January 16, 2022 - How the Bagatin global anti-aging treatment brought life back to my bura-broken skin in Split. 

There are several reasons why Bagatin Polyclinic is the best.

And it's not just because they were named the International Cosmetic Surgery Clinic of the Year at the prestigious IMTJ. Or that they became the first clinic in Croatia and only the 65th in the world to receive the coveted TEMOS Accreditation - in the fields of Medical Tourism Excellence and Quality of International Patient Care. Or that 11 Bagatin Clinics’ doctors made the list of best doctors in 2018 chosen by patients from all over Croatia (najdoktor.com). 

Or even because Bagatin Clinic was named the leading dermatology clinic in Europe according to the analysis of European dermatology clinics, as compiled by Global Clinic Rating – an international accreditation body for medical institutions.

The Bagatin success story is evident in many ways, but perhaps best shown in how it grew from a small Bagatin brothers' operation with a turnover of only 30,000 euro offering just aesthetic surgery in 2008, to over 100 employees in 2018 and revenues of 5.5 million euro with four departments (and 120 employees in 2019). 

And once you finally visit the Bagatin Polyclinic, all of these accolades make a lot more sense. 

While I have written about Bagatin's honors over the years, I first visited the Split clinic late last year after a skin flare-up prompted me to take a deeper look into what was going on under the surface - and the VISIA Skin Analysis was just what I needed. 

Whether I left the appointment happy or not, I can't say, but that had nothing to do with the standout experience itself. However, learning that only 1% of my skin was not inflamed, my rosacea is off the charts, and the 2+ liters of water I drink a day is doing nothing for my dehydration was precisely the wake-up call needed to kick my skin into shape. From that point on, I was dedicated to investing in my skin health and was grateful for the treatment map medical cosmetologist Daniela Šestan personalized for me. 

Now that the holidays (and excessive eating and drinking) are over, I took the first step to new skin with the Reviderm global anti-aging treatment earlier this week. And it could not have come at a better time. 

I, fortunately, made an appointment at Bagatin on the final day of bura in Split last week.

My skin - parched. My lips - cracked. My broken capillaries - fresh. 

I needed rehydration - and fast.

I had no idea what to expect other than that I needed to spare an hour and a half for the treatment. Professional as can be, Daniela promptly greeted me in the Bagatin waiting room right on schedule to begin.

"You don't need to do anything other than relax," she said, which are words I rarely hear, so I made sure to make the most of it. 

The treatment began with Daniela cleansing and cleaning my face with massage-like strokes that almost had me asleep within the first 5 minutes of the treatment! After a thorough cleaning, Daniela used an ultra-light enzyme scrub so as not to damage my skin any more than the wind already had. After a gentle exfoliation, it was time for mild microdermabrasion, which Daniela ensured would not hurt, nor would it be too harsh for my skin type. You could really feel the crystals working off the dead skin cells, which in turn improves the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and acne scarring. 

After every section of my skin was thoroughly treated, Daniela used a series of serums, which were penetrated deeper into my skin thanks to ultrasound therapy, which helps the skin create new collagen while improving its firmness and elasticity. The painless ultrasound therapy was done in two 12-minute parts on each side of my face. The warmth from the treatment even helped me nod off a few times! Daniela said my forehead lines reacted very well to the ultrasound, which I could still notice four days later. 

The most unique part of the treatment is the final act - the collagen wrap. After more serums were smoothed on my skin, Daniela wrapped my face with pure collagen, covering my eyes and mouth with only open space over my nostrils to breathe. While this may sound scary, the collagen wrap is activated with a cooling liquid and is kept on for 20 minutes - or 'nap time' as Daniela called it. And I promise you won't remember another time you napped so well. 

Daniela finished the treatment with moisturizer and the most important ingredient them all - SPF. An hour and a half later, my skin journey had taken its successful first step. When I looked in the mirror, I noticed a glow I hadn't seen in years, fewer fine lines, and an immense reduction in the redness I've just accepted as the norm. But it doesn't have to be. 

As with any treatment plan, dedication is key, and the Bagatin neuroscience treatments are up next in my healing process. 

Your skin doesn't have to suffer in Split so long as you have Bagatin around.

You can find all of Bagatin's services on their website. 

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

November 28, 2021 - The 2021 MBA Croatia Awards were held at the Westin Hotel in Zagreb to honor those that most promote and live MBA Croatia values.

Celebrating a successful year, MBA Croatia traditionally presented awards to those we believe most promote and live MBA Croatia values. This year we held our awards ceremony in the Crystal Hall of the Westin Hotel. The awards were presented at the traditional MBA Croatia Gala evening.

As every year, the MBA Croatia Gala dinner had an educational character and two lectures were held. Krešimir Profaca, President of the MBA Croatia Association, gave an introductory lecture where he spoke about the work of the MBA Croatia Association and the role of MBA Croatia in the development of leadership in society. The main lecture was given by Francois Delion, CEO of Renault Nissan Adriatic with a very current topic on how the automotive industry can contribute to reducing CO2 emissions.

MBA Croatia awards were given to Sergio Galošić (CEO of Klimaoprema dd), Dajana Mrčela (President of the Management Board of Saponia d.d.), Damir Sabol (founder of Photomath), Miroslav Vrankić (founder of E-GLAS), and Lada Tedeschi Fiorio (member of the Atlantic Grupa board).

At the MBA Croatia Awards in Zagreb, the MBA Croatia Association traditionally awarded prizes to people whose work and commitment were recognized in 2021.

"Recognitions awarded by the MBA Croatia association are recognitions given by our members. By selecting candidates and awarding prizes, we try to give encouragement to all those who have done something good in the categories for which we award prizes", explained Krešimir Profaca, President of MBA Croatia at the introductory lecture.

The award in the Category Manager of the Year was given to Sergio Galošić, executive director of Klimaoprema d.d.

''It is a great honor and pleasure for me that my colleagues have chosen me as the winner of the award. What is behind this award is a lot of sacrifice and stress. In this regard, I am especially pleased to receive this award from colleagues who understand what it takes to succeed. I would like to dedicate this award to all employees of Klimaoprema and my team, without whom this would not be possible'' said Sergio Galošić. The award was presented on behalf of the association by Ivan Franičević, a member of the presidency of MBA Croatia.

The Business Woman of the Year award was given to Ms. Dajani Mrčela, CEO of Saponia d.d.

"I am extremely honored to be the winner of this award. When I received the notification, I felt great pride that the profession recognized me and my work. This is a special honor for me and I would like to thank MBA Croatia, my team, and everyone else" said Dajana Mrčela.

