TOP MEDICAL STUDENTS FROM BANJA LUKA TO ATTEND SUMMER SCHOOL IN CHINA

Two of the most successful students from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Banja Luka will take part in a summer school program in China from July 12 to August 2, alongside fellow students from Belgrade.

PHOTO: Nezavisne novine

During the program, they will visit the Faculty of Technology at Dalian University and BGI, one of the world's leading companies in the field of genetics and biotechnology.

Reward for Academic Excellence

According to Ranko Škrbić, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, the opportunity is a reward for outstanding academic achievement and follows the positive experiences of the faculty's professional staff during a visit to China earlier this year.

"After our staff had very positive experiences earlier this year, we decided to reward two of our highest-achieving students by sending them to a summer school in China. Anđela Savić, a fifth-year student with a GPA of 9.18, and Nemanja Rodić, a sixth-year student with a GPA of 9.10, will spend two weeks at Dalian University, followed by one week in Shenzhen visiting BGI, the world's largest producer of genetic tests. In this way, we are giving our students the opportunity to become familiar with cutting-edge technological solutions and the future of medicine," Škrbić said.

A Great Honor

Anđela Savić, a fifth-year medical student, said she earned the opportunity thanks to her academic success and extracurricular engagement.

"The program is intended for students who stand out through their academic achievements and motivation for further professional development. I am especially proud to represent the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Banja Luka and my country in such an international program. It is a great honor when someone recognizes your hard work and dedication," Savić said.

She added that such recognition confirms that commitment pays off while also bringing responsibility to continue learning, improving, and representing the faculty in the best possible way.

Learning from Global Leaders

Nemanja Rodić, a sixth-year student, explained that the invitation came through the Committee for International Exchange of Medical Students of Republika Srpska (SaMSIC).

"The two of us were selected to represent the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Banja Luka, and we will be joined by students from the Faculties of Medicine and Biology at the University of Belgrade," Rodić said, adding that opportunities like this provide students with strong motivation for further development.

The program begins with activities focused on Chinese culture, followed by scientific lectures, laboratory visits, and practical workshops before concluding with the most demanding scientific segment at BGI.

"The program includes lectures, practical workshops, laboratory visits, and an introduction to the latest achievements in Chinese medicine and healthcare. Besides the academic part, we will have the opportunity to learn about Chinese culture, history, and everyday life. I want to make the most of every day, gain new knowledge, establish international contacts, and exchange experiences with students from around the world," Savić said.

She noted that she is particularly interested in visiting BGI, one of the world's leading biotechnology centers, where she hopes to learn more about DNA extraction and modification technologies, which she considers the future of medical diagnostics and treatment.

Rodić shares this enthusiasm, emphasizing that the latest advances in DNA modification have the potential to transform medicine by making it possible to treat diseases that are currently considered fatal or terminal.

No Secret Formula for Success

Asked about the secret behind their academic success, both students agreed that there is no universal formula.

Rodić revealed that he studies best in public places surrounded by people and background noise and that one of the biggest challenges was learning to disconnect from university obligations during his free time.

Savić emphasized that consistency is the key to success.

"I try to study regularly, stay curious, and truly understand what I am learning. It is equally important to maintain a balance between university and other activities that contribute to personal growth," she said, encouraging younger students to embrace every opportunity, even when it seems challenging, because such experiences often make the greatest difference in both professional and personal development.