On Saturday, August 17th, Dr. Alen Juginovic, along with the Croatian NGO Med&X Association, welcomed eight Croatian medical students to Harvard University for an enriching and insightful experience. The visit included a comprehensive tour of some of Harvard’s most prestigious institutions: the main campus, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard Business School.
The day began with an exploration of Harvard Medical School, where the students gained valuable insights into the facilities and resources available to medical students and researchers. This also included a firsthand opportunity to see the labs where Dr. Juginovic spends his days with his own sleep medicine research. The day then proceeded to Harvard’s main campus, where the students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the historic and academic atmosphere of one of the world’s leading universities. The tour continued at Harvard Business School, offering a glimpse into the intersection of business and medicine, an increasingly relevant area in today’s healthcare landscape.
The day’s activities culminated with a networking reception hosted by the Boston chapter of the American Croatian Association of Professionals (ACAP). Held at a local restaurant in the Harvard area, the reception provided a setting for the students to engage with professionals and peers, exchange ideas, and build connections that could benefit their future careers.
The Croatian medical students who participated in this memorable day included:
- Matea Bagaric
- Lucija Skejic
- Dino Zujic
- Klara Bardac
- Marko Gavrancic
- Laura Zanetti
- Helena Ljulj
- Karlo Duzevic
Reflecting on her experience, attendee Matea Bagaric, who is currently studying medicine in Zagreb, shared, “What stood out to me most was the educational approach at Harvard. The problem-based learning model they use is a departure from the theory-heavy, mechanism-focused curriculum that we are accustomed to in Croatia. At Harvard, the emphasis is on addressing the question, ‘What will we do next?’ This forward-thinking approach encourages students to think critically and practically, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.”
“This visit has given me a new perspective on how I might approach my own studies moving forward, integrating more problem-solving strategies into my learning process. It was fascinating to see how this model not only prepares students to diagnose and treat but also empowers them to think like clinicians from the very beginning of their training.”
Fellow attendee Lucija Skejic, medical student in Split, Croatia, followed up with her own sentiments about the event saying: “I wanted to see Harvard and hear about the entire faculty and system, and I think it’s best to hear it from someone who has been working there for several years. I also wanted to meet other students who arrived in the USA from Croatia, and to exchange experiences and impressions. Finally, but most importantly, I wanted to meet people who live and work in Boston and hear their inspiring life stories.”
“Talking to all these phenomenal people in one place was a truly unique opportunity, and everyone was very open to talk and ready to answer any questions I had. The whole weekend exceeded my expectations, especially hanging out with all the wonderful people I met.”
Dr. Juginovic’s initiative not only showcased Harvard’s renowned institutions but also fostered international collaboration and professional development among emerging medical professionals. The event was a testament to the value of cross-cultural exchange and the importance of building global networks in the field of medicine.
To learn more about the Med&X Association and the programs and events they offer, you can check their website at https://www.medx.hr/. Upcoming events from the association are the Plexus Conference in Zagreb, Croatia this December 7th where physicians from top elite hospitals in the USA will offer workshops for physicians, residents and medical students.
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