In November, 16 OMI observers attended observerships at four of our partner institutions: the Medical University of Vienna, Salzburg General Hospital, the Medical Hospital Graz, and the Medical University of Innsbruck. The participants came from Albania (2), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, North Macedonia, Poland, Tanzania, and Ukraine (2) and took part in 14 different specialties, gaining exposure to advanced clinical practice, multidisciplinary teamwork, and innovative procedures in their respective fields.
This month, we are highlighting two observers whose reports provide a deeper insight into daily life in Austrian hospitals and the professional growth they experienced during their observerships.
Nina Jovanovic, MD
OMI Observer from Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nina Jovanovic, OMI Observer from Bosnia and Herzegovina – Ophthalmology
“The communication, collaboration, and education in the department were excellent. This is one of the best educational training courses I have ever had. Every person I had contact with, residents, attendings, and leading physicians, nurses, and staff, was kind and eager to share knowledge. I felt comfortable, accepted, and fully supported throughout my stay.”
Dr Jovanovic’s days began with morning rounds at 7:40 am, after which she would either spend time at the clinic or the operating room. She observed a wide range of ophthalmological procedures, including cataract surgeries, oculoplastic cases, glaucoma, and strabismus operations. She also had the opportunity to join the Maxillofacial Surgery department for complex orbital surgeries. Dr. Jovanovic highlighted experiences with rare and challenging cases, such as orbital wall reconstruction with bone grafts and superior oblique muscle advancement surgery, describing them as “life-changing and invaluable for us surgeons.”
“I had the privilege of working with Dr. Gerd Rasp, one of the best cataract surgeons I have ever met. He was not only brilliant in technique but also extremely welcoming. I felt motivated to spend more than ten hours per day observing and learning from his approach, especially his communication with patients.”
Marko PraĹľetina, MD
OMI Observer from Croatia
Marko Pražetina, OMI Observer from Croatia – Thoracic Anesthesia
“During my time in the Department of Thoracic Anesthesia, I had a remarkably positive experience, especially by observing lung transplantations. The team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, and every anesthesiologist was eager to share insights and techniques, fostering a collaborative learning environment.”
Dr. Pražetina’s daily routine included early morning briefings, pre-operative assessments, and observation of thoracic surgical procedures, including robotic surgeries and lung transplants. These procedures, rarely performed in his home country, offered him insight into advanced anesthetic management and patient safety.
“Dr. Edda Tschernko was an invaluable mentor. Her guidance allowed me to grasp complex concepts quickly and understand best practices in thoracic anesthesia. She was always open to questions and collaboration, which profoundly influenced my professional growth.”
For Drs. Jovanovic and PraĹľetina and their fellow observers, the OMI observerships provided not only new medical knowledge but also a deeper understanding of structured workflows, collaboration, and innovation in patient care. These experiences serve as bridges for knowledge transfer and catalysts for professional growth, inspiring the observers to bring novel approaches and perspectives to their local healthcare systems.
For more information about upcoming OMI observerships, please contact: observerships@openmedicalinstitute.org
