The textbook "Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery", authored by Colonel Professor Dr. Nebojša Marić, Head of the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the Clinic for Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery of the Military Medical Academy, was presented at the Serbian Army Hall.

At this well-attended event, the book was presented on an innovative minimally invasive technique for detailed examination of the chest, the so-called VATS method, and it represents a collection of experiences from the author's decades-long practice in thoracic surgery.

The Rector of the University of Defense, Brigadier General Professor Dr. Boban Đorović, the editor of the publication Mirjana Sandić, and the author spoke at the promotion.

Speaking about the work, Mirjana Sandić, the editor of the book, emphasized that it was created for the needs of teaching the subject of Surgery, in the fifth year of integrated academic studies of medicine, as well as for doctors in health specialization: “Through eight chapters, the history of minimally invasive surgery in the country and the world, the development of the surgical practice of minimally invasive thoracic surgery, limiting factors that influence the selection of patients for the VATS procedure, anesthetic aspects, postoperative care and physical treatment, possible complications, as well as the presentation of a new technological approach to RATS – robotically assisted thoracoscopic surgery,” said Ms. Sandić, concluding that the mission of the Media Center “Odbrana” is particularly dedicated to the quality of the production of educational literature for the needs of modern education of cadets – future members of the Serbian Armed Forces.

The author of the book, Colonel Marić, took the opportunity to thank those present, colleagues from other institutions, and his professors – mentors, and then explained what his idea was when writing the textbook: “The guiding principle during the creation of this work was to convey messages to students and younger colleagues about what is worth paying attention to through the retrospective of my experience. The idea that guides me is that this is just the beginning of the creation of a complete thoracic surgery textbook that will be authorized in the joint work of colleagues from other institutions”, said Colonel Marić.

The book was presented by the Rector of the University of Defence, Brigadier General Professor Dr. Boban Đorović, who emphasized that this is a great day for the Faculty of Medicine of the Military Medical Academy:

"Writing basic and auxiliary textbooks means a lot for raising the quality of our faculty, or rather our University, which, in addition to the Faculty of Medicine, also has a Military Academy, where officers of all branches and services are educated for the needs of the Serbian Armed Forces, a National Defence School where career development is carried out, and an Institute for Strategic Research. The production of quality works of teaching and educational literature is a great step forward for our faculty and the international reputation of our institution," concluded General Đorović.

His mentor, retired Professor Dr. Radoje Ilić, also spoke about the life path and education of Colonel Professor Dr. Marić.

The confirmation of the scientific contribution and research work of the book's authors was given by the reviewers, Professor Dr. Slobodan Milisavljević and Professor Dr. Milan Savić, experts in this field.

The event was complemented by a cultural and artistic program and a performance by the actor, director, and screenwriter Radoš Bajić and the Artistic Ensemble of the Ministry of Defense "Stanislav Binički".