Promoting diversity, along with excellence, ethics, and responsibility is one of the main values of the MBA Croatia association. The association brings together business people with an MBA degree and other leaders who promote the values of the association. Its mission is to inspire in creating a better and more advanced society. The award for Business Woman of the Year was presented on behalf of the association by Stephanie Trpkov, a member of the presidency of the MBA Croatia association.

Damir Sabol, the founder of Photomath, received an award for connecting science and business. MBA Croatia awarded this award to Mr. Sabol for his continuous work on promoting science in business.

"I am especially glad to receive this award from the group of leaders gathered by the MBA Croatia association. At this time, we have the opportunity to participate in the world market with our knowledge and work, and we should make the most of it'' said Damir Sabol.

The MBA Croatia award for social contribution through business in 2021 goes to Miroslav Vrankić, the founder of the company E-GLAS, which is making life easier for people with disabilities.

''It is a great honor to receive this award. E-VOICE has been around for 20 years and helps children with speech difficulties. This award is a confirmation that we are doing a good job and an incentive to continue even better" said Miroslav Vrankic. This award was presented to Mr. Vrankić by Ognjen Bagatin, Deputy President of MBA Croatia.

One of the most important activities of the MBA Croatia association is the transfer and dissemination of knowledge, and we do this through our lectures, workshops and other educational and networking events. That is why the award for the best lecture is extremely important and we are proud that the members of MBA Croatia have chosen a member of the management board of Atlantic Grupa, Mrs. Lada Tedeschi Fiorio as the winner of this award.

''I don't know how to thank everyone. I am especially glad that the award came from people who value knowledge, who want to progress, and who are interested in further development. Maybe it's because I've shown what it's like to be a manager and to be a leader, I've been able to reach people so much" said Lada Tedeschi Fiorio.

The award for the best lecture was presented by a member of the presidency of the MBA Croatia association, Marko Ćosić.

MBA Croatia awarded the winners with unique awards, statues that represent the logo of the association.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

October 12, 2020 - The monthly Adria Business Network event, which networks and brings together established entrepreneurs and anyone who wants to become one, is entering its second season. The 11th event on October 21 features Saša Cvetojević.

After the successful first season in which the guest lecturers were some of the most successful Croatian entrepreneurs, the second edition begins on October 21, 2020, at 6 pm in the Congress Center FORUM, Radnička cesta 50, on the 1st floor. It will open with a conversation led by entrepreneur and investor Sašo Cvetojević on the topic 'ready for new challenges.'

Everyone is thus invited to attend the Adria Business Network #11 organized by successful entrepreneurs Željka Barišić, owner of Forca Digital Agency, and Kristina Krstinić, owner of MIKRIS Project Management, which will take place on the mentioned date.

In the first part of the event, the guest lecturer is Saša Cvetojević, a successful entrepreneur with many years of experience in the healthcare sector, mobile telecommunications, and in the distribution of consumer goods. He is the founder and owner of numerous companies and health care institutions in Croatia. He is actively involved in CRANE (Croatian Network of Business Angels) and is an investor in numerous startups, some of which have become leading companies that generate revenue globally. He was a member of the board of the Croatian Health Insurance Institute and the Croatian negotiating team during the process of accession to the European Union in the field of health and consumer protection. He is a co-founder of ZIP (Zagreb Entrepreneurship Incubator), which launched in 2012. He was named Communicator of the year in 2014 and is a Croatian jury member for the EY - Entrepreneur of the Year award. He is an active promoter of e-mobility, the first owner of a Tesla electric car in the region, and the first person to cross the Sahara Desert by electric car.

The second part of the event is followed by one-minute pitches by the participants in attendance.

Finally, in an informal gathering with quality wines, everyone will have the opportunity to share experiences with other participants.

The number of places is limited, and you can secure your place on time by registering HERE.

The diamond partner of the event is A1. The silver sponsor is FINA and ManpowerGroup. The event sponsors are the Bagatin Polyclinic, the FORUM Zagreb Congress Center, and Kreativ info.

Partners are Vladimir Abicic Photography, Aero Print, Blackberry Wine - Kupilek, Valenta Wines, and MY MY CONCEPT.

The event's media partners are the magazine and portal Poduzetnik, magazine and portal Zaposlena, Netokracija, She.hr, Zagrebonline.hr, Story.hr, Rep.hr, Glas Istre, Flash.hr, Moja Domovina, Total Croatia News, Fama, ZgExpress, and Radio 92 FM.

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages.

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

May 12, 2020 - Medical tourism in the corona age. Bagatin Clinic's inspirational CEO Ognjen Bagatin on how his award-winning clinic is serving its clients safely in the new reality. 

It seems an age since I was in Berlin in early December watching Ognjen Bagatin and Andrea Stipanic of Bagatin Clinic take the stage at the International Medical Travel Journal awards for Best International Cosmetic Surgery Clinic 2019.

Although it was less than six months ago, such a lot has happened since then that it really does seem iike a different era. 

But some things never change, and that includes Ognjen Bagatin's positivity and determination to succeed and offer his customers the very best. 

Bagatin Clinic opened its doors on May 4 after the recent lockdown, and Ognjen found time to explain how procedures will work at Bagatin Clinic for the moment, as well as this excellent video explanation. 

The safety and health of our clients and patients and all of our medical and non-medical staff, has always been our primary concern.

In addition to this priority, since January, our specially constituted Expert Committee has been closely monitoring the situation with the cornoravirus (COVID-19), communicating daily with the competent authorities of the Republic of Croatia and thoroughly following the instructions of the World Health Organization.

Transparency of information within the Clinic, additional education and, above all, the personal responsibility of our employees, has resulted in our readiness for all the challenges that have come before us, but also for those who are yet to come.

For security reasons, and following the recommendation of the competent authorities, we closed Bagatin Clinic for one month. It was a very difficult decision, but I know it was primarily the right decision.

And now, with the security measures being mitigated and with a very optimistic health situation in our beautiful Croatia, with a big smile on my face, I can announce the reopening of the Clinic.

On May 4^th, our doors have reopened!

Of course, there is simply no room for relaxation in this fight against the invisible enemy. We still have to think first and foremost about your and our safety. Therefore, we have adopted new rules of business and laid down basic measures that we will follow in our daily work. And I invite all of you to be cooperative and responsible as well.

We continue to follow all the recommendations issued by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia, the Croatian Medical Chamber, the Croatian Chamber of Dental Medicine and the Croatian Institute of Public Health.

Allow me to present to you all the additional safety measures and hygiene protocols in Bagatin Clinic which have been implemented for the purpose of protecting all of us form the disease caused by the COVID-19.

