A press conference was held at the University Clinical Center Tuzla to mark the 50th anniversary of the anesthesiology service, under the theme “Tuzla Anesthesia Days: From the Department to the Clinic.”
The event honored five decades of dedicated work, progress, and transformation of anesthesiology in Tuzla, from its modest beginnings to the establishment of a modern and highly specialized clinical service.
Distinguished speakers at the conference included: Prof. Dr. Jasmina Smajić, Head of the Clinic for Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, Prim. Dr.. Munevera Hadžimešić, Head of the Intensive Care Unit, Dr. Lejla Mujkić, MSc., Head of the Intensive Care Unit of the Surgical Block, Prim. Dr. Sanja Ercegović, specialist in Anesthesiology, Dr. Damir Pištoljević, specialist in Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, Nermina Nurkić, RN, Head Nurse of the Clinic
In her opening address, Prof. Dr. Jasmina Smajić, Head of the Clinic for Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, emphasized that the development of anesthesiology in Tuzla has closely followed global trends in the field.
“Modern anesthesia began to take shape around the mid-19th century, marked by the first public demonstrations of anesthetic agents,” said Prof. Dr. Smajić. “In Tuzla, the evolution of anesthesiology in its contemporary form began in 1955 with the arrival of Dr. Maša Formanek, who made a significant contribution by organizing numerous educational courses for medical professionals.
However, we mark the 50th anniversary of organized anesthesiology services with Prim. Dr. Šekib Hivzijefendić, who in 1975 formally established the Anesthesia Department in Tuzla. Initially functioning as a department, it was later restructured into a full anesthesia service. In 1994, it became the Institute of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation.
With the reorganization of the University Clinical Center Tuzla in 2004, the Institute was elevated to the status of the Clinic for Anesthesiology and Resuscitation. Today, the Clinic comprises 148 staff members, including 57 physicians, of whom 41 are specialists in anesthesiology and resuscitation. Among them are three subspecialists in intensive care medicine, one clinical pharmacology specialist, and, for the first time in our institution’s history, a subspecialist in pediatric anesthesia. These milestones reflect our continued growth and commitment to excellence in patient care and education.”
The Clinic for Anesthesiology and Resuscitation at the University Clinical Center Tuzla is comprised of three key departments:Department of Intensive Therapy- Surgical Block, Department of Intensive Therapy- Blue Hospital, Department of Anesthesia. Additionally, the Clinic includes the Anesthesiology Polyclinic, which operates two specialized outpatient clinics.
At the commemorative press conference, the heads of these organizational units shared insights into the structure, scope, and guiding principles of their departments, highlighting the comprehensive care provided to critically ill patients.
Prim. Dr. Munevera Hadžimešić, specialist in anesthesiology and resuscitation, spoke about the work of the Department of Intensive Therapy- Blue Hospital, which has a capacity of 15 beds and serves as a central unit for treating critically ill neurological and neurosurgical patients.
“This department provides care for patients with isolated cranio-cerebral injuries and those requiring intensive monitoring and treatment following major brain surgeries,” said Dr. Hadžimešić. “We also manage patients after endovascular procedures, extensive maxillofacial surgeries performed by plastic surgeons, and neurological cases involving ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, as well as neuromuscular diseases requiring mechanical ventilation.”
She emphasized the department’s role in identifying potential cadaveric organ donors, and noted that patients with severe burns affecting a large surface area, who cannot be managed in standard plastic surgery unit, are also treated within this intensive care setting.
Dr. Lejla Mujkić, Head of the Department of Intensive Therapy – Surgical Block, emphasized the critical role her department plays in the care of post-operative and trauma patients.
“Our department primarily admits patients who have undergone major surgical procedures or experienced severe trauma,” said Dr. Mujkić. “These individuals require intensive therapeutic interventions, continuous monitoring of vital signs, and often mechanical ventilation support. The Department of Intensive Therapy – Surgical Block is a highly specialized unit that demands the coordinated efforts of skilled medical staff and experienced physicians.”
She added that the department is currently equipped with 18 hospital beds, serving as a vital part of the clinic’s intensive care capacity.
Prim. Dr. Sanja Ercegović, specialist in anesthesiology and subspecialist in clinical pharmacology, spoke about the broad scope of the Department of Anesthesia, which provides services across all operating theaters and supports various diagnostic procedures.
“Our department is responsible for administering anesthesia in all surgical settings and during diagnostic procedures that require sedation,” said Dr. Ercegović. “The selection of anesthesia type, whether general or local, depends on the complexity of the procedure and the overall condition of the patient. General anesthesia may be administered via inhalation or intravenous agents.”
She highlighted the growing focus on local anesthesia techniques, noting: “In recent years, we’ve made significant efforts to educate our staff and further develop our expertise in regional and local anesthesia methods.”
Dr. Ercegović also stressed that the work of the Department of Anesthesia extends beyond the operating room:
“Our care begins at the Anesthesiology Polyclinic, where patients are evaluated and prepared for surgery. It continues through the administration of anesthesia during the procedure and follows into the postoperative recovery phase, where patients are closely monitored to ensure safe and stable recovery.”
Graduate Nurse Nermina Nurkić, Head Nurse of the Clinic for Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, spoke about the essential role of nursing staff within the multidisciplinary team of the Clinic.
She emphasized that nurse technicians are an indispensable part of the healthcare team, trained and educated to work collaboratively with physicians and other professionals.
“Our nurses are highly skilled and professionally prepared to assist in planning and performing all types of anesthesia,” said Nurkić. “They also play a crucial role in delivering care to critically ill and life-threatening patients, ensuring continuous monitoring and support throughout the treatment process.”
The significance of the Clinic for Anesthesiology and Resuscitation within the University Clinical Center Tuzla is underscored by its volume of work- over 26,000 services were delivered across anesthesiology clinics, departments, and operating rooms in 2024 alone.
In celebration of this milestone, a ceremonial academy marking the 50th anniversary of the anesthesiology service in Tuzla will be held under the title: “Tuzla Days of Anesthesia: From the Department to the Clinic”, scheduled for May 15–16, 2025, at the Mellain Hotel in Tuzla.
As part of the program, two specialized workshops will be organized, focusing on innovations in anesthesia and ultrasound- guided monitoring techniques. These sessions will feature lectures and hands- on training led by renowned experts from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
