In an era where numerous doctors are opting to relocate to Podgorica or abroad, ophthalmology expert Dr. Bojana Miljić has chosen to return to the Bijelo Polje General Hospital, much to the delight of her community.

After making significant contributions at Bijelo Polje Hospital early in her career, Miljić has been practicing at a private clinic in Podgorica since 2021.

The Bijelo Polje Hospital seems to be thriving in recent years under the guidance of Dr. Kenan Erović, especially with a focus on enhancing healthcare services. Following improvements in the pediatrics department and the modern laboratory, the newly adapted surgery and infectious diseases departments were inaugurated on Tuesday, backed by an investment of over half a million euros through the Ministry of Health and the Fund.

Between 2021 and 2024, the management of the institution, with approval from the Ministry of Health, has facilitated 16 specializations and 17 narrow specializations.

These pivotal initiatives aim to elevate the quality of healthcare through modernized facilities and equipment, an expanding network of consultants, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, all of which influenced Miljić’s decision to return.

“I am immensely grateful and excited to be working again at the General Hospital, where through continuous training and skills development, we can greatly benefit the citizens of Bijelo Polje,” she stated. She believes that enhanced conditions will lead to improvements in ophthalmology, making it possible to retain more patients locally rather than referring them to the Clinical Center.

A native of Bijelo Polje, Miljić completed her high school education here before graduating from the Faculty of Medicine in Belgrade in 2008. Following her internship at the Health Center and Kotor General Hospital, she took on the role of a general practitioner at the Health Center in Bijelo Polje, while also working part-time at the Emergency Medical Service Institute, garnering immense trust from her community.

“Being in daily contact with numerous patients presents a unique opportunity for hands-on training and education. The familiarity of the local population, with whom I share a common background, aids in understanding them better as patients, ultimately leading to improved diagnoses. Working during a time when population displacement wasn’t widespread was fulfilling yet challenging, but serving my city significantly enriched my experience and allowed me to achieve my goals as a specialist,” Miljić expressed, noting that this journey has also been beneficial for her development as a specialist physician.

She began her specialization in ophthalmology in 2012 at the Faculty of Medicine in Belgrade, graduating with honors.

“My passion for ophthalmology developed during my time as a registered physician. I initiated my specialization at the Clinical Center of Montenegro, later continuing my training in Belgrade for an additional two years.”

Miljić believes that the field of ophthalmology in Montenegro has reached commendable heights:

“Over the past seven to eight years, great strides have been made in enhancing this specialty, achieving a high level of expertise in terms of both personnel and equipment that is now comparable to European standards.”

Regarding her decision to return to Bijelo Polje, she mentioned it was an immediate but considered choice after being influenced by the director of Bijelo Polje Hospital.

“Dr. Erović laid out strategies to establish a framework for improving healthcare in terms of examinations, diagnostics, and treatments for ophthalmological patients, aiming to decrease the number of patients traveling from Bijelo Polje, and even from the northern regions, to the KCCG. Initially, this proposal seemed ambitious yet entirely achievable.”

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