The eyes of my patients give me a definite answer as to why I chose this profession

Who is Dr. Nayden Kandilarov?

Relatively cheerful, a doctor specializing in internal medicine and gastroenterology, a member of the American and European Endoscopic Association, a proud descendant of Petar Dunov, who spent his happy childhood days in Plovdiv. Father of three children.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

My mother was a doctor, and I still find it hard to assess whether it was out of love for medicine or from a hereditary example that I decided to study medicine.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us an interesting story?

After my first year, I went to Germany. There, I worked at a clinic near Frankfurt and supported myself as a student. That time turned out to be invaluable for me – first, because I depended on myself, on one hand, and on the other, it helped me prove myself in times when the social and cultural differences between Bulgaria and Germany were enormous.

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an earlier age and form our interests? What is your recipe for curiosity?

Of course, friends, teachers, even the things that were forbidden to us – a person always proves themselves in comparison to others, subconsciously rebelling against the rules imposed at home or in society. All of this drives curiosity and the desire for self-assertion, self-building, and, ultimately, shaping a person as an individual. To this, cultural layers accumulate, and Plovdiv gives a lot to those who are thirsty. Until one day a person meets love – it also helps with emotional building.

Has there been any significant change in your perceptions in more mature age regarding what motivates you to do or not do something?

If I hadn't developed, I would probably be interviewed by a school newspaper, not your esteemed publication. A person always develops because if they stop, it means they are no longer a doctor, but an ordinary craftsman. This year, I had the unique opportunity to be part of the team that performed the first endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty together with Assoc. Boyanov from UMBAL “Palmed”, Plovdiv, applied for the first time in our country. I cannot describe the pleasure of success, having done something like this for someone else to live better. Of course, I am curious about what the next challenge is.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was that decision correct, looking at it from today’s perspective?

I do not look at the date, but at the eyes of my patients, and they give me the answer every day. I haven't worked for money for a long time, but for the eyes of my patients – from them I understand whether I have done my job.

Share more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies?

I love to play sports and travel. I also graduated in health management because I need to have a professional view on managing the family business, so the time for hobbies is not endless. And if you have three wonderful children, as is my case, what more can one ask for?

Would you change your profession today and which areas of activity attract your interest?

No, I wouldn’t – medicine has brought me a lot. And my Laboratory gives me the opportunity to think about treatment on much broader scales because from my family, I am heading towards the hundreds of families of those working in the “Kandilarov” company and the thousands passing for examination through our centers across the country.

They say that personal branding is everything that people say about you when you are not in the same room with them. What would you like to hear today?

That I am a good person and I have kept my father's sense of humor.

How do you cope with the daily challenges of life to stay in good shape and mood?

I am not always in good shape, but I only know that. People are not obliged to understand my situation. When I put on the apron, I am obliged to understand theirs. This is part of the pleasure of being a doctor.

What are the most important conclusions you have made so far about maintaining proper communication considering the different characters of the people you meet daily – colleagues, friends, relatives?

I behave naturally and I think that is enough because we have known each other for a long time. Otherwise, they would feel that something is wrong. And men do not like pity and prefer to cope on their own.

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?

They have both pros and cons because, on one hand, they give you opportunities for personal development and help to others, on the other hand, from a certain amount upwards, they make you think about them and how to manage them, and they eat up your little free time.

What is the most valuable advice you would give to people?

If I have to answer as a doctor, undoubtedly prevention and preventive medicine will help you the most. And on a personal level, it is better to walk on the ground rather than float in the clouds.