Dear colleagues and friends,
It is our great honor and pleasure to inform you that this year we are celebrating two significant anniversaries of Neurosurgery in Serbia: 85 years of the Clinic of Neurosurgery and 100 years of neurosurgery in Serbia.
Clinic of Neurosurgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, will organize the main celebration and official ceremony in Belgrade on October 31st, 2023.
100 years: the emergence of neurosurgery in Serbia, when Milivoje Kostic 1923. performed his first neurosurgical treatment ( pituitary tumors through the nose)
85 years: on October 31st, 1938. Milivoje Kostic established the first Neurosurgical department, and his brother, neurosurgeon Slobodan Kostic, was named the first head of the department.
We would like to share our experiences with you, show the history of neurosurgery in Serbia, and the development of our Clinic of Neurosurgery, from which all neurosurgery clinics, not only in Serbia, were born. Also, to host significant names of European neurosurgery who will share their experiences through the scheduled lectures.
On this occasion, the Serbian Neurosurgical Society will organize the 9th SNSS Annual Meeting and the 10th SNSS Congress. They will be held till November 3rd, with international participation.
It will be our great pleasure to celebrate these two anniversaries together.
We look forward to welcoming you to Belgrade.
Dear colleagues and friends,
We proudly announce that we will celebrate 100 years of neurosurgery in Serbia in October 2023! Along with the centennial anniversary, we are also marking 85 years of the Clinic of Neurosurgery at the University Clinical Center of Serbia.
The main celebration and official ceremony will be organized by the Clinic of Neurosurgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, on October 31st, 2023.
During an eventful neurosurgery week from October 30th - November 3rd, 2023, the Serbian Neurosurgical Society will organize the 9th SNSS Annual Meeting and the 10th SNSS Congress with international participation.
We are delighted that we will have the opportunity to host a Joint ventures with several professional and continental associations, such as European Association of Neurosurgical Societies, World Academy of Neurological Surgery, Continental Association of African Neurological Societies, The Society of British Neurological Surgeons, Italian Society of Neurosurgery, Turkish Neurosurgical Society, Hellenic Neurosurgical Society, International Academy of Neurosurgical Anatomy, and Southeast Europe Neurosurgical Society. The global theme of the meeting, “Focus. Dedication. Specialization”, sublimates the history of Serbian neurosurgery.
The emergence of neurosurgery in Serbia officially dates back to 1923, when Milivoje Kostic, one of the pioneers in the field of surgery in this region, performed his first surgical treatment of a pituitary tumor via the nose. The way forward was further paved by his brother, Slobodan Kostic, who specialized in Stockholm in the early 1930s under Herbert Olivecrona, the leading European neurosurgeon at the time. Upon his return to Belgrade, Slobodan Kostic began applying all the basic principles of the Swedish Neurosurgical School, which was the highest standard in European neurosurgery. On October 31st, 1938, Milivoje Kostic established a special Department of Neurosurgery within the Clinic of Surgery in Belgrade, and Slobodan Kostic was named the first head of the department. This was the first neurosurgery department in Serbia, and Yugoslavia, established only three years after the first neurosurgical department in Germany, in Wurzburg. So along with the centennial anniversary, we are also marking 85 years of the Clinic of Neurosurgery at the University Clinical Center of Serbia.
As we celebrate these important anniversaries, we share pride in our founders’ achievements, and we use the opportunity to look back and to look forward. Serbian neurosurgery has long earned its place on the world map of neurosurgery. Leaning upon the strong foundations of tradition and experience and following contemporary professional accomplishments, trends and innovations, we strive for neurosurgery without frontiers and aim at building bridges of knowledge and understanding across disciplines, institutions, individuals, and generations.
Many things have changed in the first 100 years of neurosurgery in Serbia. But what remains a constant is our clear sense of purpose – continuous enhancement and international affirmation of neurosurgery in Serbia – always keeping in mind that the essence of our profession is, above all, the well-being of every individual patient.
We are honored that since the 1st SNSS Annual meeting in Belgrade in 2015, we have succeeded in increasing the visibility and presence of Serbian neurosurgeons in the international neurosurgical community and that many renowned international experts have accepted to attend our meetings. The main topics to be explored in the 2023 SNSS meetings include neuro-oncology, neurovascular, neurotrauma & intensive care, spine & peripheral nerve, pediatrics, functional & stereotactic neurosurgery, and many more, aiming to highlight the state-of-the-art advances and challenges in the field.
