After the sixth public tender for professional training was announced in April 2022, the Ana Rukavina Foundation’s Board of Trustees decided to award funds for professional training to candidate Dr. Tamara Vasilj, a specialist in hematology from the Dubrava Clinical Hospital.
After the applications were received, the Board of Trustees of the Foundation chose the best candidate for whom the Foundation would cover all the costs of a one-year training at the prestigious American National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Bethesda (Maryland). Upon her return, Dr. Vasilj will be able to apply knowledge in everyday work with patients.
After returning from professional training, we spoke with Dr. Tamara Vasilj about her experience.
In 2023, as a hematology specialist from the Dubrava Clinical Hospital, I had the exceptional privilege of participating in professional development at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (National Cancer Institute (NCI)) in the United States of America, as part of a program dedicated to malignant myeloid diseases, and with the support of the Ana Rukavina Foundation. This program was an invaluable experience for my professional development, providing me with insight into the latest therapeutic approaches and technologies that I hope to be able to implement when working with patients in our country.
A year may seem short in the world of medicine, where science and practice are constantly developing, but it undoubtedly brings insights that have a positive impact on further work. Daily encounters with complex clinical cases at the NCI, access to cutting-edge technologies, and the possibility of working in multidisciplinary teams enable rapid acquisition of new knowledge and skills, as well as insight into potential solutions to the challenges of our system. In medicine, every opportunity for professional development is important because it moves us one step closer to more advanced practice, better results for patients, and innovations in treatment and diagnostics. During my professional training, I had the opportunity to participate in the world’s largest hematology conferences, I had unlimited access to rich medical literature and the latest publications, and I met people from different professions and backgrounds. I am happy that I have built lasting friendships and collaborations with some of them – such contacts and mutual support will certainly benefit the treatment of our patients at the Dubrava Clinical Hospital. So, although one year is a short episode in the life of a doctor, it can certainly bring lasting and valuable changes.
I cannot emphasize enough the irreplaceable role of the Ana Rukavina Foundation and the extraordinary team behind the Foundation, who work tirelessly to provide young doctors from Croatia with access to the world’s best medical centers. Thanks to their vision and dedication, Ana Rukavina’s dream of improving hematology and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation continues. The contribution that the Foundation makes, not only in the education of young specialists but also in improving the health of patients in Croatia, is immeasurable.
Also, great recognition goes to my mentor, Dr. Steven Z. Pavletić. I am grateful for his mentorship over the past year and continued professional support. Dr. Pavletić, a renowned scientist and clinician, introduced me to the most modern research projects, and shared his rich knowledge and experience, inspiring me to continue striving to be better in my work with patients and cooperation with colleagues. His support and advice marked my personal and professional growth.
In conclusion, I am convinced that international cooperation with colleagues from different countries, meeting people, and exchanging knowledge is key to progress in medicine. Learning from large health systems like the one in the United States opens up new opportunities for improving our health services in Croatia.
As a hematologist, I believe that continuous improvement is the foundation for every doctor. Medical science is constantly advancing, and it’s our job to keep up with that development to provide patients with the best possible treatment options. Such experiences not only strengthen us professionally but also encourage us to lifelong learning and personal development, which is of vital importance for patients and the entire healthcare system.I am sure that the knowledge and skills acquired during this program will have a long-term positive impact on my career and bring concrete benefits to patients with hematological diseases, and I am extremely grateful to the Foundation for providing us with the opportunity to develop our careers and clinical work.