Although many young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina leave their homeland in search of better education and opportunities, few manage to stay as deeply connected to their roots as Mehmed Kumbarić, a Sarajevan who has built an impressive life and career in France.
Born in Sarajevo and raised in Nice, Mehmed moved to France with his family in 2003 for economic and political reasons. Over the past two decades, he has not only completed his education there – from kindergarten to university – but also achieved exceptional academic success. A graduate in medicine, he holds two master’s degrees, in bioengineering and health economics, and is currently pursuing a graduate program in artificial intelligence in medicine.
Despite living abroad for most of his life, Mehmed has preserved his Bosnian identity with remarkable dedication. He taught himself the Bosnian language, as well as both Latin and Cyrillic scripts, and continues to nurture his connection with Bosnia and Herzegovina through films, music, and cultural traditions. Fluent in four languages and currently learning Japanese after an internship in Japan, Mehmed is an inspiring example of how love for one’s roots can coexist with global ambition.
In this interview, he shares his story, academic journey, and reflections on identity, belonging, and the importance of never forgetting where you come from.
”Since childhood, I’ve been deeply drawn to knowledge in all its forms. My parents used to buy me books on a wide range of subjects such as geography, history, or animal biology…. Those early readings sparked my curiosity and taught me the joy of exploring different fields rather than limiting myself to one. That’s why today, while medicine is a true passion, it’s not my only one. I genuinely find fulfillment in combining disciplines, it’s where my curiosity feels most at home,” Mr. Kumbaric begins the interview.
This openness has also led him to learn several languages over the years, such as English, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, and especially Bosnian, which he learned by himself. Learning languages has always been for him, another way to connect worlds and understand how differently people think and communicate.
Answering on the question of how he sees the intersection between medicine and artificial intelligence changing the future of healthcare, Mr. Kumbaric says that he believes the intersection between medicine and AI will profoundly transform healthcare.
”With my background in medicine, I’ve seen how complex clinical decisions can be, and how much AI can help by analyzing large amounts of data from imaging, genomics, or patient records to support faster and more accurate choices. What interests me most is its potential to personalize care, adapting treatments to each patient’s unique profile. Instead of relying solely on population averages, we can tailor treatments to eachindividual’s physiology and risk profile,” he explains.
In radiology for example, AI can assist in detecting subtle patterns that might escape the human eye, supporting earlier and more accurate diagnoses. He does not see AI as replacing clinicians but as enhancing their work, giving them more time for what truly matters: understanding and caring for patients.
Answering on what motivates him to continue expanding knowledge and skills, even after so many academic achievements, he explains that what motivates him the most is proving that success is possible no matter where you start. Despite financial limitations, social determinism, or any other barriers, he haslearned that perseverance and hard work can open doors that once seemed impossible to reach.
”The pride and recognition in the eyes of my loved ones are worth more than any material reward, especially when they come after years of effort and resilience. Coming from a young country like ours, I feel a deep responsibility to set a good example and show that ambition, education, and integrity can shape not only one’s own future but also inspire others to believe in their potential. Knowledge, for me is not just a personal pursuit, it’s a way to give back and to help build something greater than myself,” Mr.Kumbaric adds.
Speaking about the internship in Japan three months, three years ago, Mr.Kumbaricexplains that he travelled across Japan from north to south, from Tokyo to Okinawa, passing through iconic cities such as Nara, Kyoto, or Hiroshima. His host university was in Chiba, near Tokyo, and he still has excellent ties with the local teaching staff, whom I had the pleasure of meeting again in Vienna in October 2024 during a pulmonology congress.
”That internship in Japan was probably one of the most unusual and enriching experiences of my life. On one hand, I was thousands of kilometres away from home, in a country with a completely different language and culture. Yet on the other, I found myself in a warm and welcoming environment, surrounded by wonderful people who quickly made me feel part of their community. Strangely enough, I felt at home there. Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by Asian art and Japanese culture in particular. When I came to France in 2003, Japanese animation actually helped me learn the language. TV shows like Dragon Balltaught me my first words in French, whichmakes my connection to Japan feel even more personal, as if it had been quietly shaping mypath long before I ever set foot there,” he explains.
Those 3 months in Japan deeply shaped the way he thinks and works. He learned the value of precision, humility, and collective effort, qualities that are deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
”It also taught me to approach every challenge with patience and respect, and to see cultural differences not as barriers, but as opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.Next summer, I’ll be returning to Japan for an internship in Hokkaido, and I’m truly looking forward to discovering another facet of the country, meeting new people, and continuing to learn from a culture that has already given me so much,” he explains.
”If there’s one thing I’ve learned so far, it’s the importance of believing in yourself and staying true to your ambitions, even when the road feels uncertain. Surrounding yourself with people who inspire and support you can make all the difference. I see our young people not just as observers of change, they are the ones who will shape it. Leaving home can be an act of courage, but so is staying. Wherever life takes you, I believe the most important thing is to carry your roots with pride and to keep contributing, in your own way, to the progress of your community. Confidence, openness, and solidarity are what will alloweach of us to thrive, whether in BiH or abroad,” Mr. Kumbaric says in the interview.
Speaking about balancing cultures and life, Mehmed says that balancing life betweenFrench and Bosnian cultures has been both a challenge and a privilege for him.
”From BIH, I’ve inherited a strong sense of identity, resilience, and the importance of community. Growing up surrounded by people who value solidarity and humility taught me that true strength often comes from staying grounded and connected to your roots. BIH reminds me where I come from, a place that has faced difficulties but continues to move forward with dignity and hope. France, on the other hand, has given me a platform to grow intellectually and professionally. The French education system encourages critical thinking, debate, and openness to the world. Living here has taught me discipline, independence, and how to navigate diverse environments. At times, adapting to a different culture and academic system has required extra effort, but it has also been deeply enriching,” he says.
From these two worlds, he has learned thatchallenges are not obstacles but opportunities for growth. BIH gives him his roots and France gives him his wings. He adds that hisgoal is to preserve the values of his origins such as warmth, perseverance while embracing the universalism, curiosity, and ambition that France inspires. The balance lies in staying faithful to where he comes from while fully engaging with the opportunities of where he is.
”When I think about the future, my professional dream is to dedicate myself to humanitarian work as a doctor. I believe the languages I speak will allow me to reach people from different backgrounds and help them more effectively. My goal is to contribute, in my own way, to building a fairer world with better standards of living and health. And who knows maybe one day I’lljoin an international organization such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or anotherinstitution that works to improve lives aroundthe globe,” he explains.
On a personal level, what matters most to himis living a meaningful life surrounded by the people he loves and staying true to what makes him happy.
”As I’ve said before, medicine is a big part of who I am, but it’s not the only thing that defines me. I want to keep nurturing the passions that give me energy and perspective. My dream is to remain the same person, to keep the mindset that brought me this far, to keep believing in myself, and to face every new chapter with curiosity, gratitude, and hope. As the Japanese say, 頑張って(ganbatte) : Do your best and never give up,” Mr. Kumbaric concludes the interview.
