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Europa Medicophysica 2003 June;39(2):111-4

Copyright © 2003 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

The story of Splitske Toplice, Croatia (The Spa of Split)

Vlak T. ¹, Eldar R. ^{2, 3}

¹ Department of Physical Medicine Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Teaching Hospital of the School of Medicine University of Split, Split, Croatia 2 Fleischman Unit for the Study of Disability 3 Loewenstein Hospital-Rehabilitation Centre Raanana, Israel School of Medicine University of Split, Split, Croatia

The aim of this paper was to outline the evolution of the Spa of Split, known since the Roman period and actively operating for the last 175 years. It was carried out a study of the literature and other documents and photographs pertaining to the institution, as well as interviews with its retired former employees. The Spa of Split has evolved from the private bath of a Roman emperor into an academic department, part of a medical centre and a Medical School. This evolution is a unique phenomenon in countries of Central Eastern Europe and its outcome has advantages for patients, education of future health workers and for rehabilitation professionals.