Career Journey and Leadership at University Medical Centre Ljubljana

Leadership Evolution at University Medical Centre Ljubljana

The career path leading to a leadership role at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana was shaped by a blend of business acumen, marketing experience and healthcare management expertise. The journey began with a chemistry degree and a scholarship from a Slovenian pharmaceutical company. This opened doors to a marketing role covering Central and Eastern Europe, offering exposure to diverse healthcare markets in countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

A rapid career progression followed, with a transition into managing and becoming one of the youngest executive directors at the company. Seeking new challenges, the next step was a role in business restructuring at Slovenia’s only private hospital.

This experience laid the foundation for leading the Surgical Clinic’s business operations at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana. After six years, the transition to corporate security leadership coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the critical nature of crisis management. Post-pandemic, engagement in the European SUNRISE project reinforced the importance of preparedness for future healthcare crises.

Staffing Challenges and Their Impact

One of the most pressing issues at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana is staffing, particularly in nursing. Over the past decade, the educational profile of nurses has shifted—while previously, 60% had a secondary education, today, 60% hold higher education degrees. However, the fundamental nursing needs of patients remain largely unchanged.

Despite this educational shift, salaries and working conditions have not improved significantly, leading to high attrition rates. Many nurses are opting for better-paying jobs outside the healthcare sector, particularly in retail. This shortage of nursing staff negatively impacts patient care and operational efficiency, placing additional strain on the remaining workforce.

Ensuring Alignment with the Hospital’s Mission

To ensure that projects support the hospital’s mission of providing exceptional healthcare, a structured strategy is in place:

• Mission-Driven Project Selection: A formal evaluation process ensures projects align with strategic goals.

• Stakeholder Involvement: Clinicians, administrators and frontline healthcare workers participate in decision-making.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Evidence-based research and performance metrics guide project selection and implementation.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Cross-functional teamwork fosters diverse expertise and perspectives.

• Continuous Quality Improvement: A structured review process (PDCA—Plan, Do, Check, Act) ensures projects are regularly assessed and refined.

• Resource Allocation & Sustainability: Adequate funding, staffing, and technology are prioritized for long-term viability.

• Regulatory Compliance & Ethics: Projects must adhere to healthcare laws, ethical guidelines, and patient privacy regulations.

• Transparent Communication & Training: Clear communication and staff training ensure smooth project implementation.

By incorporating these elements, the hospital enhances patient outcomes while improving efficiency and operational sustainability.

The Role of Professional Development in Project Success

Continuous professional development plays a key role in improving healthcare quality and project success. Training programs ensure that healthcare staff remain up to date with medical advancements, reducing medical errors and enhancing patient safety.

“The future of healthcare is shifting towards patient-centered models, requiring significant workflow changes. Instead of patients moving through multiple departments, healthcare services will be structured around the patient, with technology and staff mobilized accordingly to enhance care and efficiency”

Well-trained staff adapt more easily to new protocols and technologies, improving project implementation. In addition, interdisciplinary communication training strengthens collaboration, leading to efficient workflows and patient-centered care. Providing opportunities for professional development also boosts job satisfaction and staff retention.

Furthermore, continuous education ensures compliance with regulations and accreditation standards, protecting the hospital from legal risks. A culture of learning fosters innovation and encourages staff to propose improvements in patient care and hospital operations.

Effective Communication and Collaboration

Collaboration among multidisciplinary teams—including medical professionals, administrative staff and external stakeholders—is crucial for effective healthcare management. The hospital employs several strategies to facilitate communication:

• Defined Roles & Responsibilities: Clarity in job expectations prevents confusion.

• Regular Communication: Scheduled meetings and structured reporting channels keep teams aligned.

• Shared Platforms & Documentation: Digital tools ensure smooth information sharing.

• Collaborative Decision-Making: A team-based approach strengthens problem-solving.

• Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Clear protocols help address disputes.

• Cultural Competence: Training fosters inclusivity in diverse healthcare environments.

• Feedback Loops: Continuous input from staff and patients improves services.

• Leveraging Technology: Telemedicine and remote collaboration tools enhance communication.

•Training & Continuous Learning: Ongoing education supports teamwork.

These measures contribute to seamless coordination, improved patient care, and operational efficiency.

Emerging Healthcare Trends and Hospital Preparedness

The future of healthcare is shifting towards patient-centered models, requiring significant workflow changes. Instead of patients moving through multiple departments (e.g., laboratory, MRI, CT, OR), healthcare services will be structured around the patient, with technology and staff mobilized accordingly.

Several key trends are shaping healthcare project management:

1. Digital Transformation & AI: Telemedicine, big data analytics, and AI-driven solutions will enhance patient outcomes and optimize hospital workflows.

2. Environmental Sustainability: Green building standards, waste reduction, and sustainable supply chains will become priorities.

3. Workforce Adaptation: Shifting roles and upskilling will be necessary to meet evolving healthcare demands.

The University Medical Centre Ljubljana is actively preparing for these changes by embracing technological innovations and sustainable healthcare solutions.

Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Project Managers

Project management in healthcare is uniquely challenging due to regulatory complexities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and its direct impact on patient care. Aspiring healthcare project managers should consider the following:

• Project Management Methodologies: While traditional Waterfall methods are common, Agile and Lean approaches are increasingly used for flexibility.

• Healthcare System Knowledge: Understanding hospital operations, insurance structures and regulatory requirements is essential.

• Regulatory Awareness: Staying updated on GDPR, data privacy laws, and accreditation standards ensures compliance.

• Patient-Centered Focus: Prioritizing healthcare quality and safety enhances project success.

• Strong Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication across medical and administrative teams is crucial.

• Emotional Intelligence: Managing healthcare teams in high-stress environments requires empathy and leadership.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as patient satisfaction and wait times informs better project planning.

A successful healthcare project manager combines traditional project management skills with specialized healthcare knowledge and a commitment to improving patient outcomes.

Conclusion

The University Medical Centre Ljubljana is navigating complex challenges in staffing, project alignment and healthcare transformation. Through strategic planning, continuous training and technological advancements, the hospital is working to improve patient care and operational efficiency. As healthcare evolves, a focus on sustainability, digital transformation and patient-centered approaches will be key to future success.