• While setting up and confirming appointments, our contact centre operators go through a set of questions with each client so that we can identify potential health and/or infection risks. These questions are related to trips to at-risk areas in the last 14 days, contacts with persons infected with COVID-19, whether they have been self-isolated or quarantined for the past 14 days, and whether they have had a fever or a respiratory problem in the last 14 days.
• Prior to arrival, we inform the patient, by phone, of the protocols required to arrive at the Bagatin Clinic locations, and instruct clients / patients to come unaccompanied and with their own face mask.
• At the entrance door of each of our locations, patients and clients are provided with information on preventative measures to protect against COVID-19.
• At the entrance to the premises of the Clinic, a bactericidal and viricidal barrier is provided for the patient's footwear (a fabric soaked with disinfectant that changes every 3 hours).
• Upon entrance, it is obligatory to disinfect hands with the provided disinfectant agents. The product is also available in all the toilets, encouraging patients and clients to disinfect their hands after each new contact with different surfaces.
• We regularly and continuously keep our premises clean and disinfected, and pay special attention to the surfaces with which employees and clients are most often in contact: door handles, worktops, POS appliances, customer toilet, faucets, handrails, waiting areas.
• In addition, sufficient time is provided between patient appointments to allow for additional disinfection and sterilization of the premises, and the movement of clients and healthcare staff across the Clinic's premises is minimized.
• The extended pause between appointments also ensures a reduced fluctuation of clients and patients in the waiting room and allows for the social distancing rules to be followed, that is, close contact is avoided and the distance of at least 2 meters is maintained.
• The reception area is separated by a Plexiglas barrier and the reception staff is additionally protected by disposable gloves and face masks.
• Our health care professionals use all necessary protective equipment in their work and have received additional training in the proper use of personal protective equipment: FFP3 / N95 masks, disposable sterile or non-sterile gloves (depending on the type of procedure), transparent safety glasses or visors for personnel wearing prescription glasses, surgical cap and disposable coat.
• After each client and patient, the utensils, appliances and instruments are thoroughly disinfected and sterilized or disposed of, and the rooms and offices are regularly ventilated.
• Operating rooms and dental surgeries are equipped with UV lamps with ozone of adequate strength according to the quadrature of the space, which ensure disinfection and sterilization of the entire surface.

We will do everything in our power to ensure you a comfortable and safe stay at Bagatin Clinic with, of course, the first-rate service you are accustomed to. We are at your disposal for any questions, concerns, advice, even fears…

We invite you to be responsible toward yourself and others. Please be considerate of the new situation and respect the measures that are there to protect the health of all of us. We can only do this together!

The doors to your favourite beauty destinations in Zagreb and Split have been open since May 4th.

I look forward to seeing you!

Ognjen Bagatin

CEO of Bagatin Clinic

You can learn more about the services of Bagatin Clinic on the official website. 

For more on the Croatian medical tourism story, follow the dedicated TCN section. 

April 9, 2020 -  With business reeling from the corona effect, meet Bagatin Clinic Online, embracing the reality by bringing forward its digital future plans. 

Here is a question for you as you sit in self-isolation reflecting on past memories and dreaming of a better future in the post-corona era. 

Who was the last person you shook hands with, and when was it?

In my case, it was exactly a month to the day since I shook hands with Ognjen Bagatin, the charismatic and dynamic CEO of Bagatin Clinic, whose single-minded determination to develop Croatia's medical tourism industry, foster the entrepreneurial spirit in Croatian society, and strengthen ties between Croatian entrepreneurs and the business community in the diaspora have infected everyone he meets with the same enthusiasm. 

It was that determination which saw one of the top names in healthcare, Cleveland Clinic, agree to partner with Bagatin at the inaugural European Patient Experience and Innovation Congress (EPIC) in Dubrovnik. Some of the biggest names in global health were due to appear in Kings Landing from March 19-21. 

Here we are in Berlin just four months ago, with Alfred Frankovic from the Kvarner Health Cluster (right), Ognjen, kolegica and legendica Andrea Stipanic, with this TCN correspondent, who had agreed to wear Bagatin's famous red and white Croatian tie to support the tiny nation which dared to dream. 

And dream it did, dreams which were realised. It was an honour to be there in the front row, as Ognjen and Andrea stepped up to the podium at the International Medical Travel Journal awards on behalf of Bagatin Clinic, winners of Best International Cosmetic Surgery Clinic 2019.  

Life was going very well, and everything built on a VERY solid foundation.

And then... corona. 

It must have been heartbreaking after all the effort (and cost) put in for the EPIC conference in Dubrovnik, for it to be cancelled. But that was in a different era, when we still thought conferences were possibly going to happen. I noted with some irony on the day the event was supposed to open that Dubrovnik got its first case of corona.

And then, 3 days later, having had to close the clinics with the new restrictions, another disaster - the Zagreb earthquakes. 

Some damage to the clinic, but more significantly, sufficient damage to his home that it was not safe for him to stay there with his adorable two young sons and wife. 

At that point, most people would have given up, but while he may have been temporarily dazed by the hammer blows, he did not take the easy option and downsize his team, but rather got into crisis management mode and restructured. Part of that restructuring was bringing forward some of his plans for Bagatin Clinic Online, most notably online consultations and a new webshop - details of both you can find below in the official media material from the clinic. 

Croatia needs more entrepreneurial fighters like Ognjen Bagatin and his merry men, and I sincerely hope that the government gives the private sector the support it needs to get back on its feet and move this country forward. 

Ognjen, I salute you, Sir, and may yours be the first hand that I shake when all this is over.

And now, learn more about Bagatin Clinic Online Consultations and webshop. 

The safety, enjoyment and health of you - our clients, our patients and all of our doctors and non-medical professionals - has always been our first concern.

Following on this top priority, with the many measures we have taken within Bagatin Clinic itself, we have also decided to go one step further and enable you to have online consultations with our team of experts from the comfort and safety of your home.

Telemedicine has been in our plans for a long time, and now, with the desire to do and help as much as we can, we have decided to offer this service for free until these extraordinary circumstances that have struck us have passed. We are here for you!

Free online consultations are available for the following services:

- dental consultations based on an X-ray

- tattoo removal consultations

- FUE hair transplantation consultations

- medical cosmetology consultations for facial and body treatments and laser hair removal

Whether you have a problem with your facial and body skin, you have questions about a specific treatment or problem, how to perform a particular treatment and procedure, are interested in a recovery period, are unable to find information on the Internet, or need help selecting a product in our webshop, book your appointment with our doctors and medical cosmetologists and get all the answers.

We also offer consultations for dermatological issues with our dermatologists, with a 50% discount, at a price of 200 kuna.

Easy to use

The method is very simple! Participation in online consultations is possible via a mobile device (Android, iOS/iPhone) or any personal computer that has a microphone and camera. So, by using a webcam or your phone's camera, you can see our doctor and he can see you in real time.

