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Undergraduate and Master’s Applied Studies Undergraduate applied studies at the “Medika” College of Applied Health Sciences are designed to provide students with modern, practice-oriented knowledge and skills necessary for successful work within the healthcare system. The study programmes are aligned with the contemporary requirements of the profession and focused on connecting theoretical foundations with practical training in a real working environment. Through a multidisciplinary approach and the support of experienced teachers and practitioners, students are trained to perform healthcare activities responsibly, professionally and ethically, with clearly defined opportunities for professional development and employment.   Call for Enrolment in Undergraduate Studies 2025/26 – September Master’s applied studies at the “Medika” College of Applied Health Sciences are designed for healthcare professionals who seek further professional development, specialization, and the assumption of responsible and managerial roles within the healthcare system. The programme enables students to deepen and enhance the knowledge acquired during undergraduate studies, while developing the analytical, organizational and leadership skills necessary for modern healthcare practice. Special emphasis is placed on independent professional decision-making, the application of research-based and innovative approaches in practice, as well as active participation in the planning, organization and improvement of healthcare quality. Upon completion of master’s applied studies, students acquire competencies that enable career advancement and greater professional visibility within the healthcare system. Call for Enrolment in Master’s Studies 2025/26 – September

Report on Participation in the BIP Mobility Programme in Prague Participation in an International Programme in Prague: Focus on Inclusion, Diversity and Career Development in Higher Education From 9 to 13 June 2025, representatives of our College, Anita Kovačić Popović, Katarina Jonev Ćiraković and Stefan Rosić, participated in the international Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) mobility held in Prague, Czech Republic, organized by EDUCA International o.p.s. and Newton University. The main theme of the programme was “Inclusion, Diversity and Career Development in Higher Education”, with a special focus on the internationalization of universities and the implementation of inclusive principles within the Erasmus+ programme. The programme included a preparatory online meeting, while the physical mobility in Prague consisted of a series of interactive workshops, lectures and sessions held at Newton University. In addition to the educational part, participants were offered a rich cultural programme, which enabled the exchange of experiences and the strengthening of international cooperation with colleagues from various European countries. Among the key programme activities were presentations by universities and organizations from European consortia, lectures on the Europass and EURES platforms, lectures on the importance of mental health during student mobility, as well as workshops dedicated to promoting inclusion and diversity in higher education. Participation in this programme contributed to acquiring new knowledge about inclusive practices in mobility and ways of supporting students from marginalized groups. In addition, the delegation had the opportunity to become acquainted with modern approaches to the development of career centres in higher education. One of the most significant outcomes of the mobility was the establishment of concrete cooperation between our College and institutions from the Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal and other participating countries. During the networking sessions, contacts were exchanged and the first steps towards signing bilateral exchange agreements were agreed upon, representing an important step towards improving the international visibility and mobility of Medika College students and professors.

First National Symposium We are pleased to announce the First National Symposium with international participation, entitled “Higher Education of Nurses – Challenges and Perspectives”, which will be held on 5 March 2025 in Belgrade, at the “Vlada Divljan” Cultural Centre. This symposium will bring together experts from the Balkans and other countries around the world, with the aim of exchanging experiences, identifying key challenges in the education of nurses and their recognition within healthcare systems. The focus of the event will be on finding common solutions and improving educational standards in this important profession. We invite all interested participants to join us and contribute to the discussion on the future of highly educated nurses. VZŠSS Medika Symposium Programme Belgrade

Our Luka Wins Bronze Medal at the Serbian Championship! That it is possible to achieve outstanding sports results while pursuing one’s studies has been demonstrated by our student Luka Marković. At the recently held Serbian Swimming Championship in Novi Sad, Luka Marković won third place in the breaststroke discipline, in both the junior and absolute categories for 2024. Medika College is proud of Luka and congratulates him on this exceptional sporting achievement!

Our Student Successfully Completed Professional Internship in Bitola, North Macedonia The “Medika” College of Applied Health Sciences in Belgrade is proud to announce that our student, Brina Stojanović, has successfully completed her professional internship within the Erasmus+ programme in Bitola, North Macedonia. During her stay, she was accommodated at the “Kočo Racin” student dormitory, which provided excellent conditions for studying and socializing. She gained professional experience at the Emergency Centre and Plodnost Hospital, where she had the opportunity to work with infusions, draw blood, perform ECG procedures, and measure vital signs. Working in these institutions provided her with valuable knowledge and skills that will be of great importance for her future career. Virtual classes following the internship enabled her to continue her learning process, thanks to the expertise of her mentors and high-quality organization. This experience enriched both her professional development and personal growth, creating lasting friendships and memories. We congratulate our student on her success and wish her many more achievements in the future.