We are very glad that the relevant institutions of the Republic of Serbia have recognized the significance of neurosurgical education, and we appreciate their continued support. Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, at the crossroads between East and West, South and North, is a vibrant city widely reputed for its open heart and mind.
Over recent years, it has also proved to be a welcoming host city of a number of international neurosurgical gatherings, such as the WFNS 2019 International Meeting and EANS 2022 Congress, which will remain in the EANS history as a legacy congress.
It will be our great pleasure to celebrate these two anniversaries together.
We will do our best to create a particularly memorable and inspiring intellectual and social experience in October 2023, and we look forward to welcoming you to Belgrade!
Prof. Dr. Lukas Rasulic
President of the Serbian
Neurosurgical Society
Dear colleagues and friends,
With great pleasure and honor, I would like to address you as the Head and on behalf of the Clinic for neurosurgery of the Military Medical Academy in Belgrade, Serbia in anticipation of a so called “Neurosurgical Week” celebrating the Centennial anniversary of neurosurgery in Serbia, the first 100 years of devotion and development of the most intriguing and challenging field of medicine and surgery, with an extraodinary scientific programme spanning five full days with outstanding faculty never before seen in a single meeting.
This same year, on that same day, the October 31st 2023, Clinic for neurosurgery of the University Clinical Center of Serbia will mark its 85th anniversary with the ceremonial academy in the National Theatre in Belgrade, and this anniversary feels as close as our very own for the Military Medical Academy.
Since 1923. Prof. Milivoje Kostic have systematically focused on the intracranial tumors, establishing as a father of neurosurgery in Serbia. Pioneering efforts of his were supported by the three of his fellows Vjaseslav Kuzmin and Bogosav Dragojevic (since 1935), and his 20 years younger brother – Slobodan Kostic (since 1936). Rather then remaining still, Prof. Dragojevic moved on to support the development of neurosurgery in other institutions (among others) leading to the formation of the establishing of the Clinic for neurosurgery in the Military Medical Academy in 1956, sharing the same roots with the University Clinical Center of Serbia counterpart.
Resting in the past, our teacher efforts and sacrifices are not forgotten, and their accomplishments and achievements, crushed the boundaries and developed the field according to the international standards as the leaders in the former Yugoslavia, but also the region. While being incomparable, the times of the past were burdened by that time possibilities, and contemporary neurosurgery is mostly limited by the rules and regulations, leaving the field somewhat balanced for many years.
Our duty here is to improve neurosurgery, based on the “first, do no harm” principles, by perfectioning the techniques of the past, mastering the novel, and developing the future possibilities, all aimed at the single goal of outcomes improvement.
As we reflect on the past, we also celebrate the present and look forward to the future. We are proud of the advancements made in the field of neurosurgery, the innovative techniques and technologies that have been developed, and the positive impact that these have had on the lives of patients.
We also recognize that there is still much to be done. We must continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in neurosurgery, and strive to find new ways to improve outcomes for our patients. This requires a commitment to ongoing learning, research, and collaboration, as well as a willingness to embrace new ideas and approaches.
This upcoming event is once again a great opportunity for us as present-day neurosurgeons and the generations to come to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills and gain indefinite inspiration for their future encounters in neurosurgery.
Last but not least, as our tradition already obliges us, this full week event is the greatest networking opportunity ever in Serbia, an opportunity to meet neurosurgery icons in person, connect and take advantage of unlimited possibilities for personal and institutional ascensions.
I would like to thank each and every one of you who does, and also cordially invite everyone who is still does not, to join us in this magnificent celebration of the past, and a journey to the future of neurosurgery in the city of endless encounters and Europe’s Capital of Cool - Belgrade.
Sincerely,
Col. Prof. Dr. Goran Pavlicevic
Head of the Clinic for Neurosurgery
Military Medical Academy
Belgrade, Serbia
Dear colleagues,
On behalf of the Clinic for Neurosurgery University Clinical Center of Nis, I am pleased to invite you to join us in celebrating the important anniversary of neurosurgery in Serbia from October 30 to November 3, 2023. As a representative of this institution, I would like to introduce you to our activities, with great pride for all our achievements in the previous period.
