From the Debate Stage to Medical Practice: The Path from Argumentation to Patient Treatment
Once a BESTie, always a BESTie, as our Executive Director has said numerous times. Participation in BEST has proven to leave a long-lasting impact on all participants. Today we’re sharing the inspiring journey of two people, who both happen to have pursued a career in medicine.
Debates gave me the confidence to defend my opinion and medicine taught me to defend life.
The first interviewee is Stanimir Stoilov – a resident doctor in London and а long-time BEST community member.
From his very first tournament as a high schooler in Pazardzhik to becoming part of the BEST Board of Directors, Stanimir has been part of the BEST community in every possible way. Read below on how BEST impacted his path and the lessons he carries into his daily life.
Tell us briefly about yourself, your career or professional journey and your history with BEST.
My name is Stanimir Stoilov and I’m currently working as a resident doctor in London. In my spare time I also volunteer on the BEST Board of Directors. I first got involved with the organisation back in 2013 when I was a 10th-grader in Pazardzhik. I didn’t know anything about speech and debate at the time but after my first tournament I fell in love with the community and knew that I wanted to keep going. I then went on to compete in debate, original oratory and duo and BEST quickly became a central part of my high school life. When I was in the 12th grade I had the opportunity to become one of BEST’s first student interns (together with Vili Dimitrova). It felt incredible to be able to give back to the organisation that I owe so much to!
How has your participation in BEST contributed to your professional development/career?
It may sound like a massive cliché but BEST helped me grow in ways that I hadn’t even imagined possible and many of my achievements are thanks to my involvement with the organisation. Being part of a unique community helped me be a better version of myself with every tournament round, every friendship made, every corridor conversation, every exciting journey to yet another city. A lot of what I believe in and value today is thanks to BEST and I have carried this into my career where I work with people at some of the worst times of their lives. I utilise the empathy, patience and eloquence that BEST equipped me with on a daily basis.
What valuable skills have you gained throughout your time in BEST?
In preparing for speech and debate events, I strengthened my critical thinking and language skills. I learnt how to formulate arguments and, most importantly, use evidence to support my case. Speech events also gave me the confidence to speak in front of large audiences and actually enjoy it. Being on the management team, I learnt a great deal about discipline, team work, time management and working with volunteers. I use these skills every day in my work as a doctor as well as in other roles such as that of teaching young people at risk of violence life-saving first aid. As a Board Member, I’m constantly learning about the ins and outs of NGO work in Bulgaria.
What advice would you give to anyone considering getting involved with BEST, whether as a participant, management team member or even a sponsor?
BEST really offers something for everyone and what a lot of people cherish about it is the ability to freely express yourself without the constraints of traditional education. Whether you’re looking to compete in one of the categories or you’re thinking about joining our management team, you will no doubt be surrounded by enthusiastic people who are all working towards a shared goal. Competing and working in BEST is like being part of a huge family but there are no annoying uncles and aunties - only cool siblings who are always there for you. And if you’re thinking of supporting us - firstly, thank you! BEST has changed the lives of many Bulgarian teenagers and the more we can amplify our impact, the stronger and bolder our community will be going forward. By supporting BEST you are directly investing in the future of the world.
Has participation in BEST helped you discover causes, issues, or values that you're now committed to in your career
Absolutely! BEST’s community focus fostered in me a strong sense of social justice which I have carried across to my career. I often have to stand up for those less fortunate than I and I’m always drawing back on skills gained here.
To Argue Means to Seek the Truth; In Medicine, This Search is for the Betterment of the Patient
The road to becoming a doctor is a long and challenging one, but it’s also filled with opportunities for growth beyond the classroom. We’re excited to introduce the next interviewee - Victoria Veselinova - dedicated 4th-year medical student at Medical University (MU) Pleven, who has been part of the BEST community for the past 8 years.
From stepping on stage as a competitor to taking on roles as Student Leader, Debate Coordinator, and founder of Spar Nedelya, she has combined her love for debate with her passion for medicine. Read on to see how BEST shaped her confidence, leadership, and commitment to building a more compassionate, patient-centered healthcare system in Bulgaria.
Tell us briefly about yourself, your career or professional journey and your history with BEST.
I am currently entering my 4th year at MU Pleven, on the path to becoming a doctor. Medicine continues to fascinate me every step of the way — from the complexity of the subjects we study to the real-life experiences during hospital visits. Alongside my medical education, I’ve been actively involved with BEST for the past 8 years. Over time, I’ve had the chance to contribute in various roles — as a participant, Student Leader, judge, and Debate Coordinator in the Management Team. Outside the medical field, debating has been my longest-standing and most intellectually fulfilling hobby. I continue to contribute to the community by organizing Spar Nedelya - a project with the aim of training debates and providing resources for improvement.
How has your participation in BEST contributed to your professional development/career?
Being part of BEST has played a key role in shaping me not only as a person, but also as a future medical professional. It helped me grow beyond the academic setting by developing skills that are essential in any career — especially in medicine. Through years of active involvement, I’ve learned how to communicate effectively, lead with confidence, collaborate in diverse teams, and stay composed in dynamic situations. The challenges I faced — whether while coordinating events or debating complex topics — taught me to think critically, listen actively, and act with empathy. These experiences have enriched my perspective and strengthened qualities I consider vital in my future work as a doctor: adaptability, emotional intelligence, and the ability to connect with people on a deeper level.
What valuable skills have you gained throughout your time in BEST?
I’ve gained an incredible range of skills during my time in BEST — experiences that have shaped me both personally and professionally. The growth I’ve gone through is truly immeasurable. I’ve learned to overcome fears, such as speaking in front of an audience, and gradually developed strong public speaking and presentation skills. Teamwork has become second nature through constant collaboration with diverse teams, and I’ve learned how to manage time effectively, even under pressure. BEST also sharpened my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, especially through debating and event coordination. Most importantly, it taught me how to take initiative, adapt quickly, and lead with both empathy and responsibility. These are skills I carry with me in every aspect of life — from my medical training to everyday challenges.
Has participation in BEST helped you discover causes, issues, or values that you're now committed to in your career?
My time in BEST helped me become more aware of the world around me and more engaged with social issues. It sparked a strong curiosity and sense of responsibility — not only in politics or global causes, but also in the systems that directly affect people’s lives, like healthcare. As I progressed in my medical education, I became increasingly committed to the idea that healthcare should not only be medically competent, but also humane. I believe that the quality of a healthcare system is not just measured by its infrastructure or technology, but by the way doctors communicate with patients, the trust they build, and the dignity they provide in care. That’s a value I carry with me into my future career — to be a doctor who treats people, not just conditions, and to contribute to a more compassionate and patient-centered healthcare system in Bulgaria.
What advice would you give to anyone considering getting involved with BEST, whether as a participant, management team member or even a sponsor?
I would highly encourage anyone to get involved with BEST in any role they feel drawn to — whether as a participant, part of the management team, or even as a sponsor. It’s more than just an extracurricular activity; it’s a space for personal growth, meaningful connections, and real impact. For participants, it's a chance to challenge yourself, explore new perspectives, and discover talents you didn’t know you had. For Management team members, it’s an opportunity to take initiative, lead projects, and grow through hands-on experience in a supportive community. And for sponsors — it’s a meaningful investment in young, motivated individuals who will shape the future in their respective fields. BEST helps people become more curious, capable, and connected — and that’s something I believe everyone can benefit from.