English
Bosanski
Dr. Azra Sadiković
Dear friends, colleagues, and members of our BHAAAS family,
For me, BHAAAS is much more than a professional organization. It is a community of like-minded people connected by our roots, our shared values, and our desire to contribute to Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a family and a home away from home, where professional relationships grow into lasting friendships, experienced colleagues become mentors, and ideas turn into meaningful collaborations.
My own journey began in Travnik, where I first developed a passion for medicine, inspired in part by my father, a gynecologist. After completing medical school in Croatia, I continued my training in the United States, where I pursued my passion for gynecologic surgery. Today, I serve as Chief of the Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, where my husband, our two daughters, and I have made our home for more than a decade.
Like many of our members, my path was shaped by circumstances that took me away from my homeland. Yet distance has never meant disconnection. Our roots remain strong, and BHAAAS gives us a way to turn that connection into something meaningful.
Throughout my years with BHAAAS, I have witnessed the power of bringing people together. Knowledge is shared, new approaches are introduced, partnerships are formed, and young professionals find encouragement and mentorship. Often, the greatest impact comes long after a conference or a visit ends, when a new collaboration takes shape or knowledge is passed on to others.
Looking to the future, I see three key priorities:
- Growing our community. Welcoming more Bosnian and Herzegovinian professionals from around the world, bringing fresh perspectives and new opportunities to BHAAAS.
- Investing in education and knowledge transfer. Strengthening partnerships with institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and expanding opportunities for research, mentorship, training, and professional exchange.
- Empowering the next generation. Revitalizing BHAYA, engaging younger members, connecting them with mentors, and creating opportunities for them to contribute, grow, and become future leaders.
As we say, na mladima svijet ostaje — the future belongs to the young. We have a talented, ambitious, and globally connected younger generation. Our responsibility is to open doors, support their ideas, and help them turn their connection to Bosnia and Herzegovina into lasting contributions.
These goals cannot be achieved by one president or one Board. BHAAAS has always been a collective effort, and its greatest strength is its people.
My vision is to build on our successful journey, expand our mission, welcome new ideas, and strengthen the connections that make BHAAAS special. As we begin this next chapter, I hope we will continue to grow through openness, collaboration, and a shared commitment to making a difference — while never losing the personal connections and sense of belonging that bring us together.
Twenty years ago, BHAAAS began with a vision. Today, we have a strong organization, an extraordinary network, and an opportunity to accomplish even more.
Thank you for your trust, your dedication, and everything you contribute to BHAAAS. I am honored to serve as President and look forward to what we will accomplish together.
Hvala vam!
Warm regards,
Azra Sadiković
President, BHAAAS