Academician at Medical faculty , University of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Professor Dr. Snježana Popović-Pejičić is an esteemed specialist in endocrinology and internal medicine, recognized for her significant contributions to the fields of diabetology, thyroid disorders, aging, and metabolic diseases. Born and educated in Banja Luka and Sarajevo, she has built a distinguished career in both clinical practice and academia. Prof. Popović-Pejičić is particularly known for her pioneering work in establishing specialized clinics for endocrinology and diabetology in the Republic of Srpska, alongside her influential role in shaping healthcare policies in the region. With over four decades of experience, she has made substantial contributions through scientific publications, including 275 research papers, and has participated in more than 300 international conferences. Her leadership extends to academia, where she has been a full professor at the University of Banja Luka, educating and mentoring future healthcare professionals. As a recognized authority in her field, Prof. Popović-Pejičić’s work has earned her numerous awards and honors, further cementing her reputation as a global leader in endocrinology. Her research, clinical practice, and mentorship have left an indelible mark on the medical community.
Profile
Google Scholar
Education
Prof. Snježana Popović-Pejičić’s academic journey is a testament to her pursuit of excellence. She completed her undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, where she graduated in 1980 with distinction, receiving the prestigious “Hasan Brkić” University diploma. Her foundational training in endocrinology began in 1986/87, during which she studied at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Zagreb. By 1988, she had obtained her subspecialization in endocrinology with distinction. Continuing her academic pursuit, she achieved specialization in internal medicine from the Clinic for Internal Diseases in Banja Luka and the “Dr. Mladen Stojanović” Internal Medicine Clinic in Zagreb. Prof. Popović-Pejičić’s postgraduate education continued with her master’s thesis, “Pituitary-Thyroid Axis Function and Aging,” defended at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, in 1997. Her doctoral dissertation, “Characteristics of Autonomic Neuropathy of the Cardiovascular System Depending on the Type of Diabetes Mellitus,” earned her a PhD in 1999. Throughout her education, she demonstrated exceptional scholarship, laying a strong foundation for her clinical and research endeavors. Her academic accomplishments reflect her unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge in endocrinology and related fields.
Professional Experience
Prof. Snježana Popović-Pejičić has an extensive career that spans academia, clinical practice, and healthcare leadership. She began her professional journey in 1980 as an assistant at the Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo. Upon her return to Banja Luka, she joined the University of Banja Luka’s Faculty of Medicine, rising to the position of full professor and head of the Department of Internal Medicine by 2013. Her leadership in education has been instrumental in shaping the future of medical professionals, particularly in endocrinology and internal medicine. Clinically, Prof. Popović-Pejičić served as the Head of the Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases at the University Clinical Center of the Republic of Srpska. Under her leadership, the clinic became a regional center of excellence. Her expertise in diabetes and metabolic diseases is widely acknowledged, and she played a key role in establishing specialized clinics for diabetes and endocrinology in the region. Her international experience includes professional training at renowned institutions in Prague, London, Vienna, and Copenhagen. In addition to her clinical and educational roles, she has contributed to various health policy initiatives, making her a central figure in the development of healthcare in the Republic of Srpska.
Research Interests
Prof. Snježana Popović-Pejičić’s research interests are primarily focused on endocrinology, with particular emphasis on thyroid disorders, diabetes, aging, and metabolic diseases. Her research has explored the intricate relationships between metabolic disorders and aging, particularly the role of the pituitary-thyroid axis. She is also dedicated to advancing the understanding of autonomic neuropathy in cardiovascular diseases, especially in relation to diabetes mellitus. Prof. Popović-Pejičić’s work extends to diabetology and obesity, where she investigates new methods for managing and preventing these widespread health conditions. Her research in endocrinology has had a profound impact on the clinical management of these disorders, and she continues to contribute to international guidelines for treating diabetes and obesity. Her global research perspective has led to numerous collaborations with leading institutions across Europe and the United States, and she actively participates in research projects addressing the long-term effects of metabolic diseases. By focusing on both the clinical implications and preventive strategies, Prof. Popović-Pejičić aims to improve patient care and outcomes in endocrinology and related fields.
