At the beginning of her career, while pursuing a scholarship opportunity at the University of Alberta, Canada, she participated in research on bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease. Despite the chilly winters, the warmth of her colleagues made her time there a cherished memory.

Veronika returned to János Hospital in 1995 and became the chief physician of the pediatric department. Shortly after its foundation, in 2004, she joined FirstMed as a part-time pediatrician and has remained a key member of the clinic’s pediatrics team even after her retirement.

Between 2019 and 2020, she also worked as a school doctor at the British School, but then she decided to focus solely on FirstMed and continue her journey here.

The friendly atmosphere and team spirit still keep her at FirstMed, which reminds her of her time in Canada. She also appreciates having the time and resources to give maximum attention and care to her young patients and keeping their parents well-informed.
 

1. Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Budapest.

2. If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

I love Italy most in Europe: sunshine, food, culture etc. Reggio Calabria is amazing.

3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?

Friends and my family.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?

Go to the Castle District, and walk along the Danube.

5. What is your favourite food?

Roasted duck with cabbage.

6. What is your favourite hobby, sport or form of exercise?

I've been playing bridge since 2006 when I joined a bridge club, which members regularly play together. I also participate in competitions in the amateur category.

My other passion was skiing, which I pursued since 1981, but ten years ago, I had to stop it for a time, and I couldn't continue it later the way I liked – skiing down fast on black tracks. It didn't cause me as much joy in other ways. I admit that I'm very addicted to adrenaline and high speed. Similarly, I like intensive care in medical aspects, where the pace is fast.

7. What is your favourite place in Hungary?

Balatonföldvár, with the wonderful old villas along the lakeshore and the city of Sopron.

8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

To be a teacher, and teach history.

9. What’s a job you would definitely never want?

I am not a math person, I would never work in a bank.

10. Where did you spend your last vacation?

A memorable vacation was a four-day event this summer in Balatonföldvár, which I fondly remember.

For more than forty years with my family, I spend at least a week in Italy.

11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?

In December, I will revisit Győr and Sopron. My dream is a peaceful holiday in Tel Aviv.

12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

I spent every weekend in a pop club with my friends at the concerts of the famous bands Illés and Metro. I also love theaters since my childhood.

13. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?

Sweets, a box of chocolate.

14. Red wine or white?

White

15. Book or movie?

Book and movie.

16. Morning person or night person?

I used to be very active in the early hours, but I now prefer lazy mornings.

17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Climate issues. The loss of the glaciers worries me.

18. Buda or Pest side?

Both.

19. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?

I was a consultant in an international adoption program in Hungary. I helped hundreds of orphans to find a loving family in US.

In 2010, I swam across the Balaton at the “Balatonátúszás” event. I still keep the T-shirt as a memory.

20. What would you say is your personal motto? 

Never keep the hate and anger for a long time. Let it go away.