“Women in Medicine – Empowerment & Balance” is one of the key events of this year’s 16th Annual Conference of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences (BHAAAS). The panel discussion, dedicated to the role, challenges, and significance of women in modern medicine and science, will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Hotel Holiday in Sarajevo.
The goal of the event is to highlight the contributions of women who have built successful careers around the world and to create an open space for discussion about the everyday challenges they face as professionals, leaders, mentors, mothers, and members of society. Through personal stories and open dialogue, the focus will be on empowering women, strengthening leadership skills, encouraging mutual support, and finding balance between professional and private life.
The panel will be moderated by Dr. Vedka Begović, a clinical professor who emphasizes that being a physician is one of the most noble, yet most demanding professions. She states that medical education is long and difficult, and it is not easy to earn a “seat at the table” in a field long dominated by men. The position and success of women in such an environment, combined with societal and family expectations, is especially challenging. She adds that through an interactive discussion with highly accomplished doctors and scientists, the panel will aim to share experiences and, hopefully, inspire young colleagues to persevere in building careers that are both professionally fulfilling and balanced with personal well-being and family responsibilities.
Dr. Nina Jovanović, a specialist in ophthalmology and optometry, further highlights that this event is directed at young female doctors and scientists who are boldly and uncompromisingly moving forward, opening doors for the generations to come. She notes that, as female surgeons in the Balkans, where surgery is still viewed as a male-dominated field, they know how much strength, perseverance, and confidence is required to secure a place—not only in the operating room but also at the decision-making table. Balancing personal ambition and professional advancement with family obligations, responsibilities, and societal expectations is a challenge that must not be underestimated. This event serves as recognition for women who have already left their mark, as well as a powerful reminder to younger scientists that they are not alone. Many young women before them have faced similar struggles and succeeded. That is why all women must know that they have the right to be ambitious, courageous, successful, and unwavering in their passion for science and medicine.
The panel will feature distinguished doctors and scientists from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the diaspora, including Academician Professor Dr. Senka Mesihović Dinarević, pediatric cardiologist at Eurofarm Center Sarajevo; Dr. Lejla Hadžikadić Gušić, oncological surgeon at the Levine Cancer Institute in the USA; Dr. Azra Sadiković, gynecologist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago; Dr. Ljiljana Đukanović, molecular biologist at CRIAM Knowledge in Portugal; Dr. Amila Husić, general and colorectal surgeon at General Hospital “Abdulah Nakaš” in Sarajevo; Dr. Anisa Gradaščević, internal medicine specialist and nephrology fellow in Germany; and Dr. Ermina Iljazović, specialist in pathological anatomy at the University Clinical Center Tuzla.
Although women make up approximately 70% of the global health and social care workforce—representing over 41 million women—their presence in leadership remains disproportionately low. Only 25% of leadership positions in healthcare are held by women, and just 20% occupy chair roles in global health organizations. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, women make up about 74% of the public healthcare workforce, yet are still underrepresented in leadership and management positions.
This program seeks to open essential conversations that shape women’s careers in medicine—from institutional obstacles and professional development to the value of collaboration and solidarity. Through the voices and experiences of these exceptional women, the audience will have the opportunity to hear inspiring stories and explore paths toward a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive healthcare system for all women in medicine.
BHAAAS warmly invites all interested individuals to attend this important event and contribute to our shared mission of strengthening the role of women in medicine through knowledge, connection, and mutual support.
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