We are proud to congratulate Dr. Veronika Boros, our longtime pediatrician, on receiving a Gold Diploma from Semmelweis University in Budapest in recognition of her 50 years in medical practice. During our recent conversation, we reflected on her extensive medical journey, including nearly 25 years at FirstMed. Read on to learn about her inspiring dedication to treating children.
What is it like to receive a commemorative certificate?
It’s a mixed feeling because, on the one hand, it’s a great pleasure to have spent so many years in pediatrics, which I enjoy doing and is very dear to me. On the other hand, it’s remarkable how quickly time passes; 50 years have gone by almost unnoticed, and yet so much has happened since then. Tremendous progress has occurred in technology, thanks to which the world has sped up.
I spent almost half of this time at FirstMed, where I followed the clinic’s growth and development almost from the start, and how it became one of Budapest’s leading English-language private clinics.
How did your medical career start?
I completed my medical studies at Semmelweis University of Medicine in Budapest. I graduated in general medicine in 1973 and in infant and pediatric medicine in 1979. After graduation, I began working in the pulmonary medicine department at János Hospital for the first year, and later continued in pediatrics.
At the beginning of my career, a scholarship opportunity took me to the University of Alberta, Canada, where I researched bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease. This disease occurs when the newborn’s lungs do not develop properly due to being born too early, so the baby needs ventilation and oxygen therapy. The medicinal treatment developed at that time was a revolutionary innovation in the care of premature babies. Although not for its original purpose, it is still used successfully in treating asthma. Although the climate in Edmonton, Canada, is icy, the temperature can drop to -30 degrees in winter, but the people’s directness and warmth are all the more characteristic. Everyone was welcoming and friendly, which made me enjoy working there.
After returning to Hungary in 1995, I was appointed as the chief physician of the pediatric department at János Hospital, where I worked until my retirement in 2011.
When did you join FirstMed?
I have been a member of FirstMed since its early days; at that time, it was part of the American Clinics network. Shortly after the clinic’s establishment in 1999, one of its managers invited me to join the medical team as a pediatrician. Initially, only two of us conducted the pediatric practice. Later, more colleagues joined, including Dr. Andrea Luczay (Pediatric Endocrinologist), who still works here to this day.
During one school semester (between 2019 and 2020), I had the wonderful opportunity to work as a school doctor at the British School. I really enjoyed interacting with the kids and being a part of their school life. However, I eventually decided to shift my focus to FirstMed.
What has motivated you to stay at FirstMed for such a long time?
Returning from Canada, adapting to the distant and hierarchical Hungarian workplace system at János Hospital was challenging. However, FirstMed had a more friendly and compassionate work environment, which I liked in Canada. From the start, I felt comfortable in the informal atmosphere and appreciated that we worked well together as a real team.
I’m impressed by the clinic’s focus on providing comprehensive care to patients of all ages, including children from birth to adolescence. The clinic gradually improves its patient care efficiency by adding more specialties to its palette. The in-house laboratory, modern diagnostic test equipment, and an endoscopy center enable more comprehensive services. I enthusiastically embrace and recommend modern technology for healing; for instance, a recording made at home with a mobile phone can assist in identifying disease symptoms.
During the years spent in the medical field, the difference between the private and public healthcare systems increased significantly. I am glad to work at FirstMed, a medical institution that provides excellent care, which is reflected in our patient reviews. Here, I have the opportunity and time to pay maximum attention to the children’s care and communicate with their parents about their health status.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’ve been playing bridge since 2006, when I joined a bridge club, where members regularly play together. I also participate in amateur competitions. Such competition was a four-day event this summer in Balatonföldvár, which I fondly remember.
My other passion was skiing, which I pursued since 1981, but stopped after 30 years. After an extended break, I couldn’t continue it the way I liked—sliding down fast on black slopes—and it didn’t bring me as much joy as before. I admit that I’m very addicted to adrenaline and high speed. Similarly, I like urgent care in medical aspects, where the pace is fast.
Congratulate Veronika once again on this well-deserved honor! Thank you for sharing the story of your long and exciting career with us. All the best in continuing your great work.
As our conversation with Dr. Veronika Boros concludes, we’re reminded of her unwavering dedication to pediatric care, her passion for health innovation, and her robust spirit. We are truly honored to have such a seasoned and passionate professional as part of the FirstMed Family.
Entrust your child’s health where it matters. Contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Veronika Boros, Pediatrician.
Interview by Dorottya Fekete
