Pronatal is a leading group that has over 400 experts, ensuring that each of the approximately 7,000 couples it supports each year receives the same high standard of care, service, and success in assisted reproduction, says Dr Sanja Sibinčić Ph.D.
As the head of four regional Pronatal clinics, our interviewee isn’t merely an outstanding doctor and scientist, but also an excellent manager, esteemed lecturer, educator and visionary. With her we discussed trends in IVF, regenerative medicine, medical tourism and the profound beauty of making someone’s dreams come true by creating new life.
What are the key advantages and privileges of being part of a major European IVF group?
— The advantages are truly signifi cant, particularly in terms of international collaboration and the exchange of knowledge accumulated over decades, which greatly supports our long-term strategic planning.
We’ve focused on training young doctors and embryologists over the past two years, and being part of a group has been instrumental in this effort. A large team of experts enables education across various fi elds, while the high number of patients provides invaluable hands-on experience. The diverse expertise of our specialists creates an outstanding assemblage of the latest techniques used at renowned clinics worldwide. Our personnel have the opportunity to interact with colleagues from 11 centres, share experiences, strengthen their team spirit and enhance their sense of belonging to the group.
Four IVF clinics in the region are today part of the Pronatal Group. What is the group’s vision for the future?
— Given that Pronatal has worked with a large number of patients from the area of the former Yugoslavia, our aim was to bring our services closer to them. In Zagreb and Banja Luka, we acquired clinics with a 20-year tradition that had the best success rates and the highest patient numbers. We built new clinics in Belgrade and Rijeka that are on their way to becoming leading institutions in their respective countries. Just as we have expanded around this region, Pronatal now aims to establish operations in Germany, where we are fi nalising a major acquisition. We will determine our next steps after that.
Are patients in our region now able to receive the same quality of service, care and success rates in assisted reproduction as patients of leading European centres?
— As I oversee all four clinics in the region, I can state with confi dence that we provide top-tier services at each location, under the mentorship of our colleagues in Prague. During joint meetings, we compare results, ensure the highest standards of equipment and plan new procedures. Serbia has also made significant progress by introducing a donor programme for couples and individuals, meaning that we now offer an even broader range of IVF services than most European countries.
You were the first in Serbia to introduce a holistic approach to preparing patients for pregnancy and IVF. What led to this initiative?
— I’ve worked with more than 30,000 couples over the past 30 years, and I’ve always understood the importance of preparation and bringing the body to an optimal condition. Acknowledging that IVF is a psychologically demanding process, particularly after multiple unsuccessful attempts, we established a holistic team to empower patients and equip them with the knowledge required to navigate challenging situations, as well as to help them achieve harmony between mind, body and emotions.
Patients at our Belgrade clinic are supported by a nutritionist specialising in diet and supplementation for IVF preparation, as well as a psychologist, psychotherapist, quantum medicine specialists and a therapist who leads specially designed breathing exercises. This approach has yielded outstanding results and our satisfied patients are our driving force, inspiring us to persevere and seek new solutions. We have many more innovations planned, in line with the latest research and trends.
IVF in Serbia, particularly at your clinic, is performed by top experts who achieve excellent results, yet the costs are lower than in Europe. Could this attract international patients?
— We already receive a significant number of international patients, as our clinic is the only one offering several advanced regenerative medicine treatments. Our goal is to introduce as many patients as possible to our work, and we are confident that these unique methods will attract even more people from abroad.
While regenerative medicine is still a developing field and is thus very expensive, we provide these treatments at our centre in Belgrade. These methods are available at only a few world-renowned clinics, mostly in the U.S., but our prices are far more accessible. Thanks to regenerative medicine, we are already part of the growing medical tourism sector.
The story of Pronatal wouldn’t be complete without your personal journey. How is it possible to simultaneously be an exceptional doctor, scientist, manager, lecturer and educator? We must have missed something!
— Today, almost three decades after I first felt the profound calling to be part of this remarkable journey – the journey of creating new life – I can state confidently that I didn’t choose this profession; rather it chose me. I was fortunate to discover my purpose early on, to understand what I could contribute to the world and how I could help others. Out of immense gratitude and love, I live this story every day. However, it requires immense discipline, deep dedication, a strong drive for knowledge and a constant commitment to remain at the forefront of advancements.
Believing in myself, my team and my mission to help others, as well as continuous learning and sacrifice, have paved the way to my success. Through my practice, I have met thousands of patients facing some of life’s toughest challenges – people fighting for the chance to have a child.
Our goal is to introduce as many patients as possible to our work, and we are confident that these unique methods will attract even more international patients
These encounters shape you profoundly; they teach you how to be a better person and how to view the world through the lens of love and understanding. Without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
I have been fortunate to experience every stage of this profession, and that has been invaluable in giving me a broader perspective and enabling me to easily lead teams across four clinics. Managing people at IVF clinics isn’t just about administration – it is primarily about understanding emotions, fears and hopes. It is about inspiring confidence, instilling faith in success and demonstrating unwavering support. It is about fostering an atmosphere of trust and belonging, where every team member feels valued and respected. Because it is only in such an environment that we can achieve our ultimate goal: fulfilling the dreams of those who come to us with hope in their hearts.
What advice would you give to young professionals who are just starting their careers in your field?
— Being part of the process of creating life is the greatest blessing and privilege, making this profession truly special. In order to succeed, you must be dedicated, empathetic, responsible and passionate about learning. When you approach it in this way, the job itself will carry you forward, revealing its most beautiful aspects. There is no greater joy than seeing the smiling faces of parents holding their newborn in their arms. Everything changes at that moment, filling you with the immense energy of happiness, knowing you have been part of a team that brings joy to others.
The Pronatal Academy is always open to those who recognise these values, enabling them to acquire new knowledge and, in time, receive the opportunity to become part of our international team, which embraces diversity. This is a profession that brings “a happiness greater than all others”, which is the reason it is the most beautiful job in the world.