Research Skills
Prof. Snježana Popović-Pejičić possesses an exceptional set of research skills that have supported her extensive body of work in endocrinology, diabetology, and metabolic diseases. She is highly skilled in designing and leading clinical trials, having served as the principal investigator in several international studies related to diabetes and thyroid disorders. Prof. Popović-Pejičić’s methodological expertise includes data analysis, patient recruitment, and translating clinical findings into actionable medical guidelines. Her ability to synthesize complex data has resulted in 275 scientific papers, which have been published in peer-reviewed journals. She has also contributed to international consensus documents on the management of diabetes and metabolic diseases. Her interdisciplinary approach allows her to collaborate effectively across different areas of medicine, particularly in integrating clinical practices with emerging research. Prof. Popović-Pejičić’s skills extend beyond research and clinical practice. She is a mentor to young researchers, guiding them through research design and publication processes. Her leadership in research projects has influenced both local and global healthcare practices, and she remains dedicated to the continual advancement of medical science.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her distinguished career, Prof. Snježana Popović-Pejičić has received numerous awards and honors recognizing her contributions to medicine, research, and healthcare. In 1980, she received the “Hasan Brkić” diploma for her exceptional academic achievements during her studies at the University of Sarajevo. Her ongoing research and clinical work earned her the “Charter of the Medical Chamber of the Republic of Srpska for Scientific Research Work” in 2012. She was honored for her role in organizing the First Congress of Diabetologists of the Republic of Srpska, and in 2021, she received the “Grand Seal of the Medical Chamber of the Republic of Srpska.” In 2022, Prof. Popović-Pejičić was elected a Corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of the Republic of Srpska, a recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field. Prof. Popović-Pejičić’s recognition extends to global organizations as well, where she has been awarded for her leadership in advancing endocrinology, diabetology, and metabolic diseases. These accolades reflect her profound impact on both local and international medical communities.
Publications
- EUROASPIRE IV: A European Society of Cardiology Survey on the Lifestyle, Risk Factor and Therapeutic Management of Coronary Patients from 24 European Countries
- Authors: DDBE K Kotseva, D Wood
- Journal: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2016, 23(6), pp. 636-648
- Cited by: 1459
- Lifestyle and Impact on Cardiovascular Risk Factor Control in Coronary Patients Across 27 Countries: Results from the European Society of Cardiology ESC-EORP EUROASPIRE V Registry
- Authors: K Kotseva, DB Guy, DB Dirk, R Lars, H Arno, Grobbee Diederic, …
- Journal: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2019, 26(8), pp. 824-835
- Cited by: 930
- Management of Dyslipidaemia in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: Results from the ESC-EORP EUROASPIRE V Survey in 27 Countries
- Authors: EM On behalf Euroaspire investigator, Guy De Backer, Piotr Jankowski, …
- Journal: Atherosclerosis, 2019, 285(6/1), pp. 135-146
- Cited by: 366
- Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Diabetes Need Improved Management: A Report from the EUROASPIRE IV Survey: A Registry from the EuroObservational Research Programme
- Authors: SP Viveca Gyberg, Dirk De Backer, Guy De Backer, Catriona Jenings, Dusko, …
- Journal: Cardiovas Diabetol, 2015, 14(133), pp. 1-11
- Cited by: 151
- Screening for Dysglycaemia in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease as Reflected by Fasting Glucose, Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, and HbA1c: A Report from EUROASPIRE IV
- Authors: On behalf Euroaspire investigator, Viveca Gyberg, Dirk De Bacquer, Kornelia, …
- Journal: European Heart Journal, 2015, 36(19), pp. 1171-1177
- Cited by: 125
- Screening for Glucose Perturbations and Risk Factor Management in Dysglycemic Patients with Coronary Artery Disease – A Persistent Challenge in Need of Substantial Improvement: A Report from the EUROASPIRE IV
- Authors: RL Ferrannini G, De Bacquer D, De Backer G, Kotseva K, Mellbin L, Wood D
- Journal: Diabetes Care, 2020, 43(4), pp. 726-733
- Cited by: 68
Conclusion
Prof. Snježana Popović-Pejičić’s career has been defined by her unwavering dedication to the fields of endocrinology and internal medicine. Through her research, clinical practice, and educational leadership, she has made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding and treatment of metabolic disorders, thyroid diseases, and diabetes. Her work has not only shaped medical practices within the Republic of Srpska but has also influenced international healthcare standards. Her ability to merge scientific research with clinical expertise has led to her widespread recognition, including numerous prestigious awards and honors. Prof. Popović-Pejičić’s legacy is further solidified by her mentorship of future healthcare professionals, ensuring her influence continues to resonate in the medical community. As a researcher, clinician, and educator, she remains committed to improving patient care and advancing medical science in endocrinology and metabolic diseases. Her work continues to inspire and impact healthcare both regionally and globally, making her an invaluable leader in her field.