150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CROATIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

The Association, in which domestic doctors finally gathered after numerous attempts, commenced its work in the year 1874, which it continues to this day (Liečnički Viestnik, in Zagreb, in January 1877). The Croatian Medical Association (HLZ) is a voluntary association of medical doctors and doctors of dental medicine, established on the distant date of 26 February 1874. It operates independently and continuously for 150 years. The Croatian Medical Association was established at a time when there were only 7 national medical associations in Europe, a fact that was highly regarded by other European and global similar medical associations. The century-long existence of the Croatian Medical Association has been marked by the dedicated work of numerous generations of doctors and a multitude of professional and scientific achievements within the medical profession. Throughout their mandates, many presidents have led the Association, contributing to important activities within the medical profession, striving for its progress and improvement, proudly celebrating significant anniversaries and contributing to its history. The main mission and purpose of its operation throughout this time have been and remain the care for its members, as well as the entire body of physicians and the healthcare system. The purpose of the Croatian Medical Association’s operation is most simply, yet accurately, depicted in Article 1 of the Statute of the Croatian Medical Association, which states: “The Croatian Medical Association, established on 26 February 1874, is an association of physicians united for the advancement of public health protection, professional and scientific work, nurturing medical ethics and safeguarding professional interests.” The Croatian Medical Association is the founder of the University of Zagreb School of Medicine, the Croatian Medical Chamber, the Croatian Medical Syndicate, the Croatian Academy of Medical Sciences and the Croatian League Against Cancer. The Croatian Medical Association is a member of numerous professional associations across Europe and the world, such as the World Medical Association (WMA) and the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). The Croatian Medical Association was honored in 2019 with the national award for exceptional merits and achievements in promoting scientific and professional work, medical ethics, as well as general moral and humanitarian principles. The Association currently has 11,839 members, and its internal structure comprises 26 branches, 167 professional societies, 95 sections and two clubs. At the end of 2022, the 145th anniversary of the continuous publication of the professional-scientific journal of the Croatian Medical Association was celebrated. Liječnički vjesnik has been in circulation since 1877 and is one of only around a hundred worldwide journals that began in the late 19th century and have maintained continuous publication. It is the oldest Croatian medical journal in terms of continuous publication, regularly documenting important professional and occupational events. Regularly featured are editorials, professional and scientific papers, review articles, case reports, drug and method reviews, preliminary scientific and professional communications, reviews, letters to the editor, book reviews, literature abstracts and other contributions. This grand jubilee – the 150th anniversary – is a magnificent historical event that highlights the continuous dedication of physicians to work and improvement, numerous achievements, and the legacy that the Croatian Medical Association proudly celebrates this year. Ivona Matišić, mag. oec., univ. mag. admin. sanit.