Head of Outpatient Clinic, University of Zagreb, Croatia.
Dr. Velimir Altabas is a Croatian physician and researcher. With a profound dedication to internal medicine, endocrinology, and metabolic diseases, he has spent over three decades blending clinical practice, academic teaching, and impactful research. He is an Assistant Professor at the Medical Faculty of the University of Zagreb and heads the Outpatient Clinic and Day Hospital at the Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, “Sestre Milosrdnice” University Hospital. Married to Dr. Karmela Altabas and father of two, he is deeply rooted in both family and science. His contributions have earned international recognition, including being named among the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford/Elsevier in 2019 and 2022. Dr. Altabas continues to influence the field through research, education, and active roles in Croatian medical societies.
Profile
Scopus
ORCID
🎓 Education
Dr. Velimir Altabas began his education in Germany and Croatia, culminating in a medical degree from the University of Zagreb in 1994. He completed clinical internships in Hamburg, Germany (1991), and São Paulo, Brazil (1993), enriching his global clinical exposure. He earned a Master’s in internal medicine in 2005 with a thesis on thyamazole’s effects on bone metabolism, and a PhD in 2011 on stress hyperglycaemia’s impact on myocardial infarction outcomes. His postgraduate training in clinical pharmacology and additional clinical education in Germany reflect his commitment to continuous learning. His solid academic foundation underpins a multidisciplinary career in endocrinology, cardiology, and metabolic medicine.
🩺 Experience
Dr. Altabas’s professional journey began at Dubrava Clinical Hospital, followed by significant roles at the “Sestre Milosrdnice” University Clinical Hospital. From residency to specialist in internal medicine and eventually subspecialist in endocrinology, he steadily rose through ranks. He has served as a teacher, senior assistant, and now assistant professor at the University of Zagreb. His administrative leadership includes directing the Outpatient Clinic and Day Hospital. Additionally, he held influential positions in national medical societies, such as Vice President of the Croatian Society for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases and Treasurer of the Croatian Endocrine Society. His clinical and academic experience bridges theory and practice seamlessly.
🔬 Research Interest
Dr. Altabas’s research is centered on endocrinology, diabetology, and cardiometabolic health, with particular focus on the intersection of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular outcomes. His doctoral thesis explored the role of stress hyperglycaemia in non-diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction—a topic with high clinical relevance. He has also investigated bone metabolism in hyperthyroid women, reflecting his interest in hormone-related systemic effects. His studies often examine how metabolic dysfunction influences broader disease processes, helping refine diagnostic and treatment pathways. A clinician-researcher at heart, Dr. Altabas aims to bridge research findings with bedside application. He collaborates within multidisciplinary teams and contributes to the body of knowledge that informs Croatian and international guidelines in endocrinology.
🏆 Awards and Honors
Dr. Velimir Altabas has received notable recognition for his contributions to science and medicine. Most significantly, he was listed among the world’s top 2% of scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier for the years 2019 and 2022, a reflection of his research excellence and impact. These distinctions are based on citation metrics, underscoring his global relevance in endocrinology and metabolic disease research. In addition to academic accolades, he has earned respect within Croatia’s medical community through leadership roles in endocrine and diabetes societies. His reputation is built on years of consistent scholarly output, teaching excellence, and clinical advancement.
📚 Publications
Flash Glucose Monitoring for Predicting Cardiogenic Shock Occurrence in Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Pilot Study
Authors: Velimir Altabas, Dorijan Babić, Anja Grulović, Tomislav Bulum, Zdravko Babić
Year: 2025
Journal: Diagnostic
Current Challenges in Pancreas and Islet Transplantation: A Scoping Review
Authors: Velimir Altabas, Tomislav Bulum
Year: 2025
Citations: 1
Technology Beyond Biology; Isn’t It Time to Update WHO’s Definition of Health?
Authors: Maja Baretić, Dragan Primorac, David de Bruijn, Velimir Altabas
Year: 2024
Journal: Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
Referrals for Gender-Affirming Hormone Treatment in Croatia’s National Network for Transgender Healthcare
Authors: Velimir Altabas, Vesna Galjuf, Iva Žegura, Goran Arbanas, Dražen Begić
Year: 2024
Journal: Archives of Sexual Behavior
🏁 Conclusion
Dr. Velimir Altabas is highly deserving of serious consideration for the Best Researcher Award, particularly given his long-standing contributions to endocrinology and internal medicine, his academic involvement, and his recognition among the top 2% of scientists worldwide. However, to strengthen his candidacy further, it would be beneficial to include more quantitative research metrics, details on publications, and evidence of research funding or innovation. Despite these gaps, his career reflects a solid and impactful research trajectory deserving of high regard.