Dr Bulajić Delivered a Lecture on “Dietary Supplementation as Disease Prevention” Dr Sonja Bulajić, a lecturer at the “Medika” College of Applied Health Sciences, delivered a lecture entitled “Dietary Supplementation as Disease Prevention” at the “Boško Buha” Preschool Institution. The lecture was held on 14 June 2024, as part of the educational council meeting of the “Boško Buha” Preschool Institution from Palilula. It brought together all employees of the institution in the hall of the “Mali princ” kindergarten, including preschool teachers, professional associates, and nurse educators. Dr Bulajić emphasized the importance of a balanced diet and the proper use of supplements as key factors in disease prevention. The attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and receive expert advice, which resulted in an interactive discussion. This lecture was part of the continuous efforts of the “Boško Buha” institution to improve the knowledge and skills of its employees, provide children with optimal conditions for healthy development, and strengthen the competencies of preschool teachers in the field of health education.

Conference of the Balkan Association of Nurses A conference of the Balkan Association of Nurses was held at the Belgrade City Assembly on 26 March. The Balkan Association of Nurses is a voluntary, professional, non-governmental and non-profit organization that brings together nurses from the Balkans with the aim of promoting the nursing profession, as well as supporting the education of nurses. One of the most important goals of this Association is to improve the status of the nursing profession in Balkan countries. The conference was attended by eminent representatives of the nursing profession from countries in the region, representatives of the governments of member states, as well as representatives from many other countries. The “Medika” College of Applied Health Sciences had its representatives at the conference and supported the idea of BAMS through its participation, as we believe that education, knowledge and professional development are key to the nursing profession. Special attention at the conference was dedicated to improving the position of nurses within the healthcare system. In addition to presenting previous work in this field, the conference also focused on creating plans for future activities important for the profession. It was stated at the conference that, even during the difficult times of the pandemic, nursing demonstrated its strength and unity. Goran Mošić, President of the Balkan Association of Nurses, emphasized the importance of drawing attention to nurses and of raising the healthcare systems of all countries in the Balkan region to a higher level. The conference was also attended by Assistant Professor Dr Predrag Sazdanović, State Secretary and representative of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia, who addressed the gathering. Nurses and medical technicians, together with physicians, form a team, and without teamwork it is not possible to achieve the highest quality of healthcare.

Minister of Education Visits “Medika” Branko Ružić, Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development, visited our “Medika” College of Applied Health Sciences. Minister Ružić emphasized the importance of the College, which enables students to acquire knowledge in a field that is essential for our society, bearing in mind that public health is a prerequisite for all other activities, both for individuals and for society as a whole. The Minister spoke with the College management about study conditions, the application of acquired skills in future professional work, and the College’s plans for the upcoming period. During his visit, he toured the lecture halls and classrooms where teaching takes place and confirmed that the learning conditions are modern. Practical training and the acquisition of theoretical knowledge are equally represented in the study programmes. The education that students receive, as well as the skills they apply during practical training, are at a high level thanks to the competent teaching staff. “It is valuable that our education system also includes private initiative, which contributes to the education of sought-after professional profiles. One such example is the Medika College of Applied Health Sciences,” the Minister stated.

Eighteen years ago, the “Dušica Spasić” Award was established, an award presented to nurses of exceptional human and professional values. The award bears the name of Dušica Spasić, who truly deserved such an honour. She deserved to have a street named after her, as indeed one street in the part of Belgrade where she lived now bears her name. She also deserved a shining bust bearing her image, placed at the clinic where she worked and cared for patients, as well as an award established in her memory. She deserved this because she was brave and deeply dedicated to the nursing profession. She was the first victim of the deadly smallpox virus during the tragic outbreak of 1972. Dušica Spasić, a nurse at the First Surgical Clinic, was only 23 years old. Her life was taken by the deadly disease contracted from a patient, but her courage, care for patients, professionalism, cheerful spirit, and the smile with which she cared for the most vulnerable are still remembered half a century later. In 2005, the Association of Nurses and Medical Technicians “Sestrinstvo” and Viva magazine established the “Dušica Spasić” Award in her memory. Over the years, it has traditionally been presented to the best nurses in the Republic of Serbia. This year, the award was presented to Dragica Miličanović from the Užice Health Centre. According to the Association of Nurses and Medical Technicians of the Clinical Centre of Serbia “Sestrinstvo”, she is the best nurse in Serbia. Dragica Miličanović has been working in intensive care in Užice for 36 years. The “Dušica Spasić” statue was also awarded to Božanka Divnić, Snežana Đurić Stanković, and Olgica Živković. Representatives of Medika College also attended the official award ceremony.

Dear professors and associates of Medika, As you know, our College is highly committed to participating in professional gatherings, symposiums and healthcare congresses, and we are proud that an increasing number of our professors, associates and students are taking part in such events, presenting their knowledge to colleagues and sharing their experiences. This time, we would like to inform you that, should you be interested, you may participate in a symposium organized by the Union of Associations of Nurses and Medical Technicians of the Republic of Serbia. The invitation is open to nurses, physicians, dentists, and associates from healthcare and educational institutions. The symposium will be held on Zlatibor from 11 to 15 May, and the deadline for submitting abstracts, followed later by full papers to be published, is the end of March. For additional information and registration for participation in the Symposium, we recommend that you contact the Union of Associations by email at: unija.umsztrs@gmail.com.