Sonja Blum, a neurologist who has always had a love for art, while also enjoying ideas and creativity, is now the Director of the Department of Memory Disorders and Cognitive Neurology and a Doctor of Medicine, Neuroscience, and Clinical Research at Marshfield Clinic Health System in Wisconsin, USA. “Connecting with my patients and their families and loved ones is the best part of my job, and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing my patients’ progress after a few months,” says Sonja. Growing up in a visionary and artistic family greatly influenced the seemingly two different worlds—art and medicine—to become the main characteristics of her life. Sonja’s grandfather, Emerik Blum, was a Bosnian-Jewish businessman, philanthropist, and the founder and first director of one of the largest conglomerates in Southeast Europe—Energoinvest. His dedication to his work and involvement in the local community left a lasting impression on her, reminding her of the importance of dedication and cooperation for the common good, while socializing with her grandmother Matusja’s circle of artist and musician friends developed her love for art. "Art is perhaps what I would have done from the beginning if there had been no war," Sonja emphasizes. However, the war changed her life path, prompting her to choose medicine. She felt the need to engage in humanitarian work and find a way to help people when she felt completely helpless. Studying medicine at the height of the war in 1993 laid the foundation for her journey through the fascinating world of medicine. Many years later, when she was already a professor of medicine at New York University, she returned to art. "Creating works of art was something that had always lived in me," she admits. Collaboration at NYU with Sarah Rothberg marked her return to art, strengthening her commitment to creation. Sonja is also focusing on research in neurology, fascinated by the function of memory that defines our being, identity, and continuity across lives and generations. "Memory is the lens through which we filter the world," she emphasizes. Deep reflection on the connection between memory and human behavior in times of crisis remains her constant fascination, guiding her in medicine and art.
Caution with artificial intelligence As a neurologist, Sonja deals with various aspects of her profession, including working with memory disorders and emergency neurology. However, her greatest satisfaction comes from connecting with patients and their families, highlighting this interaction as the best part of her job. As artificial intelligence becomes more and more present in the medical field, Sonja emphasizes caution in its application. She believes that artificial intelligence, although useful in expanding differential diagnosis, sometimes gives inappropriate or incorrect answers and emphasizes the need to verify these answers before practical application. Although she currently does not have direct cooperation with colleagues from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sonja emphasizes that her goal and desire through her membership in BHAAAS is to connect with scientists, doctors, artists, and academics around the world and in BiH. The inherited connection with Sarajevo and the values that her grandfather passed on to her form a deep part of Sonja's life story and her attachment to this city. "Sarajevo is my city; my heart is in Sarajevo," she admits. As a professor and doctor, Sonja finds satisfaction in her work, but outside of working hours, she enjoys the time spent with her children the most, emphasizing the importance of simple moments spent in the company of those closest to her.
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