Rasa Petrikienė: Pioneering Dynamic Healthcare in Lithuania with AB “Ortopedijos Technika”

Rasa Petrikienė
Rasa Petrikienė

In recent years, Lithuania has established itself as a center for advanced healthcare, attracting patients globally with its high-quality medical services, reduced waiting times, and affordable prices. This reputation is strengthened by a group of healthcare leaders who have merged their professional skills with a focus on patient-centered care. Rasa Petrikienė, the Chairperson of AB “Ortopedijos Technika” and Medical Director at Gijos Klinikos, is a prominent figure in this transition, aiding in positioning Lithuania as a hub