Prof. Georgi Chernev - on the thirst for innovation and the other perspective

Prof. Georgi Chernev graduated in medicine in 2001 at the state American University "Benjamin Franklin" Freie Universität in West Berlin. After that, he applied and was approved as a regular doctoral student in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology. During this time, he also worked as an assistant dermatologist in the clinic. From 2004 to early 2006, he was a resident in the departments of Dermatology, Venereology, Allergology, and Immunology at the municipal hospital Dessau, Academic Teaching Hospital of the "Martin Luther" University in the area Halle-Wittenberg. In 2007, he defended his doctorate in the field of dermatological oncology at the Medical University of Sofia, Aleksandrovska Hospital, and continued his specialization in the departments of Dermatology, Venereology, Allergology and Pediatric Pulmonology in Kühlungsborn. He acquired the specialty of dermatology and venereology in 2008. From 2008-2010, Dr. Chernev actively worked on the establishment and consolidation of the polyclinic for dermatology and dermatological surgery in Kirchheim, Germany. In 2010, Dr. Chernev received the academic title "Associate Professor" in Dermatology and Venereology at the Faculty of Medicine at the Thracian University in Stara Zagora, Department of Dermatology and Venereology. From 2011 to 2016, he was an associate professor of dermatology and venereology at the polyclinic of Lozenets University Hospital, the academic teaching hospital of Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski." Since 2013, Prof. G. Chernev has been the founder and owner of the private institution ONKODERMA - a polyclinic for dermatology, venereology, and dermatological surgery, located in the center of Sofia. In 2015, Georgi Chernev was officially elected as a Professor by contract at G.Marconi University in Rome, in the field of dermatology and venereology for the 2015-2016 academic year. Since March 2016, after winning a competition, he was elected as a professor and head of the clinic for dermatology, venereology, and dermatological surgery at the Medical Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVR-Sofia), MVR University Hospital. Since 2018, Professor Dr. Georgi Chernev has been the founder and chairman of the Bulgarian Society of Dermatological Surgery/BDSD. His interests are focused on dermatological surgery, dermato-oncology, and the pathogenesis of immunologically mediated conditions in dermatoimmunology. He has more than 800 scientific articles in international (and some Bulgarian) journals, including The Lancet, The New England Journal of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, and The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, The British Journal of Dermatology, The Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology, Dermatologic Therapy, JBRHA, Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift, Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift, Der Hautarzt etc., editor and co-author of 3 books, one international Atlas of Dermatology, totaling over 40 chapters in books on dermatological topics and is a regular participant in national and international forums and congresses on dermatology.

What has led you to your current position?

The desire for growth, development, and the aspiration to be better in every respect. The thirst for innovation and the other perspective. The belief in the power of knowledge and enlightenment. The support of family and close people in difficult moments. 

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?
Biologist, archaeologist, historian.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us an interesting story.
I was in first, maybe fourth or fifth grade. I earned my first money by trading figurines from "Star Wars" and Matchbox cars in the neighborhood. Interestingly, in the end, my parents forced me to sign a declaration that I would never engage in trading anything! I had a tendency to trade as a child… Later, it was lost.

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an early age and form our interests?
The environment around us, the example of close ones, and conversations with them.

What is your recipe for curiosity, sources, and wells of information and inspiration at this stage of our human development?
When I was young — books. My grandmother was a literature teacher. Currently, I am motivated and inspired by progress and the desire to discover the cause of skin cancer. Successful surgeries on patients are also a strong motivation to strive for perfection. The world is open thanks to innovative technologies, which allow for good awareness. This is where everything begins... The phone has become a culture and an information boom. But it should not block the imagination and creativity in the young.

Has there been any significant change in your perceptions in more mature age regarding what motivates you to do or not do something?
A difficult question. Of course, perceptions change with age. We change as a biological species, our priorities change, as does the surrounding environment. We live in a dynamic world. Generally, we become more aware and more measured. Or it should be that way. I am motivated by the close circle of people around me and the desire for improvement — both professionally and mentally, in personal terms. Daily growth, let’s call it that. Or: Sic Parvis Magna. A person is not perfect, but it is important to at least make attempts in this direction.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study?
Entirely mine, after much thought. Medicine is part of my family. Initially, I had other thoughts, but sometimes you have to think soberly — and the final decision was made.

Was this decision correct, looking at it from today's perspective?
Categorically yes.

Share more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies.
My interests are in the field of dermatology and dermatological surgery. My studies abroad introduced me to serious authorities in the field of derematology and medicine as a whole. Contacts with these people are entirely motivating and formative. They make your profession become your hobby, and your hobby — your profession. Then the results do not delay. But you must be fully dedicated.

As additional hobbies and interests, I would mention painting, the history of art, as well as that I occasionally play sports — table tennis and football.

Would you change your profession today and which areas of activity capture your interest?
I would not. I have no time for that or it is already too late. But if I had no choice and it was necessary — history, art history, and archaeology would be a good new beginning.

They say that the personal brand is everything that people say about you when you are not with them in a room. What would you like to hear today?
Maybe: "This is the person who can help you!"
Or: "This is the place, don’t hesitate!"

Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and flexibility, as well as our soft skills are key conditions for success in recent years. How do you cope with daily life challenges to stay in good shape and mood?
I prefer to keep it a secret... Everyone has some recipe, but it remains for the moment a trademark.

What are the most important conclusions you have made so far for maintaining the right communication considering the different characters of the people you meet daily – colleagues, friends, close ones?
The categories you mention are different. The approaches to them are also. They are situationally dependent and difficult to explain. They also depend on what we want at a given moment. Maybe sometimes to confront them with their own weaknesses? Other times — to admire them falsely? And sometimes — just to observe them silently and puzzled?

What do you think about money? What is their influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?
Money is important as a means to achieve a certain goal or satisfy a wish. They are an initial stimulus. It depends on what the goals of a given individual are and at what stage of life they are. The availability of money is not a guarantee of success, happiness, or luck, but the lack of it almost always leads to trouble.

We ourselves determine how money affects us — through our behavior and thoughts. Therefore, upbringing and good advice from friends are often vital. Money, in my opinion, is never enough for anyone. The human eye is and remains insatiable.

But when the use of funds is purposeful, when a goal or idea requires resources to achieve good results — then money is important. They become a building block of a well-oiled machine for growth and innovation.

Progress is often associated with huge losses of money dedicated to a certain goal. Investments in progress are often non-recoverable as a monetary unit. This deters many from thinking progressively — because they expect a return. The human species always wants to win, but does not understand that money is not the most important ultimate goal.

When we realize that money is a means to progress, not its equivalent, then the results will be different.

What is the most valuable career advice you would give to people?
Be mobile, adaptable, communicative, and analytical. Contact with authorities in a given field creates and improves one’s own vision, understanding, and worldview. This shapes the future of the young.