asst. prof. Irena Hrstić, MD, PhD

Asst. Prof. Irena Hrstić, MD, PhD, is the current Minister of Health of the Republic of Croatia, appointed to the position in December 2024.

She graduated from the University of Zagreb School of Medicine, where she also completed a postgraduate scientific program in biomedicine, earning both a master’s and a doctoral degree under the mentorship of Prof. Boris Vucelić, PhD. She completed her specialization in internal medicine and subspecialization in gastroenterology and hepatology at the University Hospital Centre Rebro. She furthered her professional training in the Netherlands, Canada, and Germany, and expanded her medical expertise with knowledge in healthcare management.

She began her professional career as a medical intern at the Dubrava Health Center, after which she spent 15 years at University Hospital Centre Zagreb, working at the Department of Gastroenterology within the Clinic for Internal Medicine. In 2012, she joined the General Hospital Pula, where she soon became Director and held the position until 2024. In July 2024, she was appointed State Secretary at the Ministry of Health.

In addition to her clinical work, Irena Hrstić is active in academia as an associate professor at the University of Rijeka School of Medicine and at Juraj Dobrila University of Pula. She is the author of numerous scientific and professional papers and a speaker at national and international conferences. She served for many years as the Secretary of the Croatian Society of Gastroenterology, is a member of several national and international medical organizations, and collaborates with professional associations and patient advocacy groups. Throughout her career, she has stood out for her organizational skills and humanitarian work.