70 Years Advancing the Health Care System in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Faculty of Medicine University of Sarajevo celebrates its 70th anniversary this 2015/16 academic year. From the historical point of view, 70 years might not be a long period, but taking into account the results achieved in the field of education and scientific research, we can proudly say that this is an Institution that can boast with established tradition. During its 70 years long tradition, the Faculty of Medicine has educated 8701 medical doctors, 1060 masters of medical sciences and 632 doctors of medical sciences. This Faculty has not only produced medical doctors, but was also involved in education of dentistry and pharmacy students as well as other health care professionals. Faculty of Medicine in Sarajevo is older than the University of Sarajevo and was established in 1944, closed 1945 and reopened 1946 and thereby represents one of the oldest higher education institutions in B&H, serving as a cradle from where many medical schools have spawned, not only in Sarajevo, but also Tuzla and Banja Luka. The Faculty has lived through a long journey since its establishment. Many lessons learnt can be identified as a learning experience and taken further to grow faster. The Curriculum renewal was continually undertaken in order to improve quality. The Faculty of Medicine has been revising and renewing the medical education curriculum throughout the years. Major reform was undertaken in 2007 when the medical curriculum was harmonized with the curriculum of medical schools in neighboring countries adopting the principles of Bologna declaration and again in 2015 when the curriculum was revised after careful analysis by students, teacher and management and harmonized with the European Union directives on medical professions. We are also proud to point out that the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo has successfully completed the „Medical Studies in English” program opened for the first time last academic year. Various achievements today are contributed by many people and therefore we sincerely appreciate the hard work of our predecessors, the seniors, former deans and teachers, support staff, students and alumni for their support and assistance in striving for innovations and excellence, whilst dedicating themselves to the interest of the nation and humanity. As we explore and commemorate our past at the celebration ceremony which will be held 19th November this year, we will toast our present and plan our future. The one thing that hasn’t changed is our purpose as we remain dedicated to advancing health through teaching, research and patient care.