Adnan Begović, MD

Dear members of BHAAAS,

Thank you all for your trust in me. I am honored to take on the role of President of BHAAAS. I  am fully committed to working with you to achieve our shared goals and advance our mission  and vision. Together, we will build a more substantial and impactful future for BHAAAS.

I was invited to join the BHAAAS in 2007, but due to family obligations and professional commitments, I couldn't participate then. My enjoyable journey with BHAAAS began in 2018, first in Jahorina (BiH) and then in Jacksonville (FL). From the start, I was impressed by the organization's intellectual potential and felt welcomed and accepted. I owe my presence here  today to Dr. O. Gajic and Dr. E. Festic, and I am truly grateful for their support. Collaborating with them and other outstanding colleagues during the COVID-19 pandemic was an unforgettable experience.

I firmly believe in the value of education and the commendable principles of this organization. I completed my medical education in Sarajevo and began my training in pulmonary medicine.

After the war, I reunited with my family and relocated to San Diego, California. I later completed my internal medicine training at the University of Virginia and finished a pulmonary and critical care fellowship at the UCSD. Currently, I serve as the medical director of the Intensive Care Unit at the University of California, San Diego. I engage in several committees and contribute to educational initiatives in this position. These experiences have significantly shaped my career and opened opportunities I had not anticipated.

My family has always played the most crucial role in my life. They are my support system and my companions. My wife, Vedka, is not just my best friend and partner but also my fearless critic. With Vedka, my two daughters-in-law, Clare and Koree, and my three sons, Mirza, Amir, and Kenan, this life journey - full of effort and struggle - is enjoyable and makes perfect sense.

The fundamental truth is that the education system - in the USA and in ex-Yugoslavia - has worked well for me; it has functioned as intended. I have dedicated most of my professional life to ensuring educational opportunities for others. This commitment has been the guiding principle and focus of my career. I strongly believe in the BHAAAS organization's power to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

I am committed to collaborating with all of you to elevate this organization as a leader in recruiting talented new members across all disciplines, including art and science. I want you to know that I deeply value your time and effort, and I will always prioritize your well-being above all else.

My main goal is to understand your viewpoints and ensure that everyone has a part in shaping our future direction.

Sincerely,

Dr. Adnan Begović

President of BHAAAS