OMI Satellite Symposium: A Testament to Locally Led Change in Bosnia and Herzegovina

From September 13-14, 2024, the Cantonal Hospital and Faculty of Medicine of the University of Zenica became hubs of state-of-the-art medical knowledge and collaboration, hosting the OMI Satellite Symposium: Cardio-Renal Metabolism and Protection. The event was born from the initiative of local physicians inspired by their participation in the OMI Seminar on Lipid Metabolism and Atherosclerosis in Salzburg in 2023. The symposium showcased how OMI’s philosophy of capacity building can lead to transformative, locally led changes that shape the future of healthcare in the region.

The symposium, organized by Drs. Malik Ejubovic, Andrej Belancic, Ivana Cekic, and Marijana Vuckovic, brought together an impressive gathering of 31 healthcare professionals from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Georgia, demonstrating the regional significance of this initiative. The two-day event featured expert lectures and roundtable discussions aimed at tackling pressing issues in cardio-renal metabolism and protection. Additionally, 8 participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Georgia were selected to present a scientific abstract based on clinical cases from their home countries.

A key figure who contributed to the symposium’s success was Dr. Michal Vrablik, Professor of Internal Medicine from Prague, Czech Republic, and an esteemed faculty member of OMI. With his expertise as Chairman of the Czech Atherosclerosis Society and his deep involvement in lipid metabolism research, Dr. Vrablik’s participation, facilitated by OMI, was crucial. His insightful lectures and enthusiasm enriched the experience for all participants, furthering the discussion on atherosclerosis and cardio-renal protection. Reflecting on his time in Zenica, Dr. Vrablik said:

“The entire organization, discussions, presentations, and atmosphere have surpassed all my expectations.”

The statement translates the dedication and skill of the organizing team. Supported by local faculty Drs. Belma Pojskic, Dario Rahelic, Josipa Radic, and Sanja Klobucar, the symposium was a testament to the collective expertise and commitment of healthcare professionals in the region. Their contribution ensured that the event addressed domestic healthcare challenges while offering practical, globally-informed solutions.

The importance of this symposium cannot be overstated. OMI alumni demonstrated that sustainable development in healthcare is achievable through locally led change, a core tenet of OMI’s mission. By bringing OMI faculty to the fellows’ home countries, we foster knowledge-sharing that is directly aligned with regional healthcare needs. The event in Zenica embodied this approach, as OMI’s commitment to building capacity was evident throughout the event.

The presence of international attendees further underscored the symposium’s regional importance. The discussions fostered new ideas and partnerships, creating lasting impacts for the medical professionals present and the broader healthcare systems they represent.

The success of this symposium is a true testament to OMI’s impact on global medical education. Satellite symposia, like the one held in Zenica, illustrate the importance of in-person events and the connections they foster, demonstrating how global health development is advanced through collaboration and knowledge exchange.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Vrablik for his invaluable contribution, as well as to the faculty and organizers whose dedication once again reflect on what the OMI Satellite Symposia stands for: sustainable development through locally led change.