Dr Andrea Jovović, Medical Doctor
Dr Andrea Jovović, a young medical doctor and resident in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery, represents a bright future for Montenegro’s healthcare system. With a deep passion for this field of surgery, Dr Jovović has combined her expertise and dedication, embarking on a path that is not only challenging but also profoundly transformative for her patients. Through her work at the Clinical Center of Montenegro and now as a resident, she is already bringing innovative approaches to this specialized branch of medicine. In an interview with Diplomacy & Commerce Montenegro magazine, Dr Jovović shares her experiences, perspectives on the current challenges of Montenegro’s healthcare system, and offers inspiration to all young doctors to hold onto their ideals, no matter how difficult the journey may be.
Dr Jovović, you are very young, yet you already have an impressive academic and professional career. After completing your studies, you worked as a clinical doctor at the Surgery Clinic of the Clinical Center of Montenegro. You are currently employed at a private clinic and have also enrolled in a specialization in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery. What influenced your decision to pursue medicine as your field of interest?
Thank you for your kind words, but I would say that my journey toward professional affirmation is still a long one. I’ve mentioned before that I believe we don’t choose medicine; medicine chooses us. Medicine wasn’t my passion from an early age. For me, it was more about piano, mathematics, and architecture. By a twist of fate, my career became tied to medicine, and now I can’t imagine myself in any other field. It’s a demanding and responsible job that truly cannot be done without immense love and dedication. You don’t fully realize this during your studies but rather when you find yourself in front of a patient who needs your help. It undoubtedly requires great sacrifice and hard work, but at the end of the day, the gratitude of a patient and the ability to help someone during their most challenging moments is truly the greatest personal reward.
How has the support of mentors and colleagues during your education and practice influenced your success? What advice would you give to medical students who are just starting out on their educational journey?
I’ve been fortunate to meet and work with people throughout my academic development who have always been much more than just colleagues and collaborators. Today, I am proud to call some of them friends. When you choose surgery as your life’s calling, you know that you cannot do it alone – it’s a team effort. Surgery carries great responsibility, but it’s also a special privilege to know you have the support and trust of those whose work you admire. For every young doctor, it’s essential to receive validation from experienced and wise mentors that the path they’ve chosen is the right one.
To younger colleagues, I would advise arming themselves with patience. They will need it in a system that doesn’t always recognize their efforts or reward their hard work. Keep in mind that the system, fortunately, does not determine your future. Be diligent, do your best, learn for the sake of your future patients. When one door closes, another, often better, opportunity will arise. And most importantly, never give up on what you’ve dreamed of. Hard work and personal development always pay off – they’re never a wasted investment. When you give your best, trust that some good people will recognize and appreciate it. I have the privilege of working with an incredible team and the honor of learning from the best surgeons in the country. With the support of Dr Kristina Davidović, I’ve been able to live and practice medicine exactly as I envisioned, and I’ve specialized in what I’ve always dreamed of. Never be afraid to step out of the “acceptable” boundaries. Seek and find your own path – one where you’ll enjoy your work and be the best version of yourself, both for yourself and for your patients.
You’ve mentioned before that, from the very beginning of your studies, you envisioned plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery as your life’s calling. Currently, you’re specializing in this field at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade. What drew you to this specialty, and how do you see its development in Montenegro?
Anyone who knows me is aware that the specialization I’m pursuing has always been my dream and sole interest since the beginning of my studies. Plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery is a vast surgical discipline that doesn’t focus on a specific anatomical region but primarily deals with the skin, its components, and soft tissues. This branch of surgery addresses a wide range of conditions – ranging from malignant skin diseases and reconstructive efforts for traumatic, congenital, and other defects, to burn care and aesthetic procedures – there is always room for growth and improvement. It is essential for every branch of medicine to keep up with global trends and protocols so that we can provide the best care for our patients.
Plastic and aesthetic surgery is often the subject of social stereotypes. How do you deal with these biases, and how would you explain the broader role of this medical field?
Stereotypes exist because this branch of surgery is often exclusively associated with its aesthetic aspect. However, plastic surgery is a discipline focused on the reconstruction and restoration of defects, deformities, and anomalies, whether congenital or acquired, resulting from external or internal factors, or as a natural consequence of aging. The goal of plastic surgery is to remove the superfluous, return displaced structures to their proper position, separate what is fused, connect what is divided, and replace what is missing. As I’ve mentioned before, a significant part of this field includes treating malignant skin conditions, reconstructing defects of various origins, and caring for burns. Of course, the more glamorous side is aesthetic surgery, which aims to correct minor imperfections while preserving natural beauty and individuality. Its purpose is not only to enhance appearances but also to boost confidence, making it an integral part of a person’s well-being.
Considering your experience working at the Clinical Center of Montenegro, you’ve had the opportunity to observe the state of Montenegro’s healthcare system daily. What do you consider the biggest challenges young doctors face today in Montenegro, and in which areas do you believe healthcare reform is most needed?
I am far from an expert when it comes to steering the healthcare system of an entire country. I firmly believe that systems function best when everyone stays within their expertise – “shoemaker, stick to your last”, as they say – and my “last” is certainly not healthcare management. I trust that the people in appropriate positions, with the experience and wisdom to govern and make decisions, are the ones tasked with these responsibilities. From the perspective of a young doctor, however, I will say that what frustrated me the most was the system’s inability to recognize the aspirations and affinities of young physicians who have earned their place in the healthcare system of Montenegro through hard work and dedication. I know many colleagues whose greatest challenge after completing their education was deciding which country to continue their careers in. As a result, Montenegro has lost – and continues to lose – outstanding doctors who I believe are essential for the survival and progress of our healthcare system, while, we seem to operate under the notion that “we can manage without those who are gone”.