Zagreb, October 9, 2026 I Hotel Westin, Zagreb

Women in Healthcare Forum

Women Who Heal & Lead
For Healthcare’s Changemakers

Be part of the transformation

The Women in Healthcare Forum is a leading event dedicated to advancing women in healthcare and shaping the future of the industry.

Why does this Forum matter?

This is not just another conference. The Women in Healthcare Forum is a platform where women in healthcare - physicians, nurses, midwives, healthcare professionals, managers, scientists, pharmacists and entrepreneurs - connect, exchange experiences with relevant partners and jointly reflect on the future of the system.

Constructive dialogue with men is a key part of this process. A better healthcare system can only be built together, which is why the Forum is also open to men who wish to have an active role in driving change.

Facts

Women make up more than 70% of the workforce, both at the global and EU level and in Croatia, and around 58% of all graduates in medicine and health sciences*.


Despite the increase in the number of women in medicine, their share among oncology specialists still lags behind.**
BUT
Women hold only 25% of leadership roles in healthcare worldwide***.
If they run the system, why not lead it too?Are we ready to make a change?

Our objectives

Open doors to decision-making.

Ensure that the expertise of women in healthcare is present where priorities are set, strategic decisions are made, and key partnerships are forged.

Connect and empower.

Enable purposeful networking with leading companies, institutions and experts, together with mentoring support that accelerates professional growth and leadership development.

Remove barriers.

Identify and dismantle stereotypes and structural obstacles, positioning women’s leadership as a clearly recognized strategic advantage for organizations and the healthcare system.

Why attend?

Connect with leaders in healthcare.

Meet key decision-makers from hospitals, industry, public institutions and the private sector, and open doors to collaboration, mentorship and new projects.

Learn together.

Hear candid stories from women leaders who have faced challenges, delivered results and are transforming the system – and turn their experience into your own strategy.

Take a step forward for your career and organization.

Leave with new ideas, practical tools and a professional network that supports your next move – whether you are a specialist, manager or entrepreneur.

Participants and speakers

Leaders of hospitals, clinics and polyclinics, public health institutions, pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies and health tech start-ups.

Experts in medicine and science, healthcare professionals and key stakeholders across the healthcare system.

Representatives of ministries, public health agencies and public health institutions.

Representatives of professional associations and patient organisations.
Professionals who wish to expand their impact, networks and scope of responsibility.

Change-makers committed to high-quality leadership, innovation and the advancement of the healthcare system.

Agenda

10:30–11:00

Registration

11:00–11:10

Opening Ceremony

Welcome remarks by the organizers and partners

11:10–11:30

Opening Interview

Between Career, Family and Responsibility

Women in Healthcare: A Profession That Doesn’t End When the Shift Does

A conversation about professional commitment, public responsibility, and the importance of mutual support in demanding careers and life roles. The focus is on the experience of women who, despite great professional and social responsibility, remain true to their calling and actively contribute to the development of the healthcare system and community.

11:30–12:00

Panel discussion

The Women Behind the Healthcare System

Women in Healthcare: Challenges and System Realities

The panel raises the question of the real position of women in the healthcare system – from employment and advancement to everyday challenges in the workplace. The discussion covers professional development, work-life balance, the role of mentoring, and the importance of institutional support in creating more sustainable and inclusive healthcare system.

12:00–12:10

Keynote

Women Who Care for Everyone, but Who Cares for Them?

The Power of Vocation

A keynote dedicated to nurses, midwives, doctors and other healthcare professionals who carry a heavy professional and emotional burden every day. The focus is on the importance of mental health care, recognizing their role and creating a system that provides greater support for those who care for others.

12:10–12:40

Panel discussion

A System That Encourages: Women In Oncology

Women Shaping the Future of Oncology Care

The panel opens a conversation about the position of women in oncology, a field that simultaneously demands top expertise, emotional resilience and continuous presence with patients. It will discuss professional development, the representation of women in leadership and research roles, the challenge of balancing intensive clinical work with private life, and the importance of a system that recognizes and supports the long-term sustainability of women in oncology.