The first step for online consultations is to contact our call center, who will, in agreement with you, book a 30-minute appointment with your preferred doctor or medical cosmetologist. When ordering an online consultation, you will receive an appointment invitation on your e-mail address that contains details of the date and time of the appointment, as well as a link to the so-called virtual room. By clicking on the link the necessary, free, app will automatically install, and you can begin your consultations with our doctors or medical cosmetologists.

In each virtual room, it's just you and our doctor or medical cosmetologist, and all communication is encrypted, so you don't have to worry about your safety and privacy. 

The popularity of telemedicine

Telemedicine is a blend of technology and medicine that involves the use of electronic communications and software to provide healthcare services to patients without their personal visit to healthcare facilities. It allows us to diagnose, treat and control patients remotely, but also provides the option of answering specific health questions and educating and advising our patients. It is an indispensable link in the development of a quality medical system based on new technologies and digitization.

Telemedicine, or online consultations, is a tool that represents the future of healthcare because it enables doctors to connect with their patients via telephone, email or specially designed software solutions, and with their personal interaction and individual approach, give expert opinion on particular health issues.

Advantages of online consultation

The use of telemedicine has many benefits for patients as healthcare users:

- avoiding unnecessary exposure to others

- practicality

- shorter waiting time for consultations

- availability of quality medical diagnostics and treatment

- privacy and confidentiality

- minimizing the cost of time

- better patient experience and satisfaction

- better treatment outcomes

BAGATIN MEDICAL BEAUTY WEBSHOP - YOUR NEW DESTINATION FOR EXCLUSIVE DERMOCOSMETICS

To ensure an adequate care for all our clients and patients, we have launched Bagatin Medical Beauty - a webshop that offers dermatological cosmetics and make-up products trusted by our experts.

As of last month, a number of exclusive dermocosmetics products are available on the website, which will, in addition to purchasing, be equipped with useful tips and services, all for the sake of your health and the beauty of your skin.

The best brands of dermocosmetics

A wide range of products on the Bagatin Medical Beauty webshop is made up of only the best brands of dermocosmetics and make-up, not available in drugstores or perfumeries. The specialty of such products lies in the fact that their ingredients, besides nourishing the skin, solve and reduce various problems - acne, rosacea, skin dehydration, pigmental changes and slow down aging.

Ognjen Bagatin, the CEO of Bagatin Clinic, said: The idea of opening a webshop was influenced by our clients and patients. As in addition to treatments, we always advise care that they can use at home. Therefore, we have decided to select professional products that are more difficult to access in the market and offer to our existing, but also new clients the products to which we are both privately and professionally loyal to.

In addition to products not widely available, the Bagatin Medical Beauty webshop features a modern design, good user experience and a simple interface.

Advice from experts

Proper care means knowing your skin and then choosing the right care. Webshop clients can be assured of a good product selection with the expert advice of our operators available via telephone and web chat, and there’s also a special benefit they can expect - VISIA professional skin analysis at especially affordable prices at our Clinic.

Useful tips from our doctors and cosmetologists are also available in the form of blogs, videos of routines and proper use of products and makeup application - all to make sure you find exactly what your skin needs.

Simple purchasing

Although very simple, Webshop Bagatin Medical Beauty is not only a sales catalog of products, but a complete interface with the choice of what you need, that is, the continuation of the service we provide at the Clinic.

An overview of the products, organized by different care categorories, will give you information about the product, ingredients and usage, and the purchase itself takes place in just a few clicks.

The benefits of shopping at the Bagatin Medical Beauty webshop are the simplicity, speed, availability of all information, and the guaranteed quality in excellent packaging. In a short period, your favorite product will be available at your home address.

Our brands

Sales begin with brands that we have been working with for years and that we trust, but we will not stop at them - new brands will gradually be introduced into our offer, whose quality has been proven with a longstanding tradition.

The represented segments currently relate to dermocosmetics with an emphasis on Reviderm and Mesoestetic products and the Reviderm Skin Jewels make up line, and over time the range will expand to other beauty and lifestyle segments.

All product news will be available on our social networks, and all those who subscribe to the newsletter will have the opportunity to be the first to read new information and get additional benefits.

Reviderm

The REVIDERM dermocosmetics line is well known to all clients of Bagatin Clinic. These are high quality products that are somewhere between medical products and cosmetics. In addition to nourishing, they successfully improve the condition of the skin and address existing deficiencies.

Reviderm Skin Jewels

In addition to REVIDERM dermocosmetics, you can also find Reviderm's make up line called Skin Jewels on our Webshop. Products can also be used by people with problematic and sensitive skin, and the special advantage is that it can be used after facial treatments.

Mesoestetic

A global leader in the cosmetic and aesthetic medicine sector, Mesoestetic has gained a number of loyal clients throughout their long tradition. Find the well-known Mesoestetic chemical peels in our offer, that have been awarded the excellence category for years by thousands of people around the world.

The accelerated pace of today's life also offers certain benefits - the convenience of buying from the comfort of your own home via a cell phone or computer has never been greater.

Visit our webshop bagatinmedicalbeauty.hr and enjoy your shopping today!

February 6, 2020 - The Zagreb medical tourism story is gathering pace, with a surprising amount of world-class healthcare options to choose from, and savings to more than pay for the flight and holiday.

What is the best tourism promotion story you know about Croatia?

Is it an unforgettable holiday on an idyllic island? A fortnight on that perfect beach, or a tour into the wondrous and often undiscovered world of Croatian history and heritage?

Having followed Croatian tourism for almost a decade, I can think of no better promotion story about Croatian tourism than the one about the American who came to Zagreb in December to fix his teeth.

Yes, that's right, an American flying halfway across the world in the dead of winter, to a Croatian city far from the coast, to visit a dentist.

Carl's teeth were so bad that they had long ago affected his personality, turning into a shy and retiring 40-year-old totally lacking in confidence. His basic health insurance meant that a proper fix was unaffordable, and it was only a matter of time before he would lose his teeth altogether.

To cut a long story short - but I really do encourage you to read the original version and enjoy some great photography as well - a friend stepped in to transform his mouth, as well as his life, by sourcing, crowdfunding and accompanying Carl on his first trip outside the United States, to a city in Europe whose high-quality and affordable private dental care has transformed Carl's life and personality.

An unforgettable 19-day trip from the US to Zagreb via Sweden coincided with the internationally acclaimed Advent in Zagreb, which offered Carl and his companion an outstanding tourism experience in a safe European city with excellent English spoken. And with savings of some US$35,000 on the cost of similar treatment back home, even after all the travel costs were factored in, this was truly the trip of a lifetime.

Zagreb, a top medical tourism destination.

Really?

Yes, really, and it appears that dental services are a small part of the quality on offer. Back in 2018, no less than THREE Zagreb clinics were named in the best 6 English-speaking dermatology clinics in all Europe. 

