From Kurdistan to the Sunshine State: A Journey of Grit, Healing, and Hope
They say a surgeon’s hands must be steady, but the path to finding my purpose was anything but a straight line. My name is Sahand Bamarni, and today, I serve the community of Bartow, Florida. But before I was a surgeon in the Sunshine State, I was a dreamer in a land half a world away, navigating a journey defined by perseverance and the universal language of healing.
The Roots of a Calling
My journey kicked off in the mountain city of Duhok, Kurdistan-Iraq, within the halls of the University of Duhok College of Medicine. Those early years were about so much more than just hitting the books or passing exams; they were a total "sharpening by fire".
During my medical training, I learned pretty quickly that being a doctor isn't just about biology or technical skills; it’s really about the human spirit. Whether I was treating a lifelong neighbor or a complete stranger, I realized that every single patient carries a deep story of hope, fear, and family. It’s those personal connections that truly make the long hours worth it.
Starting Over: The Ultimate Test
The most difficult part of any journey is the moment you decide to start over. Transitioning my practice to the United States meant stepping back and proving myself all over again. I went from being a faculty member and established surgeon in Iraq to a resident at the Cleveland Clinic and HCA Florida Brandon.
There were long nights of study and even longer days in the operating room. I traded the familiar for the unknown, driven by a singular goal: to provide the highest level of care possible, no matter the cost or the distance traveled.
Innovation with a Human Touch
Today, I am proud to be a Board-Certified General Surgeon, specialized in the latest Robotic and Laparoscopic techniques. Whether it’s a complex colorectal surgery or a routine hernia repair, I view every procedure through the lens of my entire journey.
Why I Do What I Do
Surgery is a social contract. When you trust me with your health, you aren't just a "case" on my schedule; you are a person with a family waiting in the lobby. I’ve walked through fire to be in this operating room, and I bring that same tenacity to every patient I treat.
My mission is to heal with precision, to listen with empathy, and to never forget the long road that brought me here.
Sahand Bamarni, MD FACS