12:40–13:00

Break & Networking

13:00–13:30

Inspirational Stories

“Game Changers” – Inspirational Stories of Professional Journeys, Turning Points and Personal Motivations

Personal stories that inspire change in healthcare

Honest and personal stories of women from different parts of the healthcare system, sharing key moments, decisions, and turning points that have shaped both their professional and personal journeys. Board presidents, physicians, directors, nurses, and midwives come together to speak. No presentations, no filters, just personal stories, lived experiences, emotions, and concrete turning points.

13:30–14:00

Panel discussion

Women Shaping the Future of the Pharmaceutical Industry and Healthcare

Transforming the industry through greater inclusion of women in decision-making.

The panel opens a discussion about women who now occupy high professional and managerial positions in the pharmaceutical industry and the healthcare system, which was not often the case before. It discusses how the approach to hiring, advancement and inclusion of women in decision-making processes has chaned over the past decades, and what key factors have enabled this change.

14:00–14:10

Keynote

From Idea to Private Clinic: Women Shaping the Face of Healthcare Entrepreneurship

Development of private practice and challenges of healthcare entrepreneurship

An inspiring story about the development of private healthcare practices and the entrepreneurial journey of women who are changing the healthcare sector with their work. It focuses on the challenges of starting your own business, building patient trust, and creating a sustainable healthcare brand.

14:10–14:30

Panel discussion

Women and Private Entrepreneurship in Healthcare

Women Building Their Own Path in Healthcare

We present the career challenges of women who are building their own clinics, pharmacies, and healthcare business models. We talk about entrepreneurship in the healthcare industry, regulatory and financial challenges, and building brand and patient trust, with examples of collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry, banks, and insurers.

 

14:30–15:00

Closing Plenary: Co-creating the Action Agenda

The final part of the conference brings together key conclusions and proposals for further improvement of the position of women in healthcare.

Awards Ceremony: “Medical Women Impact Award”

The program ends with an awards ceremony “Medical Women Impact Award”, award to individuals who have left a significant mark on the healthcare system and society with their work, in the last 12 months. 

15:00–18:30

Lunch, Networking & Party

Single Award "Medical Women Impact Award"

Recognizing, rewarding, and encouraging women who are changing healthcare.
Women in Healthcare Forum gives away this award to celebrate leadership, innovation and advocacy that improve patient outcomes, equity, workforce culture and system performance.

Who’s eligible

Women working in or with healthcare (clinicians, managers, entrepreneurs, educators, policy/public-health leaders).

Requirement

Demonstrable, measurable impact in the last 12 months.

Note: Jury members are not eligible to apply.

Categories

One award recognizes overall contribution to the healthcare system and industry.

Evaluation criteria (simplified)

Impact — 50% (proven, measurable results and reach)
Innovation — 25% (novel approaches/solutions)
Leadership & Inclusion — 25% (team leadership; advancing equity and inclusion)

Jury (3 members)

Independent three-member jury from diverse sectors (e.g., clinical, academic/science, industry). Conflicts of interest are disclosed; recusal as required.

Winner benefits

On-stage recognition at the Women in Healthcare Forum.

Key dates

Nominations open: June 1, 2026
Deadline: October 1, 2026
Ceremony: at the Forum 

How to nominate 

Please send the following to the email address info@paradigma.biz:

  • Candidate details (full name, institution/organization/company/association)
  • Description of contribution (up to 400 words)
  • Up to three supporting documents/links (publications, projects, metrics)
  • One recommendation (contact information)

Join us to accelerate transformation in healthcare

Single - Early Bird 
 (until 31/07)
€250
Single - Late Bird
(from 01/08)
€300
Special Offer - 1+1
(two passes):
(from 31/07)
€400
(€200 per person)

Payment & invoicing

Credit/debit card or bank transfer. VAT [excluded]. Pro-forma invoice available.
For invoices, please contact us via email: info@paradigma.biz

Sponsorships & Partnerships

Connect your brand with key stakeholders across the healthcare system.

Contact us via email:
info@paradigma.biz

What you gain?

Standout visibility before, during, and after the conference

Direct access to decision-makers and specialist audiences

Tailored brand activations (keynote, panel, showcase)

PR and digital reach through our
official channels

ORGANIZER:
Paradigma Agency
Contact: 01/4400 492
info@paradigma.biz