UPMC Expands Global Footprint with New Cancer Center in Croatia
Ceremony attended by country dignitaries celebrates enhanced access to world-class oncology care
26 March 2025
ZABOK, Croatia – UPMC marks a significant milestone in expanding multinational access to its world-class cancer network with the grand opening of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Croatia. Located on the campus of Zabok General Hospital and Croatian Veterans Hospital, approximately 25 miles from the Croatian capital of Zagreb and near the Slovenian border, the new UPMC Hillman brings advanced cancer treatments and cutting-edge diagnostics to people in Croatia and surrounding countries.
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at Zabok General Hospital is UPMC’s first endeavor in Croatia, a collaboration between UPMC and Croatian health leaders. The center offers comprehensive cancer services, including radiation oncology, medical oncology and PET-CT diagnostics, significantly improving access to high-quality cancer care in the region.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by the Croatian Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Croatia and leaders from UPMC, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and UPMC International.
“We are honored to bring the Life Changing Medicine of UPMC to Croatia,” said Joel Nelson, M.D., executive vice president of UPMC and president of UPMC International. “UPMC has collaborated with the Croatian Health Ministry and key leaders to understand and address the unique health care needs of the region. This new center will provide local access to world-class cancer care, supporting the Croatian health system's efforts to advance cancer prevention, detection and treatment.”
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at Zabok General Hospital is the sixth UPMC Hillman Cancer Center located in Europe — joining nearly 80 centers within the international UPMC Hillman network across the northeast United States, Italy, Ireland and now Croatia.
With nearly 20 years of experience delivering international oncology care, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center works closely with local governments to ensure that both public and private patients can receive treatment at UPMC facilities.
“Our center is powered by a dedicated team of skilled and compassionate physicians and staff members who have worked tirelessly to design and build comprehensive oncology care that is unique in this region,” said Elizabeth Wild, president, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “We look forward to collaborating with the Health Ministry and local hospitals and physicians to inspire hope, deliver state-of-the-art care and propel innovation to impact the lives of cancer patients in Croatia and beyond.”
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is internationally recognized for its expertise in evidence-based treatments and clinical trials, offering options that were previously unavailable in local communities. The new center in Croatia will fuel its mission to advance life-saving cancer treatment through groundbreaking research, innovation and global collaboration — creating access to care for those who need it most.
About UPMC International
UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) is a renowned multinational academic medical center committed to delivering Life Changing Medicine close to home. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the United States and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shapes the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research and education.
UPMC expands its expertise globally, bringing world-class care across continents through its UPMC International division — an owned and operated network of hospitals and advanced ambulatory care centers in Italy, Ireland and now Croatia. UPMC International brings new access to the signature specialty services of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Sports Medicine and others to more people in more places around the world.
About UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center connects patients to the integrated expertise of leading clinicians, academic researchers, specialty programs and treatment centers. By partnering with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the region, is accelerating the breakthroughs from the lab to clinical practice around the world. UPMC - nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for excellence in cancer care — has more than 70 cancer treatment locations throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and Maryland as well as centers in Ireland, Italy and Croatia. Backed by the collective strength of UPMC, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center provides leading-edge treatments and the latest in clinical investigations to transform cancer research, care and prevention — one patient at a time.