Anđela has always been drawn to science, and that natural curiosity is what ultimately led her to medicine - "it seemed like the perfect way to dive into the scientific world while also helping other people," she says. The shift to technology wasn’t something she planned, but she realised technology may drive more significant changes than she could achieve in a clinical setting alone, and that is where Better came into her life. Besides being one of the key clinical data modellers in the openEHR community, Anđela is also a fitness enthusiast, a big movie admirer with a love for languages, and a passionate traveller. And what does Better mean to her? "New opportunities, personal growth, and a sense of belonging". Get to know Anđela in an interview below.
My transition from medical practice to data modelling was driven by a desire to apply my medical knowledge on a broader scale, though I didn’t always know how that would take shape. Early in my studies and career, it was easy to get caught up in the day-to-day work of the clinic. Sometimes, all it takes is coming across an inspiring video, reading an insightful article, or meeting the right person to spark your interest and open your eyes to the vast potential of technology in healthcare - that’s what happened to me. Having a front-row seat to how healthcare operates, I realised that technology may drive more significant changes than I could achieve in a clinical setting alone.
I don’t have the typical 'I knew I wanted to be a doctor from a young age' story. I’ve always been very curious and eager to learn about a wide range of topics. In high school, I mostly studied literature and languages, but I always felt drawn to science. That natural curiosity is what ultimately led me to medicine - it seemed like the perfect way to dive into the scientific world while also helping other people. As for the shift to technology, it wasn’t something I planned, but as I progressed in my medical career, I started to see how much potential technology had to transform healthcare. Eventually, technology took the lead because it allowed me to apply my knowledge in ways I hadn’t previously imagined. I want to give a special shoutout to my husband, who selflessly shared his IT knowledge with me, my understanding co-workers, and my mentor, all of whom made this transition as seamless as possible.
Medical training involves, of course, a lot of studying, but it’s the clinical practice that really grounds your knowledge. Even so, it’s only when you start working independently that you truly gain insight into how healthcare systems function on a day-to-day basis. My real-life experience in the healthcare system gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges clinicians face, from workflow inefficiencies to data management issues. I can apply my knowledge to ensure that the models we create are clinically relevant and practical, not just technically solid. Having a medical background isn’t just about understanding the flow of clinical work - it also helps me recognise potential risks and design data models that mitigate them. I always think about how data will be used by healthcare professionals and what’s needed to make their jobs easier and more effective.
I don’t have any specific project in mind, because it’s not always the complexity of the project itself that makes it difficult - it often depends on who you are working with on the other side. The most challenging situations usually arise when there’s a lack of communication or when we don’t receive the information we need timely. I really appreciate working with responsive clients who are willing to collaborate and share as much detail as possible. Good communication and clear expectations can make even the most complex project run smoothly.
If you are already considering the shift - go for it. I’m always excited to see fellow doctors looking to apply their medical knowledge in new ways and contribute to the advancement of healthcare through technology, especially since it’s still relatively uncommon for doctors to make this shift. In clinical practice, it’s easy to get caught up in routine tasks, and sometimes you lose sight of the broader impact you can have. Stepping into the tech space allows you to see healthcare from a new perspective and make contributions that can benefit entire populations. It’s also an opportunity to develop new skills, which may someday come in handy. Like with any other job, being multidisciplinary is always an asset. So, I strongly encourage that leap - you’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish.
I haven’t closed the door to practising medicine, and I don’t think I ever will. You can never predict exactly where your career will take you, and I’m open to the possibility of returning to clinical practice one day. I still have a deep love for medicine and being directly involved with patients. That said, I believe the skills and knowledge I’ve gained through clinical modelling and working with data can only be beneficial if I choose to practice medicine again in the future. For now, I’m enjoying the opportunity to contribute to healthcare in a different capacity, but I’ll always keep an open mind to new possibilities.
My hope for the future of openEHR is that it becomes the gold standard for healthcare data interoperability, allowing for the smooth exchange of information across different systems. I hope for a future where openEHR helps break down data silos, ensuring that healthcare providers have access to patient records regardless of the platform or geography. This could revolutionise clinical practices by enabling more informed decision-making, reducing medical errors, and eventually improving care. Moreover, I think openEHR has a critical role in emerging technologies like AI and machine learning, allowing these tools to analyse high-quality, structured data and provide valuable insights that improve personalised medicine and preventative care.
It truly is a unique experience. Recommending a friend or family member for a role can be tricky because you feel responsible for their performance, both good and bad. But with Ana, I never had any doubts - she’s hardworking, curious, and reliable, and it took courage for her to step into this role. Introducing her to the world of openEHR was a bit easier, as we could have plenty of discussions outside the office. We are very close in our personal lives, and our shared family connection adds a layer of support, but we still approach our work professionally. You’d have to ask her if she feels the same, though.
I grew up and studied in Serbia, and really enjoyed every moment of my life there. But I always felt there was more out there to explore. So I decided to spend some time studying abroad, and I picked Italy. Going to a new country, completely on my own, was a big leap into the unknown and stepping out of my comfort zone was both exciting and nerve-wracking. But it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It showed me how much we are capable of when we embrace change rather than fear it, and motivated me to continue expanding my horizons after my studies. I eventually chose to move to Slovenia to begin my PhD studies because it felt familiar - I already had some friends here and is close to my home country (and Italy). Finding out about Better, realising they had offices in Slovenia, and eventually working here was the perfect way to bring it all together. When it comes to what I miss most from my home country, it’s definitely the people - family and friends. But Slovenia and Serbia are so close, both physically and culturally, that I don’t feel too far away from home.
For me, Better represents new opportunities, personal growth, and a sense of belonging. Moving to a new country, learning a new language, and switching from medicine to IT were all huge changes happening at the same time, but I never felt out of place. Every one of my co-workers made me feel respected and valued for my expertise, which helped ease the uncertainty of these big transitions. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, these changes became exciting opportunities for growth, thanks to the supportive and welcoming environment I found here.