A press conference was held at the University Clinical Center Tuzla to present the program “Transfer of Knowledge from Diaspora Experts to Public Institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” implemented under the auspices of the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The focus of today’s conference was the professional visit of orthopedic and spinal surgeon Prof. Dr. Eldin Karaiković from the United States. During his stay at the University Clinical Center Tuzla, Prof. Karaiković delivered a series of expert and educational lectures in the field of spinal surgery and innovative medical technologies, and participated in performing several complex spinal surgeries.
The Head of the Clinic for Orthopedics and Traumatology, prim. Asst. Prof. Alen Kamerić, expressed his gratitude to Prof. Karaiković, who is visiting the Clinic for the third time and has once again provided invaluable support in introducing new surgical approaches, particularly in the area of kyphoplasty. He also thanked the management of the University Clinical Center Tuzla and the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees for their support in implementing this project, expressing hope that the Clinic will continue to take part in similar educational initiatives in the future.
Highlighting the importance of the program, the Minister of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sevlid Hurtić, emphasized that this is a notable example of successful cooperation between the diaspora and institutions in the homeland. “The knowledge-transfer program demonstrates how willing our professionals abroad are to contribute to Bosnia and Herzegovina through expertise and the selfless sharing of knowledge. This year alone, we have implemented 13 such exchanges, and we expect that number to reach 18 by year’s end. We are especially proud that more than two- thirds of these projects are in the field of medicine, as they directly strengthen the healthcare system of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
Minister Hurtić also noted that through this program, diaspora experts have performed more than 27 complex surgeries free of charge, many of which are not available in Bosnia and Herzegovina and would cost several hundred thousand marks if performed abroad.
Minister Hurtić emphasized the exceptional cost-effectiveness of the program, noting:“On average, the Ministry spends less than 4,000 KM to bring one doctor from the diaspora, while the benefits for our health institutions and patients far exceed that value. This clearly shows that investing in knowledge is the most profitable investment a country can make.”
A distinguished orthopedic and spinal surgeon, Prof. Dr. Eldin Karaiković, whose scientific work has been cited in more than 1,400 international publications in the field of spinal surgery, also spoke about his motivations and experience. Prof. Karaiković is a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago and one of the founders of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences (BHAAAS). “It is a great honor and pleasure to be in Tuzla once again, among colleagues with whom I have collaborated successfully for many years. This project represents a continuation of our shared mission, strengthening knowledge, exchanging experiences, and supporting domestic healthcare. Our focus is on complex spinal surgeries, the education of young doctors, and the introduction of modern treatment methods. I believe that through continued cooperation we can build a strong bridge of knowledge between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the world,” Prof. Karaiković emphasized.
Among those addressing the media were Dr. Mahir Jašarević MSci., Head of the Vertebrology Department, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Asmir Hrustić, Head of the Surgery Block of the Clinic for Orthopedics and Traumatology at the University Clinical Center Tuzla. They highlighted that cooperation with Prof. Karaiković is of exceptional importance for the advancement of the subspecialty dealing with severe spinal deformities. “This is a form of cooperation that greatly benefits both patients and medical staff, especially younger colleagues who no longer need to travel abroad to acquire professional knowledge. Thanks to Dr. Karaiković, our teams can learn directly from world-leading experts while implementing modern techniques that significantly enhance treatment outcomes,” said Dr. Hrustić.
Dr. Mahir Jašarević also presented new medical equipment that has considerably improved the work of the Clinic for Orthopedics and Traumatology, as well as patient care conditions. “Thanks to the support and vision of our institution’s management, a large portion of new medical equipment has been acquired in recent months. I would particularly highlight the importance of the special carbon operating table used for spinal surgeries, as well as the purchase of two C-arms, one of which is a special 3D C-arm with intraoperative CT capability. We have also received neuromonitoring equipment, which monitors spinal cord function during surgery. With this equipment and continuous education, we can further strengthen and improve the quality of our work,” emphasized Dr. Jašarević.
All speakers agreed that such projects clearly demonstrate how cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and its diaspora can deliver concrete results and meaningful improvements. These programs bring together knowledge, experience, and homeland, creating a vital bridge between domestic experts and those working around the world.
