ONCOFFEE: Vera Megdanova on Oncology, Family, and the Challenges of Practicing Medicine in Bulgaria
In this episode of OnCoffee, Vahe Grigoryan joined by Dr. Vera Megdanova, a medical oncologist at University Hospital “Queen Yoana – ISUL” in Sofia, Bulgaria. Dr. Megdanova shares her journey through the world of oncology, where she navigates the emotional challenges of treating cancer while facing the unique hurdles of practicing in Bulgaria’s healthcare system. Vera details her PhD on sarcopenia (muscle loss) in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer undergoing immunotherapy, highlighting significant findings about how sarcopenia worsens treatment outcomes. She explains the severe problems with low resident salaries, the migration of physicians and nurses from Bulgaria, especially the aging nursing workforce, and the government’s inadequate responses.
They discuss:
- What inspired her to become an oncologist, and how she found her passion for cancer care
- The challenges of practicing medicine in Bulgaria, from limited resources to the brain drain of young doctors seeking opportunities abroad
- The emotional weight of oncology work and how she manages the psychological side of caring for her patients
- How she balances family life as a mother of two in such a demanding career
- Tune in for an honest conversation on the struggles, triumphs, and personal journey of an oncologist committed to making a difference, despite the odds and don’t forget to keep the coffee brewing.
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