The foundation of the specially organized neurosurgery work in Niš was laid by doctor Ilija Nagulic in 1958 when he organized two separate rooms for neurosurgery needs in the General Hospital within the Surgical Department. One decade later, in 1967, a neurosurgical department was formed at the Department of Surgery, headed by Dr. Vitomir Jovicic, also the hospital’s director. In 1972, the neurosurgery department was transformed into a department. 1979 another change took place, and the Neurosurgical Clinic was formed as a professionally, economically, and organizationally independent institution.
From its establishment to the present day, neurosurgical activity within the city general clinic, then the clinical center, and today the University Clinical Center has progressed and developed, with the frequent introduction of new surgical methods. Today it represents, on the one hand, a highly specialized and modernly equipped health facility, and on the other, permanent development, education, and training of medical staff, scientific and teaching base of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Niš and the Dr. Miodrag Lazic Medical High School.
The neurosurgery clinic deals with complete neurosurgical pathology, treatment of diseases, and treatment of injuries to the brain, spine, spinal cord, skull base, and nerves. In addition, the clinic applies the most modern therapies for treating patients using invasive and minimally invasive methods, applying the highest world standards in the field.
We will be pleased to meet you all and exchange knowledge and experiences in Belgrade in October 2023!
Welcome!
Prof. Dr. Vesna Nikolov
Clinic for neurosurgery, University
Clinical Center of Nis
Dear esteemed guests and colleagues,
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to the upcoming meeting celebrating 100 years of neurosurgery in Serbia, in the name of the Head of Department of Neurosurgery at the Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia. This is a momentous occasion for us all, as we celebrate the evolution and progress of Serbian neurosurgery over the past century.
As we will gather in Belgrade, we will remind of the many challenges and obstacles that our national pioneers of neurosurgery faced when they embarked on this journey a hundred years ago. The limited resources, the lack of technology, and the limited understanding of the human brain and nervous system posed significant challenges to our teachers.
However, through their dedication, hard work, and relentless pursuit of excellence, they were able to lay a foundation for the practice of neurosurgery in Serbia that has since evolved into the highly specialized and advanced field that it is today.
As we reflect on the past, we also celebrate the present and look forward to the future. We are proud of the advancements made in the field of neurosurgery, the innovative techniques and technologies that have been developed, and the positive impact that these have had on the lives of patients.
We also recognize that there is still much to be done. We must continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in neurosurgery, and strive to find new ways to improve outcomes for our patients. This requires a commitment to ongoing learning, research, and collaboration, as well as a willingness to embrace new ideas and approaches.
I am confident that the discussions and presentations at this meeting will inspire us all to continue our quest for excellence in neurosurgery. It is my hope that we will leave this meeting with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to the advancement of our field.
I would like to express my gratitude to each and every one who will take the time to join us for this important occasion.
Cordially,
Prof. dr. Djula Djilvesi
Head of Department of Neurosurgery
Clinical Centre of Vojvodina,
Novi Sad, Serbia
Dear colleagues and friends,
I am honored to welcome you at the Centennial anniversary of neurosurgery in Serbia in front of the Neurosurgery department of Clinical Hospital Center Zemun. The first 100 years of neurosurgery in Serbia are marked by continuous development and implementation of new technologies through constant learning and cooperation with our colleagues worldwide, summarized in the meeting motto “Focus. Dedication. Specialization”.
The official beginning of neurosurgery in Clinical Hospital Center Zemun was in 1977 when Professor Nedeljko Ercegovac with his coworkers founded the Neurosurgery department, although the first neurosurgical operations in our hospital date back to the late 19th century with the upsurge of operated patients with neurosurgical pathology during WW1 and WW2. Since the department’s foundation, our goal has been to give our patients the best medical care following new knowledge and contemporary medical technologies.
