What is your current role, and where do you work?
Orthopedic surgeon specialized in shoulder and knee surgery, currently in Larnaca, private sector and freelancer, under the Cyprus Health Scheme (GESY)
Can you share a bit about your personal and educational background?
Double Citizenship Czech-Cypriot, fluent in 3 languages, basic knowledge of German. My father was the AA Doctor for a lot of years, and my mother studied Economics. My Cypriot family comes from the occupied areas, but I was never acknowledged as a refugee. Studied at the Charles university medical School in my homeland, followed by specialization studies for another 6 years.
How did your career path unfold from graduation to where you are today?
After the AA, I completed my military service where my life almost also ended due to a severe case of meningeal septic shock which led to my release. Then studied medical school from 1997-2003 followed by an immediate position for specialization at one of Charles university’s teaching hospitals until the end of 2009. During that era attended a number of fellowships around Europe. Since 2010 in Cyprus as a young specialist and worked until 2014 in state hospitals. Since then, I have my own practice in Larnaca.
What professional achievement are you most proud of and why?
My team of colleagues. Mastering the art of shoulder and knee surgery. Also, a member of the European shoulder associates, a crème de la crème lobby of renowned shoulder surgeons across Europe.
How did your experience with AAL contribute to your personal or professional growth?
The sense of community, team work, understanding society and being anti-racist and openminded is something AAL set the foundation for. I believed the “to grow and to serve” logo ever since I can remember.
What advice would you give to current AAL students?
No guts, No glory.
No sweat, No game.
Nothing will be every given to you by luck. Hard work is the key.
Always do what you love.
And last but not least DO NOT GIVE UP, DO NEVER GIVE UP!
