Interview with Doctor Hatziiokimidis Nikolaos

Doctor Hatziiokimidis Nikolaos is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Plovdiv in Bulgaria. As a young doctor he is adamant that from now on a marathon awaits him to perfect his knowledge. As a physician he should be able to cope with the proper care of patients.

We met with the doctor Chatziioakimidis Nikolaos, to discuss with him about his professional development.

What is the feeling you get when someone addresses you by the title, doctor?

The feeling is, I can say, mixed. Undoubtedly on hearing this title I felt a sense of reward within me. It was like a reward for all the effort I have made from the beginning of my studies until now. At the same time I also feel a great sense of responsibility.

ΠWhat was the feeling during your graduation? What will you remember from that moment?

I often remember those beautiful moments. Those close to us had honored us with their presence. The wonderful graduation ceremony in all its academic splendour. We were all smiling, in a very good mood because a beautiful yet difficult journey had come to an end. It was a much-needed event for all of us. Receiving the degree, the applause, the Hippocratic Oath, the moment when we threw our hats remain among the most memorable moments for me.

What won’t you forget from the university where you completed your studies?

The memories are too many. What I will certainly not forget are the first lessons in human anatomy. In the first anatomy class we were overwhelmed with a great sense of awe and interest in understanding the human body. Of course I will not forget our first meetings with patients at the beginning of the clinical courses in the third year. As well as certainly the first Thank You! from a patient.

Finally, I will not forget the professors of the clinical specialties of our university. With friendliness and zeal they tried to impart their knowledge and teach us to think medically.

What was the most difficult moment during your student years?

The semester exams were a difficult time for all of us, I would say. Volumes of books and nights of sleepless nights and stress to complete our syllabus. Of course I would like to add that proper preparation during the semesters was very important. With constant attendance, regular studying, the exams can be much easier.

I first felt the heavy responsibility of a doctor when we started the clinical courses. We came into direct contact with patients at St. George University Hospital. Now having an active role in the whole process of treating each condition. You mean always under the supervision and guidance of our professors.

What encouraged me during my studies was the final goal that I reached in small steps. In the difficult moments, there could undoubtedly be no shortage of failing an exam. Which student has not experienced this either in a small or large way? The strong negative thoughts as well as the general pessimism that usually prevails in these situations are the worst advisors. Students should not forget that medical school is a school with a long way to go. It is only natural that these things should happen. I think we should treat it as an incentive for extra effort. First to better understand a course that may in the future provide useful information on a patient case. Secondly, to persevere and get one step closer to our final and much desired goal.

After which you graduated did you encounter difficulties in your professional rehabilitation in Greece?

I graduated in 2016 and received my degree in December. Along with the degree and all the necessary documents for my registration in the Medical Association of Greece.

I want to stress that the documents were prepared very quickly. They were followed by validations, a Hague stamp, translations, a certificate that I have the right to work in this profession in all EU countries. As well as a professional licence, without the degree recognition exams that were previously in force.

I started working in Greece and specifically in Thessaloniki in June 2017.

I now work at the Hippocrates Hospital of Thessaloniki as a resident physician. I am very pleased with my professional rehabilitation which was very immediate. Today I am doing the specialty of obstetrical gynecology and I still have one and a half year to complete it.

The doctor for you must ……?

He must give his whole being to this ministry. He must be persistent, hard-working, always able to listen with devotion. He must understand each problem and always treat each patient individually.

The patient should …….?

He needs to feel confident.

What are your future plans?

Very good question! I tend to go step by step. First I want to finish my residency trying to give my best to my patients and their people. After completing my residency, I will have the option to work in either the public or private sector. I am leaning more towards the latter.

What would you say to all those who want to study in Bulgaria?

It’s a very, very good choice and they do it. To follow their dream. Bulgarian universities are not inferior to those of other countries. I studied in Plovdiv which is a beautiful city and its university is quite big with brand new facilities. The level of studies is high and teaching staff very friendly. There is also a large Greek student community. SB-ACADEMY is also located there which during my studies was there for me and my family. They were ready to help me or just to share with me a problem or a joy. They were and are my second family.

I wish good luck to all future medical students. The road to graduation will be long but full of challenges and wonderful moments of excitement and satisfaction.

Thank you for the interview with Doctor Hatziiioakimidis Nikolaos.

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