The head of the Department of Vascular Surgery at UMBAL “Sofiamed“ Dr. Dimitar Nikolov was awarded the award of the Bulgarian Medical Union for “Doctor of the Year” 2024 in the category "Contribution to the development and application of innovative medicine and unique techniques".
The “Doctor of the Year“ ceremony 2024 took place tonight – October 18 at the National History Museum, and doctors were awarded in 5 categories and a special award for medical dedication and ethics “Dr. Stefan Cherkezov”.
The specialist with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Dimitar Nikolov, was honored by the class on the occasion of the method he implemented for the first time in Bulgaria for the modification of endografts by the surgeon (Physician Modified EndoGrafts, PMEG) for the treatment of complex aneurysms of the abdominal aorta – an innovative approach allowing the adaptation of standard grafts to the patient's individual anatomy, which is key to the successful treatment of complex cases. Dr. Nikolov also received the prize for the implantation of the first factory-produced fenestrated stent graft in Bulgaria, created according to the individual anatomical features of the patient - a significant achievement for the medical community in our country.
Dr. Nikolov actively shares his experience with teams of other medical institutions in Bulgaria for the application of innovations in the endovascular treatment of complex abdominal aneurysms. The techniques and methods he develops not only improve the quality of life of patients, but also put Bulgaria on the map of modern medical practice. His commitment to innovation and his persistence in training personnel have made a significant contribution to the field of vascular surgery for the country.
Dr. Nikolov commented that for him the recognition of the class is attention and recognition for the long-term work of him and the team he leads and emphasized that his individual contribution is for the sake of the patients, but also for the development of the professional community in the field of vascular surgery in the country:
“This award is a huge recognition of the innovations we have made in the treatment of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms. Moreover, the results, which are encouraging, give us reason to believe that this is just the beginning of a long journey. I am grateful that in a rapidly developing field, especially with the introduction of various new technologies, such as vascular medicine, our attempt to keep up with the times has not gone unnoticed by the guild,” commented Dr. Nikolov.< /p>
Dr. Dimitar Nikolov is a vascular surgeon applying both classic and modern minimally invasive methods for the treatment of vascular diseases. His clinical interests are focused on endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms, complex treatment of limbs at risk of amputation, endovenous treatment of varicose disease, surgical and endovascular treatment of deep vein thrombosis and post-thrombotic syndrome.
Graduates Medical University – Sofia in 2001, acquired specialties in surgery (2009) and vascular surgery (2011). Undergoes training courses for endoprosthesis of the thoracic and abdominal aorta. He works at the Vascular Surgery Clinic of UMBAL “St. Ekaterina“ (2002-2006) and is part of Prof. Vasil Chervenkov's team at Tokuda Medical Center. (2006-2012). In 2012, he joined the Department of Vascular Surgery of “City Clinic” at the invitation of Prof. Ivo Petrov. From 2018 to 2020, he was a vascular surgeon at Lozenets University of Applied Sciences. From August 2020 to the present, he is the head of the Department of Vascular Surgery of the UMBAL “Sofiamed”. He has numerous publications in renowned publications and awards at international congresses such as Controversies and Updates in Vascular Surgery (Paris, 2016) and Leipzig Interventional Course (Germany, 2017). He is a member of professional organizations such as the Bulgarian National Society of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, the European Society of Vascular Surgery, etc.