In the first decade of the XXI century, our hospital started performing endovascular procedures in cooperation with interventional radiologists. Currently, two of our colleagues are attending EANS basic endovascular course. In 2011 our hospital started performing full endoscopic lumbar discectomies. All of the above is achieved due to the great dedication of our predecessors, which we hope to pass on to all future generations of neurosurgeons. In order to continue the progress of neurosurgery and medical care in general.
Belgrade and the Serbian neurosurgery community await you in October 2023.
Cordially,
MD PhD Miljan Mihajlovic
Head od the Neurosurgery department
Clinical Hospital Center Zemun
Dear colleagues,
It is a great honor for us to be able to present the Center for Neurosurgery of the University Medical Center Kragujevac as part of the celebration of one hundred years of Serbian neurosurgery.
We are the youngest brother of a small family of Serbian neurosurgery. Neurosurgery in Kragujevac began its development in 1983.
The founder is Dr. Miroslav Vujadinovic, who performed the first independent operation on December 1 of the same year.
Over the years, the number of specialists, number, and complexity of operations has increased. Thanks to modern diagnostic devices and an operating microscope, we become part of the modern Serbian neurosurgical family.
The Center for Neurosurgery was established in 2012. People have the most significant importance in the development of the Center. In addition to Dr. Vujadinovic are Prof. Radivoje Nikolic, Dr. Milorad Veljkovic, and Dr Ljubomir Krstic. Our young and already experienced neurosurgeons are Dr. Milan Todosijevic, Assistant Professor Vojin Kovacevic, and Assistant Professor Marko Petrovic. This year, Dr. Nemanja Jovanovic and Dr. Zarko Petrovic are finishing their specialization who, together with our resident Dr Aleksandar Milosavljevic, give faith in the future of our neurosurgery. During the decades of development, Prof. Vaso Antunovic, Prof. Bogoljub Milosavljevic, Prof. Danica Grujicic, today’s Minister of Health of the Republic of Serbia, as well as many other colleagues, made a great contribution, for which we are sincerely grateful.
Despite the Covid pandemic, around four hundred patients from all areas of neurosurgery are operated in our Center annually. As part of the Center, a team of doctors dealing with endovascular procedures, headed by Dr. Marko Prokic, performs about 50 operations annually.
The population that gravitates to our Center is about two million.
Proud of our Center, we congratulate all neurosurgeons in Serbia for the first hundred years of work.
We send special congratulations to the Clinic for Neurosurgery in Belgrade on its anniversary and to its director, Prof. Milos Jokovic.
Assistant Professor Miodrag Peulic
Center for Neurosurgery of the
University Medical Center Kragujevac
Dear All, our friends, guests, colleagues, and medical and nonmedical staff!
Humbled in front of you, I have the great privilege and the greatest honor to be a part of the celebration of the first 100 years of Neurosurgery in Serbia. Those years were tough but a great challenge, too.
Beginnings were modest, but with strong will and outstanding commitment, constant education and investment, and medical equipment, with the only aim to improve medical treatment, today we have modern practice.
The Neurosurgical department was established in our small but progressive town Ćuprija in 1987. In those times, there was no specific building with an operating room. We had only two rooms for our patients in the Surgical department.
But nowadays Neurosurgical department is technically fully equipped. With our knowledge and teamwork, we are capable of taking care of almost all types of neurotrauma consequences and other neurosurgical conditions.
We have two Ph.D. neurosurgeons, one resident, 11 surgical nurses, and four OT nurses. Our team is proud of the results of our treatment that are in the world’s range, including the fact that we are responsible for the neurosurgical health of almost 400 000 people in the region of Pomoravlje, with yearly performing more than 140 operations, 3000 ambulance examinations, with more than 80% occupancy of department capacities. One of the critical things that contribute to the importance of our department is good road coverage and quick arrival to the hospital, combined with our 24x7 working hours, which makes it possible for the patient to arrive in the first golden” hour from injury. Good coordination during the operation between us and the anesthesia department, as well as the good physical rehabilitation center, together have a significant role in the whole treatment and positive outcome.
In the end, I must mention an extraordinary collaboration with Clinic for Neurosurgery UCC, Belgrade, and other neurosurgical departments in Serbia.
I wish you nice and pleasant enjoyment in Serbia.
Dr Momir Jovanovic, Ph.D., Professor of vocational studies
Head of the Neurosurgery department of Cuprija