At the recent International Medical Travel Journal Awards in Berlin, a Zagreb clinic was voted International Cosmetic Surgery Clinic 2019 by 20 independent expert judges. Zagreb's outstanding eye surgery expertise has attracted the likes of actor Tim Roth and Ivana Trump, the ex-wife of the current US President. A Leading Hospital of the World in Zagreb was the first location in all Europe to offer the revolutionary new pharmacogenetic test, which was co-developed by Mayo Clinic.

Ground-breaking stem cell research and services, oncology, orthopaedics, cardiology – the list of top-quality Zagreb medical services available goes on, and you can find out more about the clinics and hospitals offering them here, as well as an overview of the Zagreb health tourism scene in the video below:

While the savings are rarely as spectacular as in Carl's case, above, price is one factor in the mix that makes Zagreb such an attractive medical tourism proposition. Prices for services are typically at least 25% cheaper than in Western Europe, often much more than that. With the high cost of dental care in the UK, for example, dental treatment in Zagreb often works out cheaper than back home, including flights, and you get a free holiday in addition to that smile. How cool is that!

And tourism is one of the many, many additional reasons why Zagreb is such an attractive destination for health tourism. While the surgery may be the main reason for travel, the chance to have a great experience and place to relax and recuperate is incredibly important as well. And there are few places to beat Croatian in that regard, a country which last year welcomed more than 20 million tourists, and whose diverse tourism offer ranges from the stunning Adriatic coast and UNESCO heritage, to breathtaking continental Croatia and a diverse food and wine regional offer that rivals the very best gourmet experiences in Europe. Where else in Europe can you undergo surgery in the morning and be on an idyllic Adriatic island to recover in the afternoon.

An important factor in Zagreb's health tourism offer is the availability of wellness and spa services, which are abundant and affordable. Croatia actually boasts the oldest organised tourism in Europe, with the founding on the Hvar Health Society back in 1868, as the temperate climate of Croatia's premier island attracted the sick and infirm Austro-Hungarian aristocracy to 'the Austrian Madeira' to recuperate. And while a combination of Zagreb surgery and coastal recuperation is appealing, there are also many other options much closer to home, with several spa resorts in the region within an hour's drive from the capital.

But why leave Zagreb at all! Here is a vibrant European capital which is quickly developing into one of the must-sees of Central Europe, so much so that Lonely Planet recently named it the best destination in Europe. A year-round tourist city these days, as Carl found out during his December stay and Advent in Zagreb.

There are, of course, many other considerations to think about when looking at medical procedures abroad. Affordability of care is a significant one, and Zagreb is competitive on that score. But so too is the affordability of the destination if one is to stay for a longer time to recuperate, or even to enjoy a holiday. Here, too, Zagreb fares well.

Accessibility is another key factor, and the new 330-million-euro terminal at Zagreb Airport has raised the city's profile, as well as now hosting flights from literally all over the world through the networks of global players such as Qatar Airways, Emirates and Turkish Airlines. Bus, rail and road connections are excellent for those planning to visit by land.

English is widely spoken (Croatia was recently named the second-best English-speaking country in Central and Eastern Europe, and German is also spoken by many. Croatia is one of the safest countries in Europe, and many visitors comment on how safe it is to walk the streets of Zagreb, even at night.

So the next time you need to get some medical treatment, why not treat yourself to a holiday into the bargain. You may find it cheaper, you will certainly find it more exciting, and who knows – perhaps Zagreb will also provide you with a life-changing experience such as Carl's..

To follow the latest in the Croatian medical tourism story, check out the dedicated TCN section. 

February 3, 2020 - Croatia will be hosting the first European Patient Experience and Innovation Congress (EPIC 2020) in Dubrovnik 2020. Meet the man behind the project, Ognjen Bagatin from Bagatin Clinic in Zagreb and Split. 

He is the dynamic pioneer of Croatian medical tourism, a man determined to learn from the best and introduce the best to health tourism in Croatia. Which is how Dubrovnik came to be home to the first-ever European Patient Experience and Innovation Congress, taking place in Dubrovnik from March 19 - 21. TCN caught up with Ognjen Bagatin, the charismatic CEO of International Cosmetic Surgery Clinic of the Year 2019, Bagatin Clinic.  

EPIC is the first patient experience and innovation congress in Europe. Tell us firstly what you mean by the term 'patient experience' and why does it merit its own conference?

Thank you for a great question. The goal of the „Patient experience“ is to put the focus on the patient-first approach, and the main goal is to get better medical outcomes and to measure them. It is important that all decisions we have in healthcare are looked through the eyes of the patient, and this is something that everybody in healthcare agrees on, and understands. If you place the focus on patients and patient-first approach, we will make better decisions and bring value to patients in all our health systems.

(Ognjen Bagatin with Cleveland Clinic CEO Tom Mihaljevic)

With the digital transformation being so instrumental in healthcare, we wanted to bring all the best innovation that make patient experience better and with that better outcomes for the patients and less cost for health systems in the long run. Cleveland Clinic is a pioneer of Patient Experience, and they were one of the first who opened an office of patient experience in their clinic, even assigning a CXO (Chief Experience Officer). But this is not all, they are sharing that if you want to improve the patient experience, first you need to improve the medical staff experience. You can’t have a great patient experience without having a great medical staff experience.

This should not be just once a year congress, this should be a way of life for health in Europe. A continuous improvement in patient experience every day of the year, and we wanted to bring best of the best to help us with that.

(Ognjen Bagatin with co-organiser Irving Stackpole - read Irving's epic EPIC interview with TCN here)

Tell us how this conference came about, as it has some interesting organizers - the best hospital in the world (Cleveland Clinic), a top medical tourism consultancy (Stackpole & Associates), and a clinic in Zagreb (Bagatin Clinic). Where did the idea come from, and how did you all fall into cooperation?

At Bagatin Clinic we always think about how to provide the best service to our patients and our clients, and the idea came to me when I was in Australia a few years ago visiting few top-notch hospitals to see what they are doing in this field. It led me to HSS hospital in Sydney where they had a huge sign saying „PATIENT FIRST“ in every room, to remind the staff who is the most important VIP person in the hospital.

I consider that is a great way to make your mission short and sweet and I asked people in the hospital if they came up with this or they saw it somewhere else? They said one of their top surgeons had worked in Cleveland Clinic and he transferred the culture to their hospital. So I went to Cleveland Clinic to experience this culture and the rest is history.

