The legendary Silba doctor is retiring as a doctor, paramedic and a lifeline to the people of three islands

Dr. Branka Živković Duvnjak has retired after three decades of service, leaving behind a legacy of medical care on three remote islands off the coast of Croatia. The doctor, who spent her entire career providing healthcare on the islands of Silba, Olib, and Premuda, officially handed over her duties during a formal ceremony in the clinic on Silba. She will be succeeded by Dr. Damir Kruško, an experienced emergency physician with extensive experience working in isolated island environments. Dr. Kruško previously worked at the Zadar County Emergency Medicine Institute and at an emergency station on the island of Ugljan. He applied for the position on Silba through a competition organized by the Zadar County Health Center. According to Marko Kolega, director of the health center, Dr. Kruško's background in emergency medicine and his familiarity with island conditions make him well-suited to continue the high-quality care that Dr. Živković Duvnjak provided for decades. Dr. Živković Duvnjak began her career on Silba nearly 30 years ago, arriving from her hometown of Sisak on the mainland. In her early years, she described the challenges of adapting to life on the island, where she had to act both as a general practitioner and an emergency responder. There were no luxuries such as referring patients to specialists in the city, as boats only traveled to Zadar once daily. This required her to make quick decisions and take full responsibility for patient outcomes immediately. Over time, the dynamics of living on Silba have changed significantly. Once a quiet and largely unknown island, Silba has become a popular summer destination, attracting artists and visitors drawn to its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere. During the summer months, the population swells to around six thousand people, compared to approximately 300 residents during the winter. This seasonal shift has transformed the nature of her work, with summer bringing a surge in emergencies ranging from heart attacks and poisonings to injuries and alcohol-related incidents. During the winter, Dr. Živković Duvnjak focused on elderly care, often visiting neighboring islands of Olib and Premuda. On Olib, which has a population of just 150 people, she would travel by boat twice a week. On Premuda, where there are only about 50 residents, she could see all her patients in a single day. Despite the physical demands, she emphasized the importance of human connection in her practice, noting that many of her patients valued conversation and companionship as much as medical treatment. Dr. Živković Duvnjak’s retirement marks the end of an era for the communities of Silba, Olib, and Premuda. Her successor, Dr. Kruško, has been welcomed by locals who view him as someone already familiar with the unique challenges of island medicine. With his background in emergency services and maritime transport, he is expected to maintain the continuity of care that these communities have relied upon for decades. The transition comes at a time when the islands are experiencing increased tourism and changing demographics. While the arrival of new residents brings economic benefits, it also poses challenges for local healthcare systems. As Dr. Kruško begins his role, he faces the task of balancing the needs of both permanent residents and temporary visitors while ensuring that the quality of care remains consistent with the standards set by his predecessor. Dr. Živković Duvnjak’s contributions to the health and well-being of islanders have left a lasting impact. Her decision to retire reflects the culmination of a long and dedicated career, one that has shaped the lives of countless individuals across three islands. As she steps away from her professional responsibilities, the focus shifts to ensuring that her legacy continues through the efforts of the new generation of healthcare providers.