The most important are the connections between people

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Dr. Atanas Bogoев. I work as an ophthalmologist at a university clinic in Germany, where I deal with surgery, teaching and digital educational initiatives for patients and young doctors.

For you, traveling the world is?

Traveling is a bridge to new ideas. Inspiration, a change of perspective, and an opportunity for recharging. For me, traveling is the best investment and the most enriching thing you can do. 

How many different countries have you seen so far? Tell us a curious story.

I am lucky that my job is related to many trainings and travel abroad! I have visited over 30 countries. I have many unforgettable moments, countless stressful situations with flights, including a situation where I had to get to a conference in New Orleans, USA, because I had a presentation. After 3 canceled flights and flying to different destinations, I arrived at the airport in Atlanta. There they told me that it was impossible to get to New Orleans by air in the next 24 hours because all the planes were full. Fortunately, on the way to Atlanta, I randomly met other colleagues who are eye doctors and we organized transportation on the spot, with which we traveled for about 8 hours or 600 km! In the end, after more than 50 hours on the road, we arrived at 7:30 in New Orleans and at 9:00 I successfully presented my report. What an adventure!  

Do you like to repeat destinations?

Yes, especially if they made a great impression on me. I have repeated Iceland, the USA, and Greece. Every return brings a new perspective and gives you a deeper insight into the local culture and peculiarities! 

What was your first trip that changed you?

The trip to Iceland. It was the middle of winter and that was the first time I felt how raw and powerful nature can be. We struggled with blizzards, icy roads, and snow, a lot of snow, but we visited magical sights, waterfalls, mountains, and glaciers! I was strongly impressed by the adaptation of people to the contrasts in the climate, as well as the minimalism as a center in their culture, their work, and life in general. 

What do you learn about yourself in a new cultural environment?

That the ability to listen and learn is more valuable than the ability to speak. At one stage, the new environment doesn't seem scary to you and then you realize that adaptability is a great strength that translates into other areas of life. 

Have you met people or ideas that have influenced your career?

Absolutely. In the USA, I was inspired by a young doctor from Morocco (https://www.instagram.com/imanetarib.md/ ), who educates patients on Instagram and TikTok – this prompted me to start my own educational channel.

Do you think that traveling helps expand your network?

Yes. At conferences, courses, and trainings, I have met leading professionals with whom we later created joint projects. The young specialists I have met have given me valuable advice for my professional development, a unique perspective on how things are in their country and how they approached educating themselves and developing their skills. A richer network means learning more professional opportunities and this is further enhanced by the new contacts you gain from there. 

What skills do you develop the most when you travel?

Traveling primarily develops creativity and opens your worldview. You start to see solutions where you previously didn't even consider them as possible. You realize that there are many different ways to achieve similar things and there is no “right” or “wrong” path.

Is there a city or country that inspired you for a project?

Yes – in America, the idea for creating a business was born, which scales beyond the idea of having your own eye clinic or hospital. The way of thinking of people in San Francisco, my exposure to some of the best entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, and the innovations in digital technologies made me have bigger dreams and aim higher in my future projects and specifically in www.ophthalmology24.com. 

In an unfamiliar country, do you feel more motivated or distracted?

Definitely more motivated and more aware. In a new environment, routine signals and habits are missing, everything is new, your senses are at maximum. Over time, I learned not to be afraid of the unknown and the new, and I replaced anxiety with excitement! 

Are there destinations that restart your creativity?

Absolutely! I have noticed that traveling in general gives me an additional layer of creativity. For me, it is not related to a specific destination, but rather to the detachment from everyday life and the opportunity to look at things from a different angle. 

How do you manage the balance between work and pleasure?

With a lot of advance planning. If I am at a conference, I always try to set aside time to experience the local culture. If I am on a strict vacation, we try to maximize our time and plan our days as well as possible! A good plan = more relaxing emotions. 

How have travels changed the way you perceive money?

Before, I associated money mainly with security, but now – with freedom. I realized that experiences are the best asset and I see them as an investment in myself. 

Do you travel to find new ways to earn?

It is not my main goal, but ideas often arise – for example, with so many connections with young ophthalmologists from different countries, it led to my idea of creating a platform for training or collaboration with young colleagues.

Lessons for financial independence?

In some countries, you learn what is "enough". People can live fully with little, but they have a strong connection with the community and with nature. You see how material things are transient and not a priority, and from everything, the most important are the connections between people. 

Is it better to spend on experiences?

Yes, definitely! 

Where would you develop your next idea?

In Bulgaria – great technological culture, fast internet,  quick access to innovations, access to Europe as a market. 

Which destinations would you definitely recommend?

Japan – for the culture. Iceland – for the nature. Maldives – for an incomparable vacation.

Career advice from what you've seen around the world?

Step out of your world and your comfort zone. True growth and development begins when you accept that you don't know everything and the clearest way to experience it is to break away from routine and touch a distant culture.