Mahira Tanović, MD, FACS, is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with more than twenty years of professional experience in New York. She is a member and former President of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences (BHAAAS) and has been appointed President of the National Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a professional organization operating at the national level.
She currently serves as an Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery at the Hofstra University School of Medicine in New York State and is the owner of a private practice located on Park Avenue in New York City.
Following her appointment, Dr. Tanović appeared on the morning programs of BHRT and Federal Television, where she highlighted the importance of the Association as a professional and secure platform for physicians, as well as an additional guarantee of quality and safety for patients.
Professional Networking and Responsibility
The National Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Bosnia and Herzegovina was originally founded ten years ago. At a recent General Assembly, new leadership was elected with the aim of reactivating the Association and expanding its membership to include as many specialists as possible from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the diaspora.
The Association brings together experts with the goal of strengthening professional standards, facilitating knowledge exchange, and improving patient safety. In addition to President Mahira Tanović, the position of Vice President is held by Dr. Dražen Erić (Qatar), while Dr. Mufid Burgić (BiH) serves as Secretary of the Association.
Speaking about the role of the Association, Dr. Tanović emphasized that its primary purpose is not hierarchy or formal “teaching,” but rather connecting colleagues, sharing experiences, and providing mutual professional support, particularly in complex and challenging cases encountered regardless of years of experience.
“Complications are an inherent part of medicine, and no one is immune to them. That is why it is essential for physicians to have a platform where they can quickly exchange advice, opinions, or experiences,” Dr. Tanović emphasized.
Membership in the Association will be available exclusively to verified specialists who meet clearly defined professional criteria, ensuring additional transparency and trust for patients. At the same time, the Association will provide young physicians with opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and international networking.
“Those of us who live and work abroad have a responsibility to open doors for young professionals—to help them understand whom they can turn to and how they can connect with colleagues and institutions around the world,” Dr. Tanović added.
On Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Plastic and reconstructive surgery is one of the most complex fields of medicine, encompassing an exceptionally broad range of procedures—from the reconstruction of congenital deformities and traumatic injuries to post-oncologic reconstructions and aesthetic procedures.
“Our specialization never truly ends. A plastic surgeon must have broad knowledge, a deep understanding of tissue behavior, and a commitment to continuous education, as techniques and approaches evolve almost daily,” Dr. Tanović noted.
She also stressed the importance of responsible physician selection, as even seemingly simple procedures can carry serious risks if performed by inadequately trained or improperly certified individuals.
“Patients must know whom they are entrusting with their care. Even the simplest procedures require top-level expertise and the ability to respond professionally in the event of complications.”
Plastic Surgery Symposium at the 15th BHAAAS Days (2024) in Sarajevo
As part of the 15th BHAAAS Days (2024), Dr. Mahira Tanović served as Chair of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Symposium, which brought together distinguished national and international experts.
Participants included Roger K. Khouri, Uroš Ahčan, a pioneer of 3D nasal reconstruction, Ahmed Yakubovich Rakhimov, and many other renowned speakers. A special highlight of the symposium was a live facial fat grafting procedure, performed by Dr. Mahira Tanović and Dr. Alemko Čvorak, offering participants real-time insight into contemporary surgical techniques.
Announcement: 17th BHAAAS Days, June 4–7, 2026, Sarajevo
Building on the highly positive feedback and strong professional interest, it has been announced that the 17th BHAAAS Days, to be held from June 4 to 7, 2026, in Sarajevo will feature two specialized symposia:
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Symposium
- Regenerative and Functional Medicine Symposium
Special emphasis will be placed on personalized therapeutic approaches based on patients’ genetic and biological profiles, with participation from leading international experts alongside local specialists.
The Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences (BHAAAS) has, for many years, brought together experts from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the diaspora, creating a space for knowledge exchange, modern professional practice, and the strengthening of ties between domestic and international professional communities.
Mahira Tanović’s appearance on BHRT can be viewed here:
https://youtu.be/fUOM0f48Qvc?si=Rc0QPLRfg3lEynzE
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