Dr. Aleksandra Božović Čelebić is the founder and owner of the A Medic Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, one of the founders of the Montenegrin Association for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery MONTEpras, a member of the Executive Board of the Balkan Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a national representative of the European Association ESPRAS, and a member of ISAPS.
Being the first female cosmetic surgeon in the country is not only a duty, but also an inspiration to future generations. Through three decades of dedicated work, professional development, and dedication to patients, Dr. Božović Čelebić has not only restored health and confidence to her patients, but also created a path for young women to strive for excellence in medicine.
When did you decide to dedicate yourself to plastic surgery and what motivated you?
During my first year of medical studies at the prestigious Pavlov University Medical School in St. Petersburg, I decided to pursue plastic surgery. I built my career step by step, which I still do today, constantly improving myself by following and applying innovations in plastic surgery. I strived to learn and work with the best experts in this segment of medicine in the region and the world. I always put knowledge first, investing in myself so that I can provide the best to my patients, who today come from all over the world.
Being the first female cosmetic surgeon in Montenegro is a pioneering step. What challenges have you overcome in a field traditionally associated with men, and how motivated are you by this position?
I believe that in Montenegro, almost every woman is a leader in her own way – it's just a question of how things are valued. My beginnings were driven by a clear vision and ambition to always try to go one step further – and it is precisely this ambition that has brought me to where I am today. Being a woman among fellow surgeons – it should be borne in mind that surgery was once a field associated with the "stronger sex" – and constantly proving yourself – is a life challenge. My desire to absorb knowledge and to conquer new and more advanced things has always been above all else, and that is the only thing that wins in the end. That is why I say: constantly work on yourself. If someone else can do it and you admire them, why can't you be one too. Being the first female cosmetic surgeon in Montenegro is not only an obligation, but also an encouragement to future generations. It may sound pretentious, but it makes me happy to hear that I have been an inspiration to many who wanted to practice medicine. It is confirmation that you are doing something good.
Your consistency in perfectionism is well known. How much does it shape your practice?
I have remained consistent with perfectionism – perhaps it is sometimes a factor that takes up more of my time, but what I want for myself, I give to others in my clinic. As we know, medicine and plastic surgery are constantly advancing, which requires constant investment not only in knowledge, but also in equipment. We are witnesses to the fact that there is a lot of improvisation on the market. People often put price before quality. That is why we are often in a situation where we have to fix something that has already been tried to be done routinely. My mission is to give my best. When I see patients at their first consultations, I often see myself. You have to listen carefully to the patient, understand them, get confirmation that they have understood you, and then you have the necessary condition for your effort and work to result in success.
What do you consider the key to success in plastic surgery?
My formula for success is passion, love, perseverance and ambition.
In addition to knowledge, details and precision, listening to the patient is the key to success and satisfaction – both mine and theirs. Each patient has their own story, and I have the privilege of restoring their health and confidence. When I see patients leaving the clinic filled with new energy for life, it fills me with joy.
In the segment of cosmetic surgery, it is important to listen carefully to the patient and communicate realistic options, because sometimes patients come with unrealistic expectations. However, in my case, ethics and safety have no alternative, so if the patient insists on something that goes against these principles, then he is not a candidate for surgery.
Honesty always comes first for me. I don't accept patients with unrealistic expectations, because they will never be satisfied.
Today, unfortunately, we have situations where unskilled people perform "small interventions", and we should be aware that even the application of an injection, without adequate expertise, based on vast experience and responsibility, can cause a patient's life-threatening problem. Each patient requires a special approach, and this approach can only be provided by a responsible and experienced doctor.
Plastic surgery is often equated with aesthetic surgery. Is that a misconception?
Plastic surgery deals with the treatment of severe skin and soft tissue tumors, severe conditions that can be caused by injuries and burns, demanding reconstructive procedures, congenital and acquired anomalies, and one segment belongs to aesthetics. It will be difficult to perform aesthetic procedures successfully and safely if you do not have the experience and techniques of reconstructive surgery.
I would like to emphasize that many who practice non-surgical aesthetic procedures call themselves “aesthetic doctors.” Such a specialization does not exist.
