Dr. Natasa Desnica Pokupec
Dr. Desnica, with significant experience in the field of sports medicine, assumed the role of manager and owner of the Kaliper Sports Medicine Center in 2002, which transformed into the Kaliper Polyclinic in 2016. Her professional contribution as the official doctor of the Croatian Alpine Ski Team is particularly noteworthy, and she gained prominence as the chief physician at the Olympic Games in Turin in 2006 and Vancouver in 2010. Dr. Desnica actively participates as a member of the Health Commission of the Croatian Olympic Committee. Her extensive experience in sports medicine has connected her with numerous elite athletes, including Ivica and Janica Kostelić, Marin Čilić, Domagoj Duvnjak, Martina Zubčić, Robert Kišerlovski, Gordan Kožulj, and many others, who have entrusted her with their health care. Dr. Desnica also celebrates her authorial contribution with a variety of scientific, professional, and popular articles, as well as lectures in the field of medicine.
Qualifications
My academic journey commenced at the School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, where I attended from 1988 to 1995. Following the acquisition of foundational medical education, I chose to deepen my knowledge at the Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, graduating in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from 2001 to 2002. The desire for further refinement and broadening of my professional horizons led me to the Integral Personal Development Center and School, where I became a psychotherapist specializing in integral body psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, and general psychotherapy. My engagement in this field spanned from 2014 to 2020, during which I continued to develop my skills and approach in the field of psychotherapy.
Experience
With a multifaceted professional journey spanning over several decades, I have had the privilege of contributing my expertise and leadership across various domains. Jan 2020 - Present: Integral Body Psychotherapist - Poliklinika Kaliper Zagreb, Croatia: In my role as an integral body psychotherapist at Poliklinika Kaliper, I have been committed to providing holistic psychotherapeutic services, integrating physical well-being into psychological health. This endeavor has been a part of my broader 21-year tenure as a medical doctor at Poliklinika Kaliper, where I also serve as the CEO. 2020 - Present: Lifestyle Medicine Consultant - GlycanAge London, England, United Kingdom: As a lifestyle medicine consultant at GlycanAge, my responsibilities involve promoting health and well-being through personalized lifestyle interventions. Jan 2016 - Present: Member of the Health Commission - Croatian Olympic Committee Zagreb, Croatia: My commitment to sports medicine is evident through my role as a member of the health commission at the Croatian Olympic Committee, where I contribute to the well-being of athletes. 2010 - Present: President of the Health Commission - Croatian Cycling Association Zagreb, Croatia: In my capacity as the President of the Health Commission at the Croatian Cycling Association, I play a crucial role in ensuring the health and fitness of cyclists. 2005 - Present: Health Services Coordinator - The International Ski and Snowboard Federation Zagreb, Croatia: My involvement with The International Ski and Snowboard Federation as the Health Services Coordinator reflects my dedication to supporting athletes in winter sports. 2005 - Present: President of the Health Commission - Croatian Ski Association Zagreb, Croatia: As the President of the Health Commission at the Croatian Ski Association, I continue to contribute to the well-being of ski athletes. 2004 - Present: Official Doctor - Croatian Alpine Skiing Team Zagreb, Croatia: My role as the official doctor for the Croatian Alpine Skiing Team involves ensuring the health and performance of elite athletes. 2000 - Present: Physician - Croatian Basketball Association Zagreb, Croatia: As a physician for the Croatian Basketball Association, I am dedicated to supporting the health and performance of basketball players. 1998 - Present: Member of the Medical Commission - Croatian Rowing Association Zagreb, Croatia: My involvement with the Croatian Rowing Association's Medical Commission underscores my commitment to the health and well-being of rowers. Feb 2010 (Vancouver) - Feb 2006 (Turin) 2 months each: Chief Physician - Winter Olympic Games International Olympic Committee – IOC: As the Chief Physician of the Croatian Olympic delegation at the Winter Olympic Games, I had the honor of overseeing the health and medical aspects of the delegation. Oct 1999 - Apr 2003: Director - Cybex Centar Zagreb, Croatia: My leadership as the Director at Cybex Centar involved managing the operations of this health and fitness center. Medical Doctor - Cybex Centar Zagreb, Croatia | Sep 1997 - Apr 2003 | 5 yrs 8 mos In addition to my role as a Director, I served as a medical doctor at Cybex Centar, offering medical expertise in the context of health and fitness. 1998 - 1999: Licensed Physician - Košarkaški klub Novi Zagreb Zagreb, Croatia: I gained experience as a licensed physician for Košarkaški klub Novi Zagreb, contributing to the health and well-being of basketball players. Through these diverse roles, I have dedicated myself to the fields of medicine, psychotherapy, and sports, fostering health and well-being across various domains. My extensive experience has shaped me into a professional committed to excellence and the advancement of holistic health practices.
Publications
Dynamics of muscle strength improvement during isokinetic rehabilitation of the athletes with ACL rupture and Chondromalacia patellae Isokinetic diagnostics Stress fracture of the sixth rib in an elite athlete Cardio-respiratory exercise in a community rehabilitation program Exercise even after a heart attack II International Symposium Sport and Medicine Isokinetic diagnostics in patients with lower back pain symptoms Isokinetic rehabilitation Isokinetic rehabilitation in treating knee injuries Isokinetic rehabilitation with special reference to knee injuries Isokinetic techniques in rehabilitation of water polo injuries Isokinetic techniques in rehabilitation of waterpolo injuries Muscle imbalances in top skiers established by isokinetic diagnostics Muscle strength imbalance in elite skiers Rehabilitation with cybex isokinetic devices The role of diagnostics in recreation Young athletes' knee instability treated with isokinetic rehabilitation - a case report
Membership
Nataša Desnica Pokupec MD is the official physician of the Croatian ski representation and she was the chief physician at the Olympic games in Torino in 2006 and in Vancouver in 2010. Dr Desnica is a member of the Health Committee of the Croatian Olympic Board.
Certificates
Basic and advanced sports medicine : Croatian Society for Sports Medicine, Issued Jun 1998 Sport and Medicine: University of Rijeka - Faculty of Medicine, Issued Oct 1998 Laboratory and Field Assessment of Aerobic: European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Issued Jul 1999 XXVII FIMS World Congress of Sports Medicine: Federation Internationale de Medecine du Sport , Issued Jun 2002 Orthopaedics, Biomechanics, Sports Rehabilitation: Università per Stranieri di Perugia, Issued Nov 2002 Sports traumatology: School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Issued Oct 2006 Sports Medicine: International Olympic Committee –IOC, Issued Nov 2009 Prevention and Management of Head Injures in Sport: International Olympic Committee –IOC, Issued Feb 2010 Kinesio Taping and Muscle Performance in Sport: International Olympic Committee –IOC , Issued Feb 2010 International Conference on Injuries in Water Polo: Croatian water polo , Issued Sep 2010