From 8 to 10 July, in collaboration with the Kosovo Ministry of Health, Swiss TPH, and Integrated Health Services, we delivered a three-day leadership module in Pristina. This intensive training was part of a six-module Healthcare Leadership Curriculum aimed at equipping healthcare leaders in Kosovo with the skills and competencies necessary to navigate and lead through the sector’s evolving challenges. 

Anchored in the IHF Leadership Model, which was developed in 2023 with insights from global healthcare leaders, the course supports future-focused healthcare executives by cultivating essential competencies across six key domains: values, self-development, execution, relations, transformation, and context management. Through a structured and interactive approach, participants explored real-world applications of these domains and reflected on how to embed them in their day-to-day leadership practices. 

“This module highlighted the features of transformational leadership, change management, and sustainable healthcare. I am grateful for every idea and every discussion, and this module gave me the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally,” shared Doruntina Hyseni of the Kosovo Hospital and University Clinical Service. 

Faculty presenters, Linda Clark and Maja VanBruggen, guided the 25 participants through interactive discussions, practical examples and exercises to incorporate in their professional lives.  A highlight of the training was the opportunity to use the Carbon Emissions Learning Lab (CELL), a learning tool that allowed participants to work as a team to create a strategic plan and implement actions aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of their hospitals. Thanks to CELL they were also able to explore the role of healthcare leaders to act for their communities, for a healthier planet and healthier people. 

Rina Fusha Behluli of the Kosovo Hospital and University Clinical Service added, “We learned about leadership in times of change, with special emphasis on transformation, innovation, and sustainability in healthcare. A small step toward innovation and sustainability can be part of a greater change in healthcare.”  

The module marked an important milestone in strengthening leadership within Kosovo’s healthcare system. It was an energizing and powerful three days of learning and exchanging information and expertise. Thank you to our new member the Kosovo Ministry of Health, for their engagement and commitment to leadership development.  

Hear more from the IHF’s Director of Professional Development, Linda Clark – on values-based leadership, emotional intelligence, and what it really means to lead through change – in this special podcast recorded during her time in Pristina: https://youtu.be/GVPohXxSd_o?si=7kjSBEnbDUVd_7HP