From the 5th to the 8th of November, Dubrovnik will host one of Croatia’s most significant medical events – the 27th Congress of the Croatian Society for Rheumatology (HRD) of the Croatian Medical Association. This traditional gathering, aimed at educating rheumatologists and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience, brings together leading experts from Croatia and the wider region. Each year, it sets new standards in the professional and scientific approach to rheumatology. The President of the Congress and of the Croatian Society for Rheumatology, Prof. Srđan Novak, PhD, emphasized that the event serves as an important platform for multidisciplinary collaboration and professional advancement.
The congress will take place at Hotel Valamar Lacroma, with around 300 participants expected—mostly from Croatia, but also from neighbouring countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Kosovo. For several days, Dubrovnik will become the hub of the regional rheumatology community, a meeting place for sharing the latest scientific insights and clinical experiences.
The cardiovascular system in the focus of the rheumatology community
The central theme of this year’s congress, “The Cardiovascular System in Rheumatic Diseases,” opens discussion on the increasingly important connection between rheumatic disorders and cardiovascular health. Presentations will explore topics such as cardiac involvement in rheumatic diseases, cardiovascular risks associated with specific conditions, and the impact of medications on the cardiovascular system.
The program is rich and diverse: in addition to invited lectures by distinguished international experts, participants will have the opportunity to attend educational workshops, clinical case sessions, and discussions on the latest guidelines and challenges in clinical practice. A special part of the program will focus on harmonizing specialist training in rheumatology across Europe, with experts presenting the collaboration between UEMS and EULAR in developing common educational standards.
Traditionally, a portion of the congress will be dedicated to young rheumatologists, who will present their own research and practical experiences.
Collaboration Between Professionals and Patients – A Holistic Approach
This year’s program also includes a joint session of patient association representatives, nurses, technicians, and physiotherapists, centred on the theme “Pain in Rheumatic Diseases.” Through a multidisciplinary approach, experts will analyse the challenges faced by people living with rheumatic conditions and highlight the importance of cooperation between various healthcare professionals in treatment and care.
Alongside the main congress, the 39th Educational Course of the Association of Nurses, Technicians, and Physiotherapists in Rheumatology and Immunology will be held, organized by the Croatian Nurses Association. This event annually attracts a large number of participants and contributes to the continuous professional development of healthcare staff. Topics will include the specifics of nursing care for rheumatology patients, the role of nurses in cardiovascular disease prevention, and related hands-on workshops.
As part of the program, participants will hear presentations from leading Croatian experts such as Gordana Laškarin (Thalassotherapia Opatija; University of Rijeka Faculty of Medicine), Daniela Marasović Krstulović (University Hospital Split), Jasminka Milas-Ahić (University Hospital Osijek; Faculty of Medicine Osijek), Dijana Perković (University Hospital Split; Faculty of Medicine Split), Zrinka Jurišić (Arrhythmia Department, University Hospital Split), Goran Šukara (University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb), Tatjana Zekić (University Hospital Rijeka), and Nikola Bulj (University Hospital Sisters of Mercy, Zagreb).
Guest speakers from abroad—Prof. Christopher Edwards (UK), Prof. Antonis Fanouriakis (Greece), and Prof. Ennio Lubrano (Italy)—will provide a European perspective and share the latest scientific insights.
As one of Croatia’s most prestigious conference destinations, Dubrovnik once again confirms its reputation as a city that seamlessly combines top-level expertise with an inspiring environment. The Congress of the Croatian Society for Rheumatology not only contributes to the advancement of medical science but also strengthens Dubrovnik’s position on the map of international scientific events.
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