Milivoj Jovancevic, MD, PhD, Prof.

Clinical focus

One of the leading European paediatricians with a particular interest in preventative medicine and mental development.

About me

I am one of the leading European paediatricians with a special interest in prevention programs and paediatric mental health. I am a known authority in Croatia on paediatric matters, having published a popular book for parents and several textbooks on the subject. I have been teaching at the School of Medicine for almost 15 years, in addition to teaching at the Department of Psychology, School of Law, and School of Education, all at the University of Zagreb.

Since 1997, I have been working at my private practice in Zagreb. Previously, I was the Head of the Paediatric Department at the Medical Health Care Center “Tresnjevka” in Zagreb, providing health care for more than 150,000 inhabitants.

My education spans different areas of medicine, with postgraduate studies in paediatrics, oncology, and cytology. I also have education in the field of mental health care (Balint Education, Family Center - Scandinavian Kempler Institute). One of my interests is the area of preventive medicine, and in 2008, I developed the national guidelines for vaccination procedures in children.

Since 1993, I have participated in programs providing psychosocial help in the refugee camps in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in cooperation with UNHCR, Save the Children Sweden, and the French humanitarian organisations Partage. Among others, I was the head of specialised programs to assist mothers and infants. In 2004, I earned a doctorate on the theme of the impact of war on the growth and development of infants. I focus on refugee mothers and infants and the development of children without parents. Since 2006, I have been engaged by UNICEF as a leading expert in early child development.

I am active in national and international medical associations and societies. I organised six international conferences, received multiple awards, and have been an invited speaker at numerous international events. I have published eighty scientific and professional articles in national and international professional journals, in addition to four textbooks and a popular book: “First Years, Why are They so Important?” which is in its 9th edition.

Accepted medical data

Medical report

Experience and training

February 2023 - Today

Paediatrician, Medical Consultant, Child Policlinic Salvea, Zagreb (Croatia)

April 2017 - May 2023

Associate Professor, Zagreb Medical School, Zagreb (Croatia)

January 1997 - January 2022

Paediatrician, Medical Consultant at Child Policlinic Salvea, Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia, Paediatric Office Dr. Milivoj Jovancevic, Zagreb (Croatia)

January 2004 - January 2004

Title Primarius, Ministry of Health, Zagreb (Croatia)

January 1993 - January 1996

Paediatrician, Paediatric Department, Medical Health Care Center Tresnjevka, Zagreb (Croatia)

January 1986 - December 1990

Residency in Paediatrics, Paediatric Department, University Hospital Rebro, Zagreb (Croatia)

January 1981 - December 1986

General Practitioner, Department for Labor and Sports Medicine, Medical Health Care Center Tresnjevka, Zagreb (Croatia)

Licensures and memberships

Memberships

• President of the Croatian Society for Preventive and Social Paediatrics (2004-2008)
• Head of the Primary Health Care Committee (2002 – 2005)
• European Society for Social Paediatrics and Child Health (leader of the group for development of paediatric practice, member of an Executive Board)
• World Psychiatric Association
• Program Coordinator within the Croatian Psychiatric Association
• Member of a Committee for Primary Health Care Reform within the Ministry of Health
• Member of a Primary Healthcare Section within the Croatian Medical Chamber (2004-2008)
• Brighton Collaboration Group setting standards for management and evaluation of pain following vaccination
• Global Expert Group on Respiratory Viruses