Zagreb, April 10, 2025 – The Croatian Association of People with Scleroderma (HUOS), represented by president Jadranka Brozd and secretary Adrijana Stublić, participated in the inspiring FUTURE IS NOW – 22nd Conference on Healthcare Innovation, held at WESPA Business & Lounge in Zagreb.

We were invited to the conference thanks to the organizers – Andrea Staničić, also a HUOS member, and Mladen Kovaček. We sincerely thank them for their support and the opportunity to be part of such an important event.

👉 Learn more about the FUTURE IS NOW conference

At the booth: President Jadranka Brozd, member and volunteer Andrea Staničić, and secretary Adrijana Stublić

Innovation that helps patients – today

The main goal of the FUTURE IS NOW conference was to highlight how innovation and technology are already helping patients, doctors, and the healthcare system – through practical and accessible solutions available right now, not just in the distant future.

We attended many lectures, and were especially inspired by:

The potential of AI in primary healthcare

Dr. Ino Protrka, family medicine specialist and director of the Zagreb Centar Health Centre, presented how artificial intelligence is being used in daily practice – from organizational processes to diagnostics.

His talk encouraged us to explore the potential of AI tools for early detection of scleroderma symptoms, which could significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Technology is transforming biology

Assoc. Prof. Maja Baretić, internist, endocrinologist, and diabetologist at KBC Zagreb, demonstrated how advanced technologies are changing the way diabetes is treated.

These examples show how vital innovation is for improving the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses – and we hope to see similar progress for those living with scleroderma.

HUOS at the STUDENTS FAIR

In parallel with the main conference, the STUDENTS FAIR took place – aimed at students in biomedicine, healthcare, and STEM fields. HUOS hosted its own booth, which we personally designed and built for this and future events.

At the booth, we:

• Presented the work of our Association
• Spoke with students and healthcare professionals
• Collected donations

As a thank-you for donations, we offered handmade items created by our members:

• Đurđica Novak: crocheted Easter eggs, ceramic bowls, and earrings
• Ružica Vugrin: wild oregano tea, hand-picked in the Žumberak mountains
• Ružica from Slavonski Brod: Easter cards, stickers, and bookmarks

🎁 These items are now available as thank-you gifts for online donations (only sending in Croatia).