The importance of women in medicine: BHAAAS opens space for dialogue, experiences and empowerment

As part of the 16th Days of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences (BHAAAS), a panel titled “Women in Medicine – Empowerment & Balance” was held at the Hotel Holiday in Sarajevo, bringing together distinguished experts in medicine and science from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the diaspora.

The panel addressed important topics related to the role of women in modern medicine, the challenges they face in their daily work, and the importance of mutual support, leadership development, and finding balance between professional and personal life.

The panel was moderated by Dr. Vedka Begović, clinical professor and co-chair of the BHAAAS Medical Section, who emphasized that the goal of the event was to create space for dialogue, sharing experiences, and empowering young female doctors and scientists.

Panel participants included:

  • Academician Prof. Dr. Senka Mesihović Dinarević (Eurofarm Center Sarajevo)
  • Dr. Lejla Hadžikadić Gušić (Levine Cancer Institute, USA)
  • Dr. Azra Sadiković (Rush University Medical Center, USA)
  • Dr. Ljiljana Đukanović (CRIAM Knowledge, Portugal)
  • Dr. Amila Husić (General Hospital “Abdulah Nakaš”)
  • Dr. Anisa Gradaščević (Germany)
  • MSc. Dr. Ajla Hadžismailović-Ajdin (Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, KCUS)

 

Although women make up over 70% of the global health workforce, their representation in leadership positions remains disproportionately low. This makes the event particularly significant—through personal stories and professional experiences shared by the panelists, key issues were raised regarding institutional barriers, career development, and the importance of building a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.

The panel was dedicated to young women starting their careers in medicine and science, offering them encouragement and a strong message: in their ambitions, challenges, and professional journeys—they are not alone. Through the experiences of the women who came before them, and through platforms like BHAAAS, the foundations for a more equitable future are being laid.

With this program, the Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy once again reaffirms its commitment to knowledge-sharing, creating opportunities, and strengthening the role of women in science and society.