Why is volunteering and knowledge transfer crucial for every leader, and what advice do you give to young people interested in your profession?
Investing in education is an investment in yourself, in Montenegro and the community to which you belong...
Every leader should pass on knowledge and be a mentor. Don't hesitate to pass on your knowledge – everyone has their own, but only when we are connected can we do more, not only for ourselves, but also for the profession in which we work. Just as certain colleagues have been an inspiration to me, I am also happy to be able to inspire young people from my environment. You can't expect your children to achieve their goals through the same vocation, but my daughter, living and growing up with surgery, felt the dedication and beauty of creating good, so she also followed my path – she graduated from medical school and is improving her skills in the field of plastic surgery.
As for volunteering, it is an important segment of every leader, and when you love what you do, it is not questioned.
In addition to your professional development, a significant part of your life belongs to the role of mother of three children. How do you find a balance between your extremely demanding profession and family life?
In addition to my dedication to my profession, I am a mother of three children – and that role carries the greatest responsibility. But, if you love what you do, you can achieve anything – all you need is good organization, will and desire.
My greatest joy and support, without which I would not be able to progress professionally, is my family, from which the synergy of success comes. If there is no open and transparent communication, understanding and respect for a woman by a man – that woman can hardly become a leader. With the joint perseverance of my husband, who has always been my support, and me, I have become what I am today. Regardless of the vision and desire, there is no success if you do not have the support of your family. Therefore, I would like to thank my parents and my husband for the support and love that we have passed on to our children together and built a healthy, simple and loving family. The words of parents, their work, effort and example – shape the lives of our children. Many women do not have the support they deserve, but despite this, they find their way to self-esteem, personal happiness and success.
After seven years of operating the A Medic clinic, what is your greatest recognition and what values do you share with your associates?
After 25 years of working at the Clinical Center of Montenegro, with the aim of making myself available to my patients and building an environment and complete logistics for maximum dedication to my work, I decided to work independently and opened a clinic. For seven years now, I have been managing the A Medic clinic – a center for plastic and reconstructive surgery, whose team is ready to respond to all professional challenges that are placed before us.
I am happy that I can put my medical knowledge, experience, and my senses at the service of patients' health and their better perception of themselves. Beyond health, improving personal harmony is always a source of new energy, making us stronger for new challenges. Through my work, I have realized how much my patients have pushed my limits and how much each new successful operation is my true affirmation. I am immensely and repeatedly grateful to them for the trust they show me and I always repeat that my patients are my strength. Without their satisfaction, my goal would not have been fulfilled and nothing could compensate for all my effort, thirty years of work and investment, the daily risk taking and uncertainty that every surgeon's job entails, all the time taken away from my family. I am happy when my patients realize that they have support in me.
What does it mean to you to position Montenegro on the world map of plastic surgery?
Almost 15 years ago, I had the honor of participating in the organization of the Balkan Congress of Plastic Surgery, which was held in Montenegro, and which was attended by representatives of the World Association of Plastic Surgery. The largest number of the world's most famous plastic surgeons - 40 of them, out of a total of 250 participants, gathered in one place, made Montenegro find itself at the epicenter of events in the field of plastic surgery. In 2012, in Athens, I proudly presented the then-founded Montenegrin Association of Plastic Surgeons in front of the World Association, which resulted in Montenegro's admission to ISPRAS - the world's largest institution and umbrella organization in the field of plastic surgery. This positioned Montenegro on the map of world plastic surgery.
Dr Aleksandra Božović Čelebić demonstrates through her work that success comes through a combination of knowledge, passion, perseverance and integrity. Her story inspires not only future surgeons, but also all women who want to be leaders in their fields. Through her dedication to her profession, ethical approach to patients and continuous improvement, she proves that limits are only set for those women who stop believing in themselves. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: investing in yourself and your community, respecting others and constantly striving for excellence are the keys to creating a lasting and positive impact – both in medicine and in life.
Her key message is motivational: "Continuously work on yourself. If someone else can do it and you admire them, why can't you?" In doing so, Dr. Božović Čelebić not only testifies to her personal success, but also inspires future generations of female leaders in medicine.
(A Medical Center)
