In October 1999, Dr. Beti Dejanova had the invaluable opportunity to attend an OMI seminar in Salzburg. This early international experience broadened her academic foundations, introduced modern methodologies in medical education, and shaped her career trajectory, eventually leading her to become a Full Professor and Head of the Department of Physiology at the Medical Faculty of Skopje, North Macedonia. Remarkably, 26 years later, her daughter, Dr. Sandra Dejanova Panev, followed in her footsteps, attending an OMI Pediatric Radiology seminar at the same age. Both experiences highlight not only the prestige and global reach of the OMI programs but also a unique generational continuity of academic ambition and professional growth.
“It is my pleasure to present myself as a participant of the Open Medical Institute (OMI) in Salzburg, in October of 1999. I had an excellent experience attending the highly professional program of theoretical and clinical presentations by outstanding professors and specialists, under the leadership of the director, Dr. Wolfgang Aulitzky. This early international training broadened my academic foundations, introduced me to modern methodologies in medical education, and provided exposure to global standards in clinical and research practice. Moreover, it strengthened my research methodology skills and motivated me to pursue the PhD thesis regarding endothelial impairment by oxidative stress and atherosclerosis, encouraging my academic ambition and confidence. Thus, it served as a catalyst for my long-term academic and professional growth.
This early international experience played an essential role in shaping my trajectory: becoming a specialist in Sports Medicine, earning a PhD in Physiology, advancing to Full Professor of Physiology, and today serving as Head of the Department of Physiology at the Medical Faculty of Skopje, North Macedonia. This seminar gave me the early global orientation, knowledge, and academic motivation that guided my entire professional growth, for which I am very grateful.
In a unique and meaningful parallel, my daughter also attended an OMI seminar in Salzburg at the exact same age of 37 years and obtained a Certificate of Training in Pediatric Radiology at the end of October 2025. This coincidence highlights not only a generational continuity of academic ambition but also the rarity and prestige of being selected for such a competitive program. Therefore, I am honored that we both followed a similar academic path by attending this program on different specialized topics, as it is a highly selective program, accepting a limited number of international candidates with a strong academic or clinical background. Thank you very much for the valuable opportunity.”
Beti Dejanova, MD
Full Professor and Head of the Department of Physiology
Medical Faculty of Skopje, North Macedonia
“The Pediatric Radiology seminar organized by the Open Medical Institute, in collaboration with experts from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Medical University of Graz, was an invaluable experience for me as a general radiologist. The insights shared by the professors to develop proper diagnostic skills, while keeping in mind the ALARA principles for radiation safety, will impact my future decisions for each patient in order to achieve better outcomes. The presentations from Dr. Abass Noor, Dr. Sebastian Tschauner, Dr. Aashim Bhatia, Dr. Asef Khwaja, Dr. Jie C. Nguyen, and Dr. Erich Sorantin, as well as the professional interaction with them, opened another perspective for me in both clinical practice and research skills. The OMI truly masters the art of connecting doctors across borders to improve diagnostics, clinical care, and advancement in the research field. I am thankful for this opportunity to the OMI organizing committee, to Dr. Wolfgang Aulitzky, and to Ms. Stephanie Faschang. It means so much to me to participate in a seminar organized by OMI, just as my mother attended 26 years ago, which boosted her career.”
Sandra Dejanova Panev, MD
Specialist, Department of Radiology
City General Hospital Skopje, North Macedonia
