[Reasons for founding a University of Split Medical School]

This article advocates a transformation of the Zagreb University School of Medicine Split Branch into an independent medical school, i.e. Split University School of Medicine. The difficulties stemming from the present organizational scheme of work of Medical School in Zagreb and its Split Branch, and particularly from the complex political and geographical relations, are a heavy burden thwarting the work of both institutions. On the other hand, the medicine in Split has all indicators which should guarantee a successful work of an independent medical school in the city. These indicators concern capacities of the local premises, number and quality of the faculty, long tradition of medical education, and recent educational, medical and scientific results. A particularly important argument is an immense need of southern Croatia and the neighbouring parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina for medical education. A careful analysis showed that the independent Medical School would neither impose additional expenses from the part of the Republic, nor cause an overproduction of physicians. A state examination organized so that the results of the candidates could be quantified, would provide an unequivocal answer to the question on the number of medical schools needed in Croatia and, more important, the picture of the quality of their work.