Knowledge from the Diaspora in the Service of the Domestic Healthcare System: The Professional Engagement of Dr. Svjetlana Lozo in Mostar

Dr. Svjetlana Lozo, a member of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian-American Academy of Arts and Sciences (BHAAAS) and one of the mentors in the BHAAAS Student Program, continuously contributes to the connection of health professionals from the diaspora with colleagues and institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. During her stay at the JU Cantonal Hospital "Dr. Safet Mujić" Mostar, she transferred modern knowledge and practical experience in the field of gynecology and urogynecology, contributing to the improvement of the professional capacities of local doctors and the quality of healthcare for patients.

During her stay in Mostar, Dr. Lozo participated in professional and clinical activities aimed at sharing experiences and familiarizing herself with modern approaches in the treatment of urogynecological diseases. In the mentioned period, she performed 13 examinations of patients, participated in the monitoring and control of five operated patients, and performed four control examinations of patients who had previously undergone surgical procedures.

The special focus of her professional engagement was on modern operative methods in the field of urogynecology, including laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, practical advice for performing this procedure, vaginal surgery and basics of vaginal vault suspension. These methods play a significant role in the treatment of disorders of the support system of the pelvic organs and in improving the quality of life of patients.

The aim of the engagement was to improve the knowledge and skills of domestic doctors, exchange experiences from international medical practice and present modern approaches in the treatment of urogynecological diseases. Direct work with healthcare workers, professional consultations and monitoring of clinical procedures enabled additional professional development and exchange of experiences that can contribute to the improvement of everyday clinical practice.

Dr. Svjetlana Lozo works as a urogynecologist at Columbia University in New York. She received her medical education at St. George's School of Medicine, where she graduated in 2008, while in 2016 she completed her education at the Harvard School of Public Health. Her professional activity is aimed at improving the treatment of urogynecological diseases, developing operative skills and raising awareness of the importance of timely diagnostics and appropriate health care for patients.

Through the "Knowledge Transfer" program, the cooperation of experts from emigration with health institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina continues, with the aim of exchanging knowledge and experience, improving professional capacities and improving the quality of health services.