Corr. Mem. Prof. Nikolay Gabrovski is Physician of the Year 2025

The “Physician of the Year 2025” is Corr. Mem. Prof. Nikolay Gabrovski, MD, PhD—one of the most prominent names in contemporary Bulgarian medicine. He is the Head of the Neurosurgery Clinic and Deputy Director of Medical Affairs at the “N. I. Pirogov” University Multidisciplinary Hospital for Active Treatment and Emergency Medicine.

Prof. Gabrovski headed the Bulgarian Society of Neurosurgery from 2018 until October 2025 and represents our country at the highest international level. In 2022, he was elected as the first chair of the Working Group on Emerging Technologies and Innovations of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS), and as of this year, he is also a member of its Executive Committee and Treasurer.
Under his chairmanship, Sofia hosted the 24th European Congress of Neurosurgery—the largest forum in this field, held for the first time in Bulgaria, which brought together nearly 2,000 specialists from 89 countries.
His scientific work is focused on spinal and robotic neurosurgery and minimally invasive techniques. Under his leadership, the clinic at “Pirogov” has become a reference center for robotic spinal surgery and a training base for neurosurgeons from all over Europe.

Moved by the recognition, Prof. Nikolay Gabrovski stated that collaboration is the foundation of success. “I wish for our entire community and the Bulgarian Medical Association not to confront each other, but to be together; not to fight one another, but to help each other, because collaboration is the surest way to achieve more,” stated the Physician of the Year 2025.

The award was presented to Corr. Mem. Prof. Dr. Gabrovski by the Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Ms. Iliana Iotova, who thanked all physicians.

“You cannot be a good doctor if you are not a good person—you prove this maxim every day through your professionalism and your attitude toward patients,” she added. “You see the person with their suffering, but also with their hope; for you, they are not a statistic, a figure, or a percentage. No technology can replace compassion and human love; you know that humanity is not an automatism, and much depends on you—human destinies,” the Vice President noted.

Following tradition, the Bulgarian Medical Association presented the prestigious annual awards at the National History Museum in Sofia—one day after the Bulgarian Physician’s Day. The event was attended by Assoc. Prof. Silvi Kirilov, Minister of Health; Ms. Velislava Delcheva, Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria; dozens of doctors from across the country; and representatives of academic circles and institutions, who paid deserved tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to medicine.

For long-standing activity in the field of medicine and active contribution to the development of the specialty, the following were honored:

• Assoc. Prof. Evlogi Marinov, MD—a leading specialist in pathology and long-time lecturer at the Medical University of Pleven;
• Prof. Temelko Temelkov, MD—a distinguished surgeon with over five decades of experience and former Rector of the Medical University of Varna;
• Prof. Maya Krasteva-Vilmos, MD—a leading specialist in pediatrics and neonatology with a long-standing contribution to the development of child healthcare in Bulgaria;
  and Dr. Pavlin Pavlov—a neurologist from the Multidisciplinary Hospital for Active Treatment in Silistra, who contributed to the Danube city being among the country’s leaders in the percentage of successfully treated stroke patients.

Their awards were presented by the Deputy Chairman of the BMA, Dr. Valeri Veselinov.

Prof. Hristo Shivachev presented awards to those recognized for their contribution to the development and strengthening of the professional organization’s authority:

• Dr. Natasha Pachovska—a physician with three specialties: pediatrics, infectious diseases, and general medicine from Pleven, and long-time chair of the Commission on Medical Ethics;
• Prof. Milena Staneva, MD—a member of the Board of the Sofia Medical Association and, from 2022 to 2024, Bulgaria’s representative on the UEMS board;
• Dr. Evelina Dimova-Georgieva—an established specialist in clinical laboratory; for nearly two decades, she has actively participated in professional life, holding elective positions on the Board of the Regional Branch of the BMA in Ruse, including serving as its Deputy Chair.
• Dr. Loris Manuelyan—a physician with a long-standing contribution to the development of healthcare and professional activities in Bulgaria. He has been a member of the Board of the Bulgarian Medical Association, Chairman of the Central Ethics Commission, and Secretary of the Expert Council on Nephrology at the Ministry of Health;
• and Dr. Stoyan Borisov—an obstetrician-gynecologist, former Secretary General of the BMA for two terms, and Chairman of the association’s section at “Maichin Dom”.

