In MEDias – the First Student Congress of the CUC School of Medicine Held

In MEDias, the first scientific congress of students of the School of Medicine at the Catholic University of Croatia, was held on Saturday, 8 November 2025, in the Aula Magna under the main theme “What Ails the Modern Human? – The Role of Metabolism in the Development of the Most Common Chronic Diseases.”

The aim of the congress was to bring together ambitious young future doctors and scientists from medical schools across Croatia, provide them with an opportunity to present their own research, and encourage the exchange of ideas through interactive lectures and discussions.

Students and biomedical researchers presented the results of their studies on the relationship between metabolism and the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and obesity through three scientific sections, invited lectures, and a panel discussion.

In the first section, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Jasna Čerkez Habek, Assist. Prof. Josipa Josipović, and Leona Periša, students presented papers on cardiorenal health, hypercholesterolemia, electrolyte imbalances, and lipoprotein(a) levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome. At the same time, in the poster session led by Assist. Prof. Ivo Darko Gabrić and Assist. Prof. Koraljka Đurić, numerous case studies illustrated the link between stress, obesity, and metabolic disorders with cardiovascular diseases.

The invited lecture of the first section was delivered by Assist. Prof. Ivan Kruljac, MD, on the topic “A Modern Approach to the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.”

In the second student section, moderated by Assist. Prof. Ivo Darko Gabrić and Assist. Prof. Lidija Dežmalj Grbelja, students presented research on hypertension prevention, screening for familial hypercholesterolemia in childhood, and the impact of the HALP index on surgical outcomes, while the poster presentations included topics such as double diabetes, bariatric surgery, and obesity as an oncogenic factor.

A highlight of the congress was the panel discussion “Stress, Metabolism, and Health – Can We Do Better?” featuring Assist. Prof. Ivan Lerotić, Assist. Prof. Ivan Kruljac, Prof. Jasna Čerkez Habek, Dr. Goran Ivkić, and Assist. Prof. Ana-Marija Liberati Pršo. Following the panel, Assist. Prof. Josipa Josipović gave a lecture titled “The Silent Burden of Modern Humanity – Arterial Hypertension.”

In the third section, students presented research on endocrine and metabolic disorders, particularly polycystic ovary syndrome and the effects of GLP-1 agonists in obesity treatment. The program concluded with a knowledge quiz and a ceremonial award presentation for the best student contributions.

More details about the program can be found on the congress website.