PROGRAMMING Zagreb Meeting – Testimonial

Croatia | June 2026

I had the privilege of participating in the PROGRAMMING Zagreb Meeting as an external stakeholder and reviewer, contributing to discussions on future competencies and models of care for older people. I expected to share my perspective from family medicine and community palliative care. What I did not expect was how much the meeting would broaden my own perspective.

Working in community palliative care, I was already familiar with many of the challenges surrounding the care of older people. However, the discussions encouraged me to think beyond individual patients and everyday clinical practice. They inspired me to reflect on how professional competencies, healthcare systems, education, and policy can shape the future of care for an ageing population.

Perhaps the most valuable lesson I took home was that meaningful change often starts locally. Listening to colleagues from across Europe showed me how ideas developed within one healthcare system can inspire change in another. It gave me the confidence to think more boldly about what we can achieve in Croatia, while reminding me that every healthcare system has something valuable to contribute—and something new to learn.

Equally important were the people. The openness of the discussions, the willingness to exchange ideas, and the conversations between sessions created an environment where everyone felt encouraged to contribute, regardless of their professional background.

Thank you for creating a space where curiosity, collaboration, and the open exchange of ideas could flourish. It was a privilege to be part of this meeting, and I look forward to staying connected with this inspiring community and contributing to future initiatives.

Ana Kotarski, MD
Specialist in Family Medicine
Head of Palliative Care Service
Health Care Center Zagreb – East, Croatia