Dr. Raina Stoyanova
Specialist in Endocrinology, metabolic diseases and dietetics
Hello,
I’m Dr. Raina Stoyanova, and since you’ve opened this page, you’re interested in me, and that’s why I’ll tell you more.
I was born and grew up in Bansko. Maybe that’s why I feel at home in the mountains and unwind from my busy everyday life the most when I’m with my loved ones in nature.
I always knew that I would become a doctor, and my dream after graduating from the French high school in Blagoevgrad was to specialize or work in Paris.
France
In 2011, I fulfilled this dream and went to France, initially on the popular “exchanges”, and later as a medical intern.
There I had the opportunity to work with prominent European names in the field of endocrinology, metabolic diseases and nutrition, such as: Prof. Gauthier, Prof. Karel, Prof. Dukan.
After graduating in medicine at the Medical University of Sofia, I started working at the capital hospital “Lozenets” as a resident doctor and part-time assistant in Internal Diseases Propedeutics at the Faculty of Medicine of the Sofia University.
At UB “Lozenets” I got to know transplant medicine and especially hepatology – something that I still consider extremely exciting.
In the meantime, I also completed my second master’s degree in “Healthcare Management” with a thesis defense in the field of drug policy.
Endocrinology
During my residency in internal medicine, I developed a strong interest in metabolism, metabolic diseases and obesity.
Thus, after successfully passing the exam, I started specializing in Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases at the Clinic for Metabolic-Endocrine Diseases and Dietetics at the “Tsaritsa Joanna – ISUL” UMBAL, Sofia. In 2021, I acquired a specialty, and during all the years of my specialization, I accumulated an invaluable complex inventory with hundreds of patients, complex clinical cases, studies of new medicinal preparations and participation in various scientific forums.
experience and projects
Over the years, I have participated as a guest or speaker in various national and international projects related to metabolic diseases, obesity, diabetes mellitus, innovative ways of diagnosis and therapy of thyroid gland diseases, assessment and prevention of cardio-metabolic risk, women’s health during the period of menopause and others.
I developed my competence in developing different models and methods for working with patients, developing and studying the mechanism of action of new molecules in the therapy of metabolic-endocrine diseases.
Sport
Over the years, I have worked and am working very actively with athletes (FC “Levski”, FC “Ludogorets”, FC “CSK”, gymnasts from the national artistic gymnastics team, professional ballerinas, moto-cross competitors, skiers and snowboarders, etc.), leading to the development and patenting of a program to improve the health and performance of athletes during competitions with proven success.
Obesity support and destigmatization
In recent years, my active work with people living with overweight and obesity led me to develop a comprehensive program to support patients on the path of their weight correction and maintenance of optimal shape. The program includes a thorough review and assessment of metabolism, cardio-metabolic health, drug and/or infusion therapy, microbiome assessment and impact, dietary regimen and ongoing psychological support, providing ongoing control, strategic planning, follow-up, support and motivation.
The stigma surrounding patients with this problem is huge, unfounded and offensive, and as a medical specialist in the field, it is my duty to work to destigmatize people living with obesity.
Inspired by my work and collaborations with the Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology at the French Hospital “Saint Louis” in Paris, as well as with the Canadian CAMH Hospital in Toronto, I believe that I contribute to debunking the myths surrounding overweight and obesity.
Scientific interests
A large part of my scientific interests are also in the field of malnutrition and, in particular, oncomalnutrition, parenteral and enteral nutrition.
I am a member of the Bulgarian Society of Endocrinology (BDE), the Bulgarian Association for Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases (BSTP), the Bulgarian Association for the Study of Obesity and Related Diseases (BASORD), the Bulgarian Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BULSPEN), the Bulgarian Society of Nutrition and Dietetics, the European Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ESPEN), the Federation of European Nutrition Societies (FENS), the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), the American Obesity Association (TOS), the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), the International Society for Clinical Densitometry, among others.
Geneva Longevity
In 2024, I was accepted to pursue the world’s first specialized master’s degree at the University of Longevity Medicine in Geneva, Switzerland. The program explores various therapeutic approaches on how to “trick” our genes to look and feel younger—a question that has fascinated humanity since ancient times and has recently become an increasingly hot topic in Bulgaria as well. What interests me most is how patient progress is measured for those who follow the recommendations of longevity experts, the calculations of biological age, and the overall concept of rejuvenation and enhancement from the inside out.
Patients
People I consult daily live with various health issues: metabolic syndrome, overweight and obesity, diabetes, steatosis, thyroid function and/or structural disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, eating behavior disorders, and others. I also have patients who aim to improve their eating habits and maximize the benefits of their nutrition—vegetarians and vegans, those interested in detox and juicing, bodybuilders, pregnant and breastfeeding women.
In recent years, I have frequently been a guest on various programs and at private corporations that aim to raise awareness among the public or their employees on different aspects of healthy and balanced nutrition, with the goal of improving their quality of life and, consequently, their work performance.
