Department of Nephrology
The Department of Nephrology at the University Medical Centre Maribor has a long-standing tradition, as the Section for Nephrology and Haemodialysis was established at the end of 1973 under the leadership of Prim. Jože Hojs, MD. In 1974, the first haemodialysis was performed at our institution, marking the beginning of organised care for patients with kidney diseases in the wider Štajerska region. Subsequent heads continued pioneering his subsequent work: Andrej Požar, MD (1990–1998), Prof. Radovan Hojs, MD, PhD (1998–1999), Prof. Breda Pečovnik Balon, MD, PhD (1999–2011), and Prof. Sebastjan Bevc, MD, PhD (from 2011).
Steady progress in nephrology and dialysis, as well as in research and teaching activities, has contributed to the recognition of the department and its staff both nationally and internationally. Alongside medical progress, significant development also took place in nursing care. The first head nurse was Marjeta Kok (1975–1998), followed by Marina Rižnar, RN (1998–2008), and Cvetka Krel, PhD, MSc Health Sciences (2008–2025). The current professional head of nursing at the department is Barbara Roškar Štiftar, MSc Health Sciences (from 2025).
In 1993, the section became the Department of Nephrology. Today, the Department of Nephrology and the Department of Dialysis operate as separate units, while working closely together in the comprehensive care of patients with acute and chronic kidney disease, in the preparation of patients for kidney replacement therapy — haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplantation — and in the management of complications of advanced kidney disease.
The Department of Nephrology is known for the early introduction of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Among the first in Slovenia, the department introduced:
- renal Doppler ultrasound examination,
- kidney biopsy,
- and developed collaboration with specialists in endocrinology, rheumatology, cardiology, ophthalmology and other specialities, with the aim of early recognition of systemic complications in kidney patients, such as visual impairment, skeletal changes, and metabolic disorders.
Particular emphasis is also placed on a multidisciplinary approach in preparing patients for kidney transplantation, which is performed by nephrologists from the University Medical Centre Ljubljana.
As part of the department’s activities, we provide:
- nephrology outpatient services,
- inpatient care for acute and chronic nephrology patients,
- inpatient care for acute and chronic internal medicine patients,
- kidney biopsies,
- provision of appropriate access for kidney replacement therapy,
- management of systemic diseases with kidney involvement, such as vasculitis and lupus,
- diagnosis and treatment of arterial hypertension,
- counselling for patients with advanced kidney failure,
- and educational activities for patients and their relatives.
Special emphasis is also placed on research and teaching activities. The department participates in numerous national and international studies and is actively involved in educating medical students, residents, and young researchers.
The Department of Nephrology at University Medical Centre Maribor holds the status of a reference centre of the European Renal Association (ERA), confirming its professional excellence and integration into the European professional environment.
The Department of Nephrology at University Medical Centre Maribor holds the status of a Centre of Excellence within the European Society of Hypertension (ESH).
