prim. mr. sc. Marija Hegeduš Jungvirth dr. med.

Prim. Marija Hegeduš Jungvirth, MD, MSc, is a pediatric specialist and lecturer with extensive professional experience and significant contributions to healthcare and education. She graduated from the University of Zagreb School of Medicine in 1974, completed her postgraduate studies in Maternal and Child Health in 1981, and passed the pediatric specialization exam at the Children’s Hospital Zagreb in 1982. In 1991, she earned a master’s degree on the topic of “Causes of Perinatal Mortality in a Regional Community.”

Dr. Hegeduš Jungvirth began her career at the General Hospital Bjelovar in 1974 and later served at the County Hospital Čakovec, where she led the pediatric department from 1991 to 2014. Since 2007, she has been a senior lecturer at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Teacher Education, specializing in preschool child health protection, and has also taught at the Maruševec Medical High School since 1990.

She completed advanced training in diagnostic ultrasound at KBC Zagreb and participated in ESPGHAN pediatric gastroenterology schools. She has performed numerous endoscopic and biopsy procedures and contributed significantly to pediatric gastroenterology.

Dr. Hegeduš Jungvirth is actively involved in pediatric congresses, symposia, and research projects, including the Ministry of Health's "Growth and Development of Children" project. She co-founded the first breastfeeding support groups in Croatia and led epidemiological studies on celiac disease. She has published several scientific articles and authored six parenting handbooks on child nutrition.

Her dedication has been recognized with numerous awards, including the “Ladislav Rakovac” Award, honorary membership from the Croatian Medical Association, and the City of Čakovec Award.