The Chairman of the BMA, Dr. Nikolay Branzalov, presented the awards for innovative medicine and unique techniques:

• Prof. Nikolay Tsonev, MD—Head of the Medical Oncology Clinic at the “St. Marina” University Hospital in Varna, for his contribution to targeted and immunotherapy for solid tumors;
• Assoc. Prof. Nadya Magunska, MD—graduated in 2007 with the “Golden Hippocrates” award; she has introduced a number of innovative and gentle surgical techniques in laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery in obstetrics and gynecology;
• and Corr. Mem. Prof. Slavcho Tomov, MD—a leading specialist with two specialties: obstetrics and gynecology, and oncology; former Rector of the Medical University of Pleven. A world-renowned surgeon and pioneer in robotic and minimally invasive surgery.

In the category “You Are Our Future,” the Bulgarian Medical Association honored the country’s young medical prospects:

• Dr. Dimo Dimov,
• Dr. Yoana Lesichkova,
• Dr. Ivaylo Boev,
• Dr. Dimitar Hadzhiev,
• Dr. Naditsa Shumka,
• Dr. Bozhidar Vasilev
• and Dr. Metin Adilov.

Young doctors who continue the traditions of Bulgarian medicine with energy, ambition, and humanity received their awards from Dr. Ivan Madzharov, Deputy Chairman of the BMA.

The special award for medical dedication and ethics, “Dr. Stefan Cherkezov,” was awarded to Dr. Dimitar Bakalov—an emergency physician and Deputy Head of the Emergency Medicine Department at the Multidisciplinary Hospital for Active Treatment in Pazardzhik. On July 4, 2025, during a brief stay in Pomorie, Dr. Bakalov demonstrated exceptional professionalism and humanity, saving the life of a man in clinical death and providing assistance to an unconscious woman. He is also the initiator of the national campaign against vapes and laughing gas—a cause uniting institutions, doctors, and parents for the sake of young people’s health. His award was presented by the Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria, Ms. Velislava Delcheva.

“Thank you that goodness is still valued,” said Dr. Bakalov, showing gloves in case he needs to rush to help. “We must fight for every single life as if it were our own relative,” added the recipient of the special honor.

By tradition, the Bulgarian Medical Association also honored physicians nominated by regional branches. In this category, each branch selected its representatives—doctors who have proven their professionalism and dedication to patients. The awards were presented by the Secretary General of the BMA, Dr. Valentin Peev. Honorary certificates and plaques were awarded to:

• Dr. Nora Tsvetkova (Vratsa),
• Dr. Nikolay Nikolov (Kyustendil),
• Dr. Margarita Pashova (Lovech),
• Dr. Koste Kostoichinoski (Dobrich),
• Dr. Kameliya Staneva (Razgrad),
• Dr. Lora Todorova (Montana),
• Dr. Pavel Hadzhiev (Kardzhali)
• and Dr. Nikolay Georgiev (Targovishte).

The ceremony, held in a spirit of gratitude and unity, concluded with applause and words of thanks to all physicians in Bulgaria—the people who daily fulfill their highest duty to protect life with professionalism, valor, and humanity. The Chairman of the BMA, Dr. Nikolay Branzalov, congratulated those present and wished them health, courage, and inspiration. “Thank you for the courage, for the humanity, and for the responsibility with which you defend the dignity of our profession every day. Thank you for not giving up, for continuing to heal with your mind, heart, and faith. I am proud to be part of this community—the community of Bulgarian physicians, people who prove with professionalism, morality, and kindness that trust is the strongest medicine,” concluded the Chairman of the BMA.

Among the official guests of the event were the Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Iliana Iotova; the Ombudsman, Velislava Delcheva; the Minister of Health, Assoc. Prof. Silvi Kirilov; and the Governor of the NHIF, Assoc. Prof. Petko Stefanovski. The guests had the pleasure of enjoying the unique talent of medical student Marina Badeva, who greeted those present at the official ceremony with a musical performance.