(INTERVISTA) David Zupančič: "Questa 'guerra' contro i medici non si può ottenere"

David Zupančič, Slovenian doctor, writer, television presenter, and one of the country’s most widely-read authors, has spoken candidly about his multifaceted life and career. He described how his work spans vastly different worlds, clinical practice, influence through public engagement, and creative writing, each requiring distinct modes of thinking and focus. According to the interview, he experiences his life as a singular yet exceptionally varied existence. While in clinical service, his mind is filled with medical data and scientific thought, generating creative ideas that he often longs to put onto paper. When he is on vacation, particularly near the sea, he dedicates time solely to writing, which leads him to miss his clinical duties. This balance, though demanding, seems to suit him well. Recently, however, he has felt that his numerous responsibilities have become overwhelming, prompting him to consider reducing some activities in the coming year to prioritize those that hold the greatest personal significance. When asked whether he would have believed, at age twenty, that he would eventually become a doctor, writer, television host, and among Slovenia's most popular authors, Zupančič responded with characteristic humility. He acknowledged that while he had always been confident in his abilities, he struggled with anxiety, insomnia, and self-doubt during his early twenties. Despite these challenges, he expressed gratitude for the path his life has taken. He noted that many young people today face similar struggles in a hyper-productive society. Reflecting on his journey, he admitted that while he always dreamed of becoming a writer, the idea of hosting television was entirely unexpected. It emerged as an opportunity to expand his role as a science communicator, using platforms beyond social media into traditional broadcasting. His current work, he explained, stems from a deep belief in its purpose, he feels it aligns with his innate creativity and lifelong desire to contribute meaningfully to public understanding of science. The interview highlights Zupančič’s evolving relationship with his professional identity. He describes his career as unfolding almost spontaneously, rather than being meticulously planned. While he has always known he wanted to write, the transition into television hosting came unexpectedly. He views this shift as part of a broader mission to communicate science more broadly, leveraging both digital and traditional media. The interview suggests that his success has not come without struggle, and that his ability to navigate multiple roles reflects resilience and adaptability. He acknowledges the pressures of maintaining such a diverse career, especially in recent years, and hints at potential changes in the future to better align his work with his values and priorities. Zupančič’s reflections offer insight into the intersection of personal ambition and societal expectations. He speaks openly about the mental health challenges he faced early in his career, suggesting that many young professionals encounter similar difficulties in today’s fast-paced, high-performance environment. His willingness to discuss these issues indicates a growing openness to addressing mental health concerns in the workplace. At the same time, his achievements underscore the value of pursuing unconventional paths and embracing opportunities that arise outside of one’s initial plans. His story resonates with individuals who seek fulfillment through multiple passions, even when those pursuits seem unrelated at first glance. The interview also touches on the nature of artistic and intellectual pursuit. Zupančič emphasizes the importance of believing in one’s capabilities, even in the face of doubt. He notes that while his career has developed organically, his commitment to communication and education has remained constant. This dedication has allowed him to build a reputation as both a respected physician and a compelling storyteller. His ability to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public interest underscores the power of interdisciplinary work. By engaging audiences through diverse mediums, he continues to shape conversations around health, science, and culture in Slovenia. Looking ahead, Zupančič appears poised to make strategic adjustments to his workload. He has hinted at a possible reduction in certain responsibilities to create space for activities that bring him greater satisfaction. This shift signals a conscious effort to realign his professional life with his personal values. Whether this means scaling back on television appearances, focusing more on writing, or finding new ways to engage with patients and readers remains unclear. However, his comments suggest a renewed emphasis on balance and purpose, reflecting a deeper awareness of the demands of a multifaceted career. As he moves forward, his continued contributions to both medicine and literature will likely remain central to his legacy.