The University Clinical Center Tuzla (UKC Tuzla), as the primary teaching base of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Tuzla, plays a vital role in the education of future healthcare professionals by providing students with practical knowledge and clinical experience under the mentorship of distinguished experts. In this context, UKC Tuzla marked a significant milestone, 45 years of continuous work and development of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, highlighting an important anniversary in the advancement of medical science and clinical practice in this region of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Over the past four and a half decades, the Department of Otorhinolaryngology has evolved from modest beginnings and limited working conditions into a well-established and modernly organized teaching unit, keeping pace with the overall development of UKC Tuzla.
The Head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Prof. Dr. Fuad Brkić, emphasized that these 45 years represent a period marked by numerous challenges, but also by steady and continuous progress. “Forty-five years is a significant period. We have faced many difficulties, including the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the recent pandemic. Despite all these challenges, the staff of both the Department and the Clinic have consistently strived to respond to every demand and to pass on to our students as much knowledge and experience as possible from our daily clinical work. I believe our students are satisfied with the level of education they receive. We have published a substantial number of scientific papers, authored several books, and established excellent cooperation with related departments both within the country and internationally,” stated Professor Brkić.
According to him, otorhinolaryngological diagnostics is an exceptionally demanding and complex field from a clinical standpoint. However, with the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical equipment over the past year, the Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology has significantly enhanced the quality and scope of its services.
He further emphasized that the management of the University Clinical Center Tuzla, led by Director Prof. Dr. Šekib Umihanić, played a crucial role in this progress by investing maximum efforts in strengthening the technical capacities of the Clinic and providing continuous support for its daily clinical work.
Professor Brkić highlighted that both diagnostics and therapeutic procedures are now at a considerably higher level, representing a source of great professional satisfaction, above all for the benefit of patients. Owing to improved working conditions and modern equipment, patients no longer need to seek treatment outside the institution, as they can now access contemporary, high- quality, and readily available healthcare services within the Clinic for Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Surgery.
The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Tuzla, Prof. Dr. Farid Ljuca, emphasized that this anniversary coincides with the year in which the Faculty marks its 50th anniversary, highlighting the Department of Otorhinolaryngology as a key contributor to the overall development of this higher education institution. “The Faculty of Medicine celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. During this period, the Department of Otorhinolaryngology has made a significant contribution through scientific research, the publication of high-quality papers in journals indexed in leading international databases, and through the dedicated work of physicians who are also engaged in teaching. At present, the Department’s teaching staff includes two full professors, one associate professor, and one assistant professor. In addition, several colleagues have earned their doctorates and are expected to be appointed to academic and teaching positions in the near future,” stated Professor Ljuca.
Professor Ljuca further underscored that the development of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology has played an important role in strengthening the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Tuzla, expressing his gratitude for their dedicated work in the fields of science and research. Their efforts, he noted, have contributed to enhancing the Faculty’s image and reputation both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and internationally.
He also highlighted that the strong and continuous partnership between the University Clinical Center Tuzla as a teaching base and the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Tuzla ensures excellent conditions for the further development of modern medical practice and education all for the benefit of both patients and future healthcare professionals.