(Ognjen Bagatin with Team Cleveland -  Mario Škugor and Joe Sweet)

I had a great support there from Mario Škugor, the endocrinologist from Cleveland Clinic who introduced me to the CEO of Cleveland Clinic, Tomislav Mihaljevic MD, and Joe Sweet from the international office of Patient experience. Since Cleveland Clinic is opening their first-ever European clinic in London, near Buckingham Palace, in 2021, they also wanted to spread the Cleveland way of healthcare approach in Europe, and we decided to do this amazing congress after 2 years of preparation. We have an amazing announcement of Tom Mihaljevic for this Congress that have been seen by thousands of Healthcare professionals all around Europe:

To make it more professional, and on a higher level, we approached Irving Stackpole (top-level medical tourism and healthcare consultant) and Daniel C. Shaw (a leader from  Global Rating Clinic, an amazing accreditation and reputation building organization) to join us to make a great impact on European Health systems and shift the epicenter of innovations in healthcare from US to Europe and with this to lift the medical outcomes results in our health systems. We as a team, together with Cleveland Clinic champions Mario Škugor and Joe Sweet, and Bojan Pintaric (executive director in Bagatin Clinic) and Sara Bukic (EPIC project leader) have formed a team who can really make a difference. We are very excited and can’t wait for the Congress to start.

Who should come, why, and what will they get from the conference?

Great question. The European Patient Experience and Innovation Congress will be a high energy, stimulating event for everyone, from C -Suite executives, to clinical practitioners, clinic owners, scientists and investors. EPIC brings together some of the most influential physicians, MedTech startups and health professionals from Europe & beyond to the table to improve how your patients will experience healthcare in the near future.  As technology continues to help us achieve previously unattainable results in healthcare, join us for an insiders' look at which technologies, ideas & innovations are improving the patient experience with some of the leading clinics & healthcare companies of the world so that you can stay ahead.

(Ognjen Bagatin with co-organiser Daniel Coulton Shaw. Read Daniel's TCN interview for EPIC here)

We will explore:

• • The design of systems to improve patient experience
• • The role of science, artificial intelligence and big data
• • Investment opportunities
• • Bedside and interpersonal methods to improve patient care
• • Mobile and personal care apps
• • The “future” of healthcare

And you will have an opportunity to be a part of a boutique event with some of the giants of healthcare like Cleveland and Mayo Clinic, and many, many more as well. At the moment we have attendees from 22 countries in the world (17 from Europe) and the number is increasing every day.

Just looking at the list of speakers already assembled and with more to be confirmed, it looks like a medical tourism A-list - Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Disney Institute, World Bank, the editor of IMTJ, as well as renowned Croatian experts such as Dragan Primorac from St. Catherine Specialty Hospital and Nikica Gabrić from Svjetlost. Tell us more.

I could talk all day about them, the organizational team has done a really amazing job of bringing to one event an incredible set of speakers from all over the world. The names of some of our keynote speakers are:

• Francis Papay, MD, a plastic surgeon from Cleveland Clinic, who did the first face transplantation with his team in North America – a fantastic story. 
  
• Beata Kurucz, EIT (EIT Health), and they stimulate start-ups to bring innovation to life while building a globally competitive European healthcare industry.
• Stephan Bender from Disney institute – who will share with us how a hospital would look like if it was run by Disney, a top hospitality brand in the World
• Ivan Duggan from Cisco, an innovator who will share with us how the future will look like
• Rahul Kashyap, MD, Mayo Clinic innovator and clinician, He is an award-winning public speaker. He has received awards for exemplary research, quality improvement and leadership
• Dragan Primorac, MD, St. Catherine Hospital – who will share his futuristic view of personalized medicine and St. Catherine`s cooperation with Mayo Clinic and so on.
• Nikica Gabrić, MD, Svjetlost Eye Hospital, who will share how to make your clinic/hospital so popular that American Celebrity Movie Stars visit them and refer their friends to his 9 clinics in the region
• Karin Jay from Planetree, relationship-centered model of care and international certification criteria
• Paul O'Brien, a famous London Clinic chef and many many many more.

The Congress will also have a „shark tank – start-up contest“ on Saturday (March 21^st) with teams from all over Europe.

Why Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik is a spectacular location and a great city to host this kind of event, with lots of history and a place that is on everybody`s bucket list. A city with an amazing history.

Also, because it has a connection with healthcare and some fun TIPS:

The home of EPIC 2020 - the city of Dubrovnik, developed on the east coast of the Adriatic, becoming an EPIC trading and maritime power, especially from the 14^th century onwards. Although the city was economically developed, maritime trade with the East and the hinterland brought on a high risk of epidemics of various diseases. In order to preserve its commercial prosperity, identity and existence, Dubrovnik introduced various preventive medicine measures, the most famous of which is the invention of quarantine!  By introducing regulations relating to hygiene and medicine in order to protect the health of its population and ensure the status of a powerful trading force it had at the time, it was ranked among the most developed European cities, while maintaining the distinctiveness of its medicine.

Another EPIC fun fact is the first pharmacy in Croatia, and the 3rd in Europe was in Dubrovnik. During the Middle Ages, the city was surrounded by gardens full of aromatic herbs, hence was the idea was born of founding laboratories for making medical preparations used to heal the minds and bodies of those in need!

P.S. Anyone who is a Game of Thrones fan wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to visit King’s Landing!

(Photo by Romulic & Stojcic)

Innovation and technology are obviously playing a key role in the development of the medical tourism industry. What trends in particular excite you the most, and what are you looking forward to at EPIC?

Yes, you are right, innovation and technology are really influencing the way we communicate with our patients, but also how we follow up on them and how we create trust and relationship with them. This is where innovation and technology kick in the most, and at EPIC we will have an opportunity to hear about amazing innovations that are used by some of the world’s giants in healthcare, but also about niche innovation that can really make a difference in the future for the patients themselves and the patient experience. I`m looking forward to listening, learning and networking with great speakers and amazing attendees from all over the world.

2019 was a great year for your own Bagatin Clinic. We last saw each other in Berlin at the IMTJ Awards, where you picked up International Cosmetic Surgery Clinic 2019, as well as TEMOS accreditation. What are your plans for 2020 and how do you see things moving in the Croatian medical tourism industry in general?

We have fantastic plans for this year, including the expansion of our clinic in Zagreb the especially dental and aesthetic medicine departments. We are starting with some new services such as hair restoration in Zagreb and Split (which is very popular among medical tourists), we will be present as speakers or partners on more than 15 different conferences and summits outside of Croatia, and will probably open one more satellite outside of Zagreb and Split (this I will share soon).

(Ognjen Bagatin at the IMTJ awards in Berlin, where Bagatin Clinic was named International Cosmetic Surgery Clinic of the Year 2019)

We are continuing with our digital transformation and will open our webshop in February, continue to work on paperless clinic and use technology to save our staff's to put an even better focus on our clients, and are in the process of developing our own app for our clients that will help to increase their patient experience with Bagatin. We are going to continue our cooperation with Cleveland clinic, and try to work more closely with other Croatian clinics and service providers so we can have a bigger impact on international markets.  We have so many open projects at this moment, but let’s talk about it when we finish some of them?

