The 17th Pediatric School was held from 26 to 28 March 2026 in Sarajevo, representing one of the most prominent regional platforms dedicated to paediatric education and clinical advancement. The event was organised by the Association of Paediatricians in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Udruženje pedijatara u Bosni i Hercegovini), with institutional support and under the auspices of the Clinical Centre of the University of Sarajevo (KCUS), continuing a well-established model of collaboration between professional associations and leading clinical institutions.
The three-day programme delivered a structured and comprehensive overview of contemporary paediatric practice, integrating clinical expertise, technological innovation, and interdisciplinary dialogue.
The first day focused on paediatric endocrinology, covering a wide range of topics including thyroid nodules, adolescent polycystic ovary syndrome, vitamin D deficiency, and growth hormone therapy. Particular attention was given to metabolic disorders and childhood obesity, as well as modern approaches to diabetes management. The programme included a hands-on workshop on advanced technologies such as glucose sensors and insulin pumps, followed by the official opening ceremony and a plenary lecture addressing the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence in paediatrics. Contributions from Prof. Dr. Jasmin Kevric, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Natural and Medical Sciences, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Monia Obucic, Head of the Department of Genetics and Bioengineering at International Burch University, underscored the integration of artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary approaches into contemporary paediatric practice.
The second day, held on 27 March 2026, centred on the growing integration of genetics into everyday paediatric practice. Sessions addressed the application of artificial intelligence in rare disease diagnostics, the role of genetic counselling, and the transition from phenotype-based to genome-driven medicine. Clinical applications were further explored in paediatric oncology, neuropediatrics, and personalised medicine. Notably, key contributions were delivered by Prof. Dr. Amina Kurtovic-Kozaric and Dr. Riad Hajdarevic, both of whom highlighted the transformative role of genetics in reshaping the clinical understanding and management of complex diseases, particularly in oncology. The programme culminated in two high-level panel discussions: one on the current state of genetics in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and another on advancements in the detection of rare diseases, with active participation from representatives of International Burch University.
The final day was dedicated to paediatric nephrology, with a strong emphasis on clinical decision-making and evidence-based management of urinary tract disorders, congenital anomalies, and kidney diseases. Topics included modern imaging techniques, antibiotic-induced nephrotoxicity, and clinical guidelines for IgA nephropathy, alongside a focused discussion on biofilm-associated recurrent urinary tract infections and their therapeutic implications. Within this segment, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Monia Obucic presented her scientific contribution, emphasising the role of biofilm formation in persistent infections, the limitations of standard antibiotic susceptibility testing, and the need for advanced, microbiology-driven diagnostic approaches in clinical decision-making. The conference concluded with a panel discussion on nephrology in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, followed by closing remarks summarising key insights.
The event reaffirmed the importance of continuous professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing paediatric healthcare practice.