MRTO Welcomes Rare Patient Voice to Sarajevo
At MRTO, we believe that collaboration is at the heart of success, especially in remote working environments when we often do not have the opportunity to meet in person. Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming our long-time partners from Rare Patient Voice (RPV) to Sarajevo for a two-day event. This gathering not only deepened our professional ties but also gave us a chance to celebrate the milestones we have reached together.
Day 1: A Bit of Culture and Collaboration
The first day began with a delightful breakfast where our teams finally met in person, and we joked how working remotely can sometimes make us feel more like avatars than actual people. It was a great time to get to know more about each other and see similarities. It is amazing that we each have such unique hobbies, but what is even more impressive are the talents we all bring.
Our next stop was the famous Trebević Cable Car, where we all enjoyed stunning views of Sarajevo from above. It was a refreshing way to start the day. As we walked along the mountain, we passed bobsleigh track and discussed about the Winter Olympic that happened in 1984. Did you know that the bobsleigh track was the most expensive structure built for the Olympics? At the time, it was also one of the fastest and safest tracks in the world. Well, neither did we, but that is what our colleague Tana taught us while we were taking some pictures next to it.
“My time in Sarajevo was amazing. The city is beautiful, and the food is so delicious. The highlight of my trip was meeting the MRTO team. I had some very meaningful conversations and really enjoyed getting to know them on a personal level. I cannot thank the team enough for taking time out of their weekend to spend with me. It was a trip I will never forget.”
Tiffany White, Director of Business Development at RPV.
We continued our adventure with a short walk around the old city, exploring the vibrant atmosphere and small artisan shops to experience and share a taste of Bosnian culture. Since shopping is something we all have in common, we decided to call it a teambuilding activity.
Day 2: Reflecting, Planning, and Enjoying the Moment
The second day was all about reflections and future in our partnership. We began with a series of presentations where each team member showcased their roles and achievements, providing a clear picture of how our collaboration has evolved and the impact we have made in our both professional and personal level.
“Our meeting in Sarajevo was truly a memorable experience. Since we work remotely, it was a so amazing to meet with the team in person and get to know everyone better. Having Pam and Tiffany in Sarajevo was great, and I loved how they wanted to explore everything as much as possible in the short time they were here. I’m also incredibly grateful to be part of such an amazing team, filled with wonderful people.”
Tana Karamustafić, Project Manager at MRTO and RPV
We realized how many of us, alongside our jobs, are also doing great volunteer work, finishing studies, and running small businesses or pursuing hobbies such as photography, crafting, swimming, animal care, and more. It was a reminder that our continuously growing team consists of highly skilled, talented, and valued individuals who carry their roles with great responsibility.
“Meeting everyone, and especially Tiffany and Pam, after working together online for so long was incredible. The energy was fantastic, and we had an amazing time not only working together but also getting to know each other on a deeper level. It truly strengthened our connections and shifted our perspectives in such a positive way. As a newbie I feel more motivated and inspired than ever, and I’m so grateful to be part of such a dedicated and exceptional team.
Sara Prošić, Business Development Associate at RPV and MRTO
To wrap up the day, we took a walk through the city, chatting about history, cultural differences, and learning even more about each other. The best part was another small shopping adventure, this time focused on buying gifts for our loved ones. A must-do was trying the local cuisine, so we overdosed with Burek and Baklava, as we simply could not resist the delicious food.
The evening ended with what we called a “Bye-Bye until next time” dinner, where we relaxed, discussed, and laughed. We talked about each other’s uniqueness in our daily work and how it positively reflects on teamwork. Even though we have ‘gazillions’ of things to do, as Tiffany loves to say, there is always room to be proactive and find time for yourself.
Thank you, RPV, for being a trusted partner
As we prepare for the next steps in our collaboration, it is clear that our partnership with RPV is built on mutual trust and shared goals. As RPV has grown, so has our role in supporting their needs. We take pride in the solutions we provide, whether it is project management, scripting, or meeting additional demands as they arise.
“My second visit to Sarajevo was just as magical as the first! Arriving in the city felt like coming home. Our visit was a whirlwind of stunning sights and delicious Bosnian cuisine. What truly made this trip special were the people. Our MRTO team welcomed us with open arms, more than colleagues it felt like being with family. Together we explored Sarajevo’s historic cobblestone streets, sharing laughter and stories along the way. In the old Ottoman quarter, we enjoyed rich Bosnian coffee, each sip connecting us to the city’s rich history. As I left, I already missed Sarajevo and its charm, but mostly I miss my Bosnian family!”
Pam Cusick, Senior Vice President at Rare Patient Voice
Author: Mirza Mujdžić – Jojić, Business Development Associate – EU at RPV and MRTO