IMC Priora becomes a teaching base for the University of Applied Sciences Ivanić-Grad following the signing of a cooperation agreement
The International Medical Center Priora in Čepin has become a teaching base for the University of Applied Sciences Ivanić-Grad for undergraduate and graduate professional study programs.
The collaboration between IMC Priora and the University of Applied Sciences Ivanić-Grad brings together modern medicine, education, and scientific development. It will enable students to complement the theoretical knowledge acquired during their studies with hands-on experience in a real hospital environment, using the latest medical technologies. At the same time, it will provide professionals from both institutions with opportunities for knowledge exchange, joint projects, and the continued advancement of healthcare practice.
Students Will Observe Surgeries Live
“Students from the University of Applied Sciences Ivanić-Grad will receive education at the highest possible level in our hospital. Physiotherapy students, with a focus on the rehabilitation of patients following robotic surgery, will gain first-hand insight into robotic surgery and advanced robotic technologies. They will have the opportunity to observe urological and gynecological procedures live and participate in the care of these patients throughout their recovery,” explains Tomislav Kalem, MSc, Director of IMC Priora and Head of the Department of Urology.
“At the Department of Urology, we also have a dedicated biofeedback room. Students will observe muscle activity in real time while the patient views the same display simultaneously. This allows physiotherapists and patients to monitor muscle function together and immediately perform targeted exercises. It is one of the most advanced rehabilitation methods available, and our students will have the opportunity to learn it here,” adds Mr. Kalem.
During their clinical placement, students will rotate through different hospital units, including inpatient wards, operating theatres, and the physiotherapy outpatient clinic. This comprehensive approach will provide them with a complete understanding of patient treatment and rehabilitation while ensuring the highest quality practical education.
For IMC Priora, the agreement is equally significant from a scientific perspective. The hospital operates its own scientific research unit, and research is one of the cornerstones of its development. As lecturers at the University of Applied Sciences Ivanić-Grad, IMC Priora experts will share the knowledge and experience gained through everyday clinical practice while introducing students to the latest treatment and rehabilitation methods.
Strengthening the Quality of Clinical Training
“Modern hospitals such as IMC Priora are still a rarity in Croatia. It is essential to follow developments and continuously improve, particularly in the fields of biomedicine and healthcare. When a hospital reaches such a high level of expertise and technological advancement, it is equally important for higher education institutions to establish cooperation with it. This enables students to acquire practical knowledge that complements the theoretical concepts and visual demonstrations they receive during their studies,” says Assoc. Prof. Mile Marinčić, PhD, Dean of the University of Applied Sciences Ivanić-Grad.
“Our collaboration with IMC Priora provides our students with direct insight into the work of one of the most technologically advanced hospitals in the region and the opportunity to acquire practical knowledge under the mentorship of leading healthcare professionals. For the University, this represents an important step in strengthening the quality of clinical training and professional practice while connecting academic education with real clinical settings, ultimately preparing students for independent work within the healthcare system,” Dean Marinčić continues.
The cooperation includes clinical training and professional placements at IMC Priora for students enrolled in the Nursing and Physiotherapy study programs. It will enable them to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real hospital environment, become familiar with modern standards of patient care and rehabilitation, and gain the practical experience essential for their future professional careers.
“Beyond the educational component for students, the academic staff of the University of Applied Sciences Ivanić-Grad will have the opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas with the hospital’s highly respected professionals, including physicians from various specialties, nurses, physiotherapists, and other healthcare experts. Furthermore, IMC Priora is home to distinguished researchers, opening additional opportunities for collaboration through joint research projects, scientific conferences, professional symposiums, and other academic activities,” explains Dean Marinčić.
The Most Advanced Medical Technology
According to Dean Marinčić, robotic surgery occupies a special place within this collaboration because it allows students to become familiar with the most advanced medical technology currently available in Croatia. In 2024, IMC Priora became the first hospital in Croatia to introduce the Da Vinci robotic surgical system, which is now used in urology, gynecology, and other surgical specialties.
“The opportunity for Nursing and Physiotherapy students to observe perioperative care and patient recovery following robot-assisted procedures through clinical training and professional placements provides them with insight into the future of medicine and healthcare. It also encourages them to further develop their expertise in the application of modern technologies in clinical practice. In addition, advanced audiovisual systems make it possible to follow surgical procedures live and hear directly from the operating surgeon which aspects require particular attention during postoperative recovery, whether from the perspective of nursing care or physiotherapy,” concludes Dean Marinčić.
Knowledge and expertise, he emphasizes, are meant to be continuously developed, expanded, and shared—both through education and clinical practice—in accordance with the principles of academic integrity.
