Dr. Nedelina Slavova: There are values ​​that the material world cannot replace

The paths of science often take us far from home, especially when the conditions for development are limited in the native land. However, the true root remains where the first spark in the soul was lit. The story of Dr. Nedelina Slavova confirms this. She is a Bulgarian doctor and researcher in the field of neurology, who is building a successful career at the prestigious University Hospital in Bern (Inselspital), Switzerland. Outside the Swiss clinic, Dr. Slavova has preserved another, invisible and unobstructed by distances world – that of family, homeland and Orthodox faith.

Her pursuit of professional development, which is difficult to achieve in Bulgaria to this day, has taken her to a place where professionalism and in-depth knowledge are highly valued, but also offers the most modern technologies and equipment:

"I came to Switzerland with my family more than 15 years ago with the idea of ​​specializing, since the situation in Bulgaria was not well regulated at the time. I had to wait for years to get a place for specialization, despite the excellent results with which I graduated from university at the time. So, I came here to specialize, but it later turned out that I found fulfilment as a doctor and have been doing so for 15 years now."

Dr. Slavova's professional achievements, which she modestly keeps quiet about in our conversation for Radio Bulgaria's podcast "Bridge of Faith", are visible in dozens of scientific publications, noted on platforms such as ResearchGate. And moving to the Switzerland was also a test of will and adaptability, which she passed hand in hand with her family.
Switzerland offers her an orderly life and opportunities for development, but for Dr. Slavova, the spirit you carry with you is also important. In her world, it's family traditions that build her as a person. And the path to spirituality often begins at home.

"It remains like a sown seed waiting to germinate at the right time. This often happens in a person's life during some upheaval or change. Maybe with us, in our case, it was like that and this seed germinated."

In her case, the big life change and moving away from her homeland turned out to be precisely the moment when that sown seed sprouted in fertile soil.

"It may sound like a cliché, but I feel that every man is best in their own place. Despite the successes and good life in Western Europe, there are cultural values ​​that this world cannot replace. Faith, participation in church life is a big part of our values, of our family. That's why we travel to Zurich for church service when we have the opportunity. We live in Bern and it's an hour and a half one way to go to church," she says.

Her boldest dream is "for Bulgaria to survive the tests of time and to unleash its greatest potential - to be a spiritual center. I know it is difficult in Bulgaria, but for us it is the most valuable thing". Therefore, she believes that the strength of a nation is not measured only by economic indicators, but by the wealth of the spirit, the Orthodox heritage and the values ​​that we can give to the world.