True leadership in healthcare isn’t defined by titles, trends, or rapid wins; it’s shaped by values, consistency, and the willingness to make choices that create long-term impact. In an industry where challenges grow more complex, it takes a grounded, principled leader to stay focused on what truly matters: people’s well-being. This is the leadership philosophy that guides Berina Stambol, Managing Director of International Health BiH.
International Health BiH, a respected preventive healthcare company, provides high-quality, EU-standard supplements that support long-term well-being. The company’s strength today reflects Berina’s consistent, values-driven leadership. Having grown up in a family of medical professionals, she realized at a young age that health starts long before treatment, and that the key is prevention, education, and responsible choices.
These principles have shaped her fourteen-year journey within the organization, from leading marketing and PR to assuming the role of Managing Director. Berina’s leadership is defined not by the pursuit of recognition, but by commitment to quality, transparency and the long-term trust of users and healthcare professionals.
Under her guidance, the company continues to evolve through EU-standard products, strong medical partnerships and digital innovations such as the IH CLUB platform. Her story is a powerful reminder that meaningful progress in healthcare comes from integrity, consistent effort and a vision rooted in people.
Let’s explore how Berina Stambol is shaping the future of preventive health in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Can you share a brief overview of your professional background and what inspired you to take on the role of Managing Director at International Health BiH?
I grew up in a family of doctors and healthcare professionals, in an environment where health was discussed every day, not only when problems occurred. Prevention, education and a responsible lifestyle were core values that shaped my understanding of what it means to truly care for people.
International Health Bosnia and Herzegovina is naturally aligned with these values. From promoting healthy habits to offering high-quality natural supplements focused on prevention, the company’s mission mirrored my own beliefs. Over the past fourteen years in the organisation, I first led the marketing and PR department, building trust and credibility in a demanding industry. Three and a half years ago, I stepped into the role of Managing Director with a clear ambition: to strengthen our market position and elevate the culture of preventive health in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What does “leading healthcare” mean to you and how has your approach evolved over the years?
For me, “leading healthcare” means responsible, ethical and informed leadership, setting higher standards, promoting prevention, and ensuring that education and integrity guide all decisions.
We live in a time of stress, poor nutrition and limited physical activity, where serious illnesses and obesity increasingly affect younger generations. In such circumstances, my role is not only to lead a team but to safeguard the trust that users place in our products and recommendations. This means investing in quality, safety and evidence-based formulations.
Over time, my leadership evolved from operational management to a broader mission: raising public awareness about prevention and empowering people to invest in their health early. The most meaningful reward is seeing more individuals make conscious, proactive health choices.
Could you describe the core mission of International Health BiH and one key achievement that exemplifies its impact on local or regional health outcomes?
Our mission is clear: to help build healthy individuals and healthy families: children with still-developing immunity, working adults who want to protect their health, and those needing support alongside regular therapy.
Our signature products: GE132, GE132+Natural and GEKIDS are produced in Germany according to EU standards and supported by medical professionals. They help address nutritional gaps and enhance the body’s natural ability to cope with stress, infections and chronic conditions.
Recognizing obesity as one of the most pressing public health challenges, we expanded our portfolio to include innovative products supporting weight management. The strongest confirmation of our impact is the long-term trust of users and healthcare professionals, as well as the company’s continuous growth.
What are the most pressing challenges facing the healthcare sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina today, and how is your organization addressing them?
Bosnia and Herzegovina faces a lack of standardization, an overburdened healthcare workforce and insufficient focus on prevention, conditions that contribute to the rise of chronic diseases and weakened immunity.
We address these challenges through four pillars:
– prevention, with natural products that fill nutritional gaps;
– education, through continuous training for pharmacists, partners and users;
– quality and transparency, with strict EU-standard production;
– digitalization, modern tools that simplify processes and professionalize the market.
Can you highlight an innovative initiative or technology that your team has implemented to improve patient care or operational efficiency?
From the very beginning, we prioritized accessible health education. Fourteen years ago, we launched TV programmes, expert articles and daily advice on social media, supported by our team of doctors and pharmacists.
Building on this foundation, we recently created IH CLUB (International Health club), a digital platform offering users quick access to trusted information, educational materials, user experiences, practical tips and, most importantly, direct communication with our professional team.
We also enhanced operational efficiency with advanced B2B tools. This blend of education, digital innovation and expert support positions us as leaders transforming how people approach their health.
In your view, how can healthcare organizations in BiH better promote diversity, equity, and inclusion among teams and patient services?
Given the system’s limited resources, the most sustainable path is collaboration with companies and individuals who share the same mission. Such partnerships allow more people to benefit from preventive programmes, education and timely support, without placing the entire burden on healthcare workers.
When knowledge, expertise and different perspectives come together, healthcare becomes more accessible, equitable and effective.
Looking ahead 5-10 years, what bold changes do you foresee for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s healthcare system, and what role will leaders like yourself play in realizing them?
Meaningful progress will come through digital health, personalized approaches and stronger preventive strategies. Leaders will play a crucial role in setting standards, demonstrating integrity and pushing forward practices that elevate the system, even when institutional change is slow.
If you could offer one piece of advice to aspiring healthcare professionals in BiH who aim to become influential voices in the sector, what would it be?
Do not wait for the system to create your path, build it yourself with knowledge, integrity and the courage to think differently. Influence does not come from titles but from the responsibility you are willing to take.
Be open to support and partnerships beyond the traditional healthcare system. No one can do everything alone. When you collaborate widely, your impact grows and the community becomes healthier.
Such a voice will not only be heard. It will drive meaningful change!
