Meet our faculty

Asst. Prof. Matej Šapina, MD, PhD

Asst. Prof. Matej Šapina, MD, PhD, stands at the forefront of pediatric interventional pulmonology, bringing both depth and breadth of expertise to the Pediatric Foreign Body Extraction Masterclass Bootcamp. A dedicated pediatrician in the pediatric pulmonology department at the University Hospital Center Osijek, Dr. Šapina has distinguished himself through both clinical excellence and academic leadership in his field.

Internationally recognized for his pioneering work, Dr. Šapina has published extensively on pediatric interventional pulmonology, with a particular focus on the development and refinement of cutting-edge techniques including treatments for atelectasis and innovative cryotherapy applications. He routinely performs a range of advanced procedures—foreign body extractions, electrocautery, laser interventions, medical thoracoscopy, and stent placements—making him a go-to authority in the most complex pediatric airway cases.

Dr. Šapina’s contributions extend beyond the bedside and operating suite. He serves as one of the leading members of the Pediatric EABIP (European Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology) group and holds the position of Editor-in-Chief of the influential journal Pediatric Interventional Pulmonology. His clinical training, honed in top centers across Germany, France, Italy, and China, has allowed him to integrate a global perspective and best practices into his approach, inspiring colleagues and learners worldwide.

A passionate educator at heart, Dr. Šapina is committed to guiding the next generation of specialists. His teaching style reflects not only his technical mastery but also a compassionate understanding of the challenges young clinicians face in today’s fast-evolving landscape of pediatric care. Under his expert mentorship, participants will gain the confidence, skills, and insights necessary to elevate their practice and transform patient outcomes.