International cardiothoracic experts on a symposium in the Zan Mitrev Clinic – European clinical standards in practice

January 26, 2026

The Zan Mitrev Clinic organized the international symposium “Guidelines in Practice”, held in Skopje with the participation of eminent European and regional experts. The event affirmed the clinic’s role as a modern medical center that actively contributes to promoting cardiovascular medicine both in the country, as well as more broadly in the region.

The symposium, organized in collaboration with the Heart and Lung Center at the Leiden University Medical Center (Netherlands), was dedicated to the practical application of the latest European ESC/EACTS clinical guidelines in the treatment of coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease. Through a full-day scientific program, interactive multidisciplinary discussions, and the presentation of complex clinical cases, key questions were addressed regarding modern decision-making, personalized patient approaches, and the integration of innovative surgical and interventional techniques into daily clinical practice.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Zhan Mitrev noted that the occasion for this symposium was his 40-year jubilee in medicine and the milestone of 15,000 surgeries performed. However, he emphasized that the event’s value extends far beyond these personal achievements: “Our goal here is to meet with exceptionally experienced and highly respected experts in our field to stay informed, review current innovations, and update our knowledge to see where we stand globally. Our mission is for patients in this country to have access to treatment equal to that of the best European centers. As a private clinical center, we are aware of our responsibility—not only to implement the latest clinical guidelines but to actively invest in education, collaboration, and the development of medical practice. Such symposia prove that private healthcare can be a driver of progress, standards, and quality within the entire healthcare system,” stated Dr. Mitrev.

According to the Minister of Health, hosting such a symposium is vital for professional platforms and the lifelong learning of domestic medical experts: “The topic discussed today, including the latest guidelines and the cutting-edge technology used for heart disease, provides an excellent opportunity for the exchange of new scientific knowledge, clinical experience, and therapy. A crucial aspect of this symposium is its interactive format, which allows for an open exchange of experiences and collaboration among the various medical experts present here with us. Improving clinical decision-making ultimately aims to provide safer, higher-quality, and more personalized care for our patients within the healthcare roadmap. I would like to thank you for your commitment to medical education and the advancement of cardiovascular medicine,” noted Minister Aliu.

Expert insights were shared by eminent cardiac surgeons and cardiologists from renowned institutions, including Leiden University Medical Center and Amsterdam UMC (Netherlands), University of Freiburg (Germany), “Dedinje” Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases in Belgrade (Serbia), as well as leading international authorities in structural heart interventions and cardiac surgery innovations. The symposium was attended by prominent professionals from both private and public health institutions in the country, as well as the Director of the Health Insurance Fund, Sasho Klekovski. The presence of these experts facilitated a high level of scientific exchange and direct insight into European treatment standards.

The symposium, accredited by the Doctors’ Chamber of North Macedonia, concluded with clear conclusions for further strengthening the multidisciplinary approach, continuous medical education, and alignment with the highest European standards in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

With events like this, the Zhan Mitrev Clinic continues to solidify its role as a regional center of knowledge, innovation, and top-tier medical expertise.