To learn more about EPIC 2020, visit the official website. 

For the latest from the Croatian medical tourism industry, follow the dedicated TCN section.

Total Croatia News is an official media partner of EPIC 2020. 

January 4, 2020 - TCN attended the International Medical Travel Journal 2019 conference, during which we caught up with TEMOS co-host CEO Claudia Mika to talk about medical tourism accreditation, the accreditation awarded to Bagatin Clinic, and Croatia.

Tell us firstly about TEMOS and the accreditation you offer.

TEMOS International Healthcare Accreditation is an international accreditation body located in Germany in Cologne, with 14 international offices worldwide. It started ten years ago as a scientific research project. I was working for a government research organisation and there was a funded government project together with insurance companies and assistance companies to define quality criteria for the management of international patients worldwide. And from there, we further developed. First we closed the project. As a government research project, you are not allowed to earn money with those products, so I was asked as project manager to do a spin-off. I learned how to write a business plan and how to do business, and we started. And since then we have been accrediting and certifying hospitals and clinics, and medical centres worldwide. Those who do treat international patients, medical tourists, and those who do not, we are also an accreditation body for those facilities who do not deal with international medical tourists. 

How many clinics worldwide have the TEMOS accreditation?

We currently have around 65 accredited certificates distributed, from Colombia to Thailand. 

Tell us about the process of getting accreditation. 

The process is that, having agreed with the clinic or hospital that we would like to start the process together, our applicants are given online access to our platform. They get the standards and the self-assessment tools where they can do their own analysis. They get a questionnaire where we have translated all the standards into questions because we know that the language of quality is sometimes difficult to understand. We ask, do you have this, how are you doing that? This was we avoid the cost of expensive consultancy, as the client can learn by doing, it is like a self-learning and improvement tool. And, of course, we are responsive to any questions they may have, and they always receive an answer within 24 hours. 

What is the success rate of application to accreditation?

We changed the system about a year ago, when we reviewed all the standards, and after this, the success rate was a little worse than before. We have three scores - passed, not passed, and passed on reservation. We always try to avoid the 'not passed' as it is frustrating for both sides. What we have seen recently has been an increase in 'passed on reservation.' This means that the organisation needs to show by means of a progress report that within a given timeframe, say 6-9 months, that they will successfully work on all the points. And that if they do, we can then confirm that they are compliant with our standards, and then we can delete the 'with reservation' and upgrade them to a full 'passed.'

I hear a lot of accreditations within the industry. How does TEMOS stand among them, and what makes it different? I assume that there are similar products out there?

There are maybe some similar, but none the same. Since we are ISQua/IEEA-accredited, of course we are competing with those accreditation bodies which are also accredited by ISQua/IEEA. But the accreditation by ISQua/IEEA means that you must fulfil these standards, but that you do not need to stop with these standards. So you can add additional standards, and this is what TEMOS did. So we are unique for some of the chapters and standards we have. For example, we implemented the International Patient Management, the complete process of the international patient department services, from the first contact from the patient until the follow-up. We also have a chapter called Sustainability in Healthcare Settings for organisations, which means that we ask about their contribution to the environment and carbon footprint. No other accreditation business has this as a chapter. We ask about legal aspects, ethical aspects in separate chapters, and this is what we have found important, especially in international patient management, to cover those standards. In this respect, TEMOS does not really have a competitor. The others generally only check what is happening with international patients, or with domestic patients. But the combination of domestic and international, that is not available from anyone else. A clinic gets the TEMOS accreditation, which is good PR and adds a layer of trust.

Are there any other perks to getting the accreditation? 

Yes, indeed. As co-hosts of this conference, for example, all our network partners were invited, and many came. We also have the TEMOS Academy, where all partner clinics have access to education, to further development. We do have reference letters from assistance companies representing the health insurances. We also have an exclusive partnership with Diplomatic Council (DC), a United Nations (UN) accredited business club and think tank. They have more than 5,000 members worldwide. Only Temos accredited organizations receive an additional certificate "DCpreferred partner hospital/clinic/medical travel coordinator". We are always trying to extend the network to give further benefits once a clinic is accredited, because we want to offer much more than just the accreditation. 

(Bagatin Clinic received the TEMOS accreditation during the IMTJ conference in Berlin)

Let's talk a little about medical tourism in Croatia and Bagatin Clinic, which was awarded the TEMOS accreditation during the IMTJ conference in Berlin. You have a much more global viewpoint that I do, as I live in Croatia.

I have known Ognjen Bagatin now for 6-7 years, from the international business perspective. And for me - totally independent of the fact that his clinic just got the TEMOS accreditation - he is clearly an ambassador. An ambassador for the business, and an ambassador also for Croatia as a country. He is a very engaged person with lots of experience, who is very motivated about what he is doing. He really wants to push the business, he wants to involve partners, he wants to network, he wants to cooperate. It is not that he wants to be successful for himself and his clinic, but he wants others to contribute and to benefit from what he is trying to build up. And what he is doing is amazing, and I appreciate what he is doing very much.

And where does Bagatin Clinic stand on the global stage? Are they players on the international stage?

Bagatin is definitely a player but also it is a best practices example for many clinics worldwide. When I talk to people who see his presentations as they comment on how amazing it is what they have achieved and how far they have gone in a short space of time, it is also amazing to see how much is invested in promotion. He is a best practices example because he has facts. He shows and he shares. He knows exactly what is going on in his clinic, and he shares this knowledge, and it is very much appreciated, especially in our business where facts are so important and not so many people share. This is why so many people are listening to him, because he is one of the rare ones who shares. And he is so far ahead that he really doesn't have to worry about others overtaking him. 

Let's talk about Croatia. Where do you see the Croatian medical tourism industry, in terms of potential fulfilled, and where it could and should be?

I think Croatia has an advantage - and it really is a huge advantage - that Croatia already has a lot of tourism, as well as a great reputation for that tourism. So as a country it is regarded as neutral in terms of political issues, which can be an important issue these days, and it is famous for tourism, for its excellent food and wines. This is definitely a big advantage to promote Croatia as a medical tourism destination. I also think that there are some good initiatives coming out of Croatia. One of them is obviously Ognjen and his Bagatin team, and the other great example is the Kvarner Health Cluster. They have been working very hard for a number of years for the promotion of Kvarner as a health tourism destination. 

Ok, but these initiatives are essentially private ones - one clinic in Zagreb and one health cluster on the coast. 

