Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg; Dr. Ognjen Gajić, MD, MSc, Professor of Medicine and specialist in pulmonary and critical care medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota; and Dr. Jelena Arnautović, DO, interventional cardiologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at Michigan State University.
“It is incredible to see how many smart and talented young people we have, and how, with just a little mentorship, numerous opportunities can open up and so much good can be achieved. Investing in the next generation should be one of our most important priorities. When we provide young people with guidance, opportunities, and encouragement, we are not only investing in their future, but also in the future of our communities and society as a whole,” said Dr. Arnautović, emphasizing that through the program she had the opportunity to meet exceptionally talented young people for whom quality mentorship support can open many doors.
From October to June, students worked with their mentors on topics tailored to their interests and goals. Mentorship activities included scientific research methodology and statistical analysis, developing research hypotheses, preparing case reports and literature reviews, developing clinical skills, preparing for the USMLE, and creating conference presentations.
The results of the final evaluation confirm the quality of the program and the dedication of its participants. All mentors who submitted evaluations stated that they had completed at least nine hours of mentorship work with the students, and assessed the meetings as productive and useful for the students’ professional development.
The value of the program is best reflected in the experiences of its participants.
“The Mentorship Program was a valuable experience that enabled me to connect the knowledge gained at university with real clinical practice. Having a mentor from my own field, who was willing to share knowledge, answer my questions, and include me in her everyday work, motivated me to learn more and helped me gain a clearer perspective on my future career. I would recommend this experience to all students who want to learn beyond the classroom and gain practical insight into their field,” said one of the program participants.
Benjamin Omerbegović, a student at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Tuzla, said that he entered the program expecting to learn more about scientific research, but that the mentorship experience gave him much more.
“I learned many valuable lessons about working with people, networking, medicine, and life. The BHAAAS Mentorship Program is an exceptional opportunity for all students who want to improve their knowledge and skills. I sincerely appreciate the time and effort invested in me,” Benjamin said.
Amna Opačin, a student at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, had a similar experience.
“The BHAAAS Mentorship Program was an incredible and transformative experience that truly connects the expertise of our diaspora with the ambitions of students in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It gave me the confidence and tools to apply new ideas in my own country. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to advance their academic and professional journey,” said Amna.
One of the mentors, Dr. Asim Haračić, emphasized that the program provides a unique opportunity for professional, clinical, and personal development for both students and mentors.
“The exchange of experiences and knowledge is useful and valuable for both sides. The program is fully aligned with the core principles of BHAAAS, particularly the transfer of knowledge and experience between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States of America. Supporting the professional development of young and talented students in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a noble and exceptionally important goal,” said Dr. Haračić.
The BHAAAS Mentorship Program is one of the ways in which the Academy, through its Student Program, connects young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina with experts from the country and the world. Through the exchange of knowledge, experience, and professional contacts, the program provides students with support that goes beyond the classroom and can have a long-term impact on their academic and professional development.
Applications for the new generation of the BHAAAS Mentorship Program are open until August 30, 2026, via the online form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIQbNggD6XUCRMt7UYO5svToltqqfdxT9WoooDil93QK91-g/viewform. Eligible applicants are medical students from Bosnia and Herzegovina who will be in their third, fourth, fifth, or sixth year of study in October, as well as students completing their internship. Applications are submitted through the online form, and additional information is available at [email protected].
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