Yes, Croatian medical tourism has evolved from private initiatives. Perhaps the government could and should do more to support it, but Croatian clinics have that international quality, as Bagatin has demonstrated for example. It also has a high-quality tourism offer as mentioned above and is a safe country. Clinics do not need the country to be branded as a medical tourism destination to succeed. If they have the quality and reputation, aligning to the current tourism traffic will enable them to succeed. There is very little in terms of government involvement in Croatia, but there are pros and cons. Croatia is a very small country, and the initiative is coming from those private players. Just because there is no coordinated government initiative, this does not mean that clinics cannot succeed. There may be no brand of Croatia as a medical tourism destination, but there is a huge brand of Croatia as a tourist destination, and that is something to build on. Because of this, and because Croatia is safe, if people see a famous clinic with best practices and international accreditations, they will go there. 

You have also fallen in love with Croatia as a holiday destination.

I got to know Croatia through my business. I was invited to speak at conferences in Zagreb and Kvarner. I saw a bit of the country and I was very impressed. Very beautiful, with great people, food and wine. So I suggested to my husband that we go on holiday. So the first year we went to the islands of Cres and Vis, as well as Istria. So we asked our Croatian friends for recommendations, and they sent us to Hvar. We went there last summer, and we really enjoyed it. The weather was fabulous, and again, beautiful people, food and wine. It is definitely not our last time on holiday in Croatia. We love it.

To learn more about TEMOS, visit the official website. 

For the latest from the Croatian medical tourism industry, follow the dedicated TCN section. 

December 20, 2019 - The third Adria Business Network was organized at the Bagatin Clinic and hosted by entrepreneurs Željka Barišić and Kristina Krstinić. The primary goal of this event was to donate a portion of the ticket sales to the blind and partially sighted residents of the "Vinko Bek" Center for Education in Zagreb.

Director of Bagatin Clinic and guest lecturer Ognjen Bagatin, revealed: 

“The third Adria Business Network business event was held on December 18, 2019, with us in the educational area of the Bagatin Clinic, where, in a holiday atmosphere, I was pleased to welcome many people of goodwill and open hearts.

It is often difficult to convey the atmosphere in words and pictures, but the radiant faces and extremely positive feedback of all participants is one of the most beautiful things that I, as a lecturer and host, could receive. Speaking of business optimization and growing the Bagatin Clinic brand, which is today the best cosmetic surgery clinic in the world, I actually wanted to send a more profound message that can be identified by all people of the enterprising spirit, from those who are just starting out to those who lead a big business. Most of all, I am glad that ticket sales went into the right hands. The funds from this event will be donated to the Vinko Bek Center for Education of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Thanks to everyone who responded! Thank you Željko and Kristina, for successfully connecting us! As far as I'm concerned, the Christmas celebration can begin!"

During the event, everyone was given an opportunity to network, find new clients, and take part in a lucrative business, as is the purpose of this gathering.

“The top lecture by the Bagatin Clinic director delighted all those present to the point that they almost left the room floating! I must admit that I have not heard such an inspirational speech in a long time, and everyone in the hall agreed. I want to thank Mr. Bagatin for hosting us in his premises and for making this the most successful Adria Business Network by all criteria. I would also like to thank everyone who helped the Vinko Bek Center for Education by purchasing a ticket. We are happy and motivated to continue, so follow us on social networks and visit us at the next event to continue feeling this fantastic energy,” said Željka Barišić, owner of Forca Digital Agency and one of the founders of Adria Business Network.

Kristina Krstinić, owner of MIKRIS Project Management in Zagreb and founder of Adria Business Network, added:

“It is imperative that entrepreneurs and those who want to become one hear as many inspirational and encouraging stories as possible. One of these is certainly the successful, but not easy, journey of Ognjen Bagatin and his team at the Bagatin Clinic. That is, when you have clear goals and are committed to them, success will come. I want to thank everyone who supported us in raising funds for the Vinko Bek Center for Education, and we are pleased that during this holiday time, we were able to contribute to bettering the lives of the Center's residents."

The general sponsor of the event was the Bagatin Clinic, while other sponsors were photographer Hrvoje Podobnik Gero, Avon, InspireMe, Delicatessen Prtenjača, Aero Print, Bisneys and Montana Plus.

Media sponsors of the event are the magazine and portal Poduzetnik, Časopis, Zaposlena, Netokracija, She.hr, Zagrebonline.hr, Story.hr, Rep.hr, Glas Istre, Flash.hr, Moja Domovina and Total Croatia News. 

You can follow Adria Business Network on Facebook here.

To read more about business in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

December 8, 2019 - EPIC 2020, the first European Patient Experience and Innovation Conference will take place in Dubrovnik in March, with an A-list lineup of speakers.  

"A European patient experience conference in Dubrovnik," said the President of the German Wellness Association as we chatted at the Croatian stand at this week's IMTJ 2019 conference in Berlin. "That looks really cool. I will have to come."

One of things I was most curious about on this week's trip to Berlin was how Croatia's medical tourism stars were perceived on the world stage. Having followed the industry from within Croatia for two years, this was my first glimpse seeing them with their peers from Korea, Germany, and Malaysia. 

And they did more than make up the numbers, with Bagatin Clinic winning the confidence of no less than 20 expert judges to return home to Zagreb as the International Cosmetic Surgery Clinic of the Year 2019. 

Spending time with CEO Ognjen Bagatin is a fun but exhausting experience. His vision is extraordinary, his energy and determination even more so. And so when he told me a couple of months ago that he was bringing Cleveland Clinic to Dubrovnik as presentation partner for the first European Patient Experience and Innovation Conference, I just smiled. I knew it would happen, and I know it will be exceptional. But I hadn't quite anticipated just how much interest the conference would generate within the industry.  

The first inkling of the global interest came at the Crikvenica International Health Conference last month, when a speaker from Mayo Clinic expressed interest in the conference. That initial interest has been transformed into a speaking spot at EPIC 2020, as Mayo Clinic joins a growing illustrious list of speakers from Cleveland Clinic, the Disney Institute and the Editor-in-Chief of IMTJ who will be appearing in Dubrovnik at EPIC 2020 on March 19-21. From the official website:

EPIC brings together some of the most influential physicians, MedTech startups and health professionals from Europe & beyond to the table to improve how your patients will experience healthcare in the near future.

As technology continues to help us achieve previously unattainable results in healthcare, join us for an insiders’ look at which technologies, ideas & innovations are improving the patient experience with some of the leading clinics & healthcare companies of the world so that you can stay ahead. 

There are many more speakers to be added, but below you can find details on a selection of those already confirmed. It promises to be a great event, and yet one more important step to putting Croatia on the medical tourism world map. Learn more about EPIC 2020 from the official website. 

To follow the latest from the medical tourism industry, follow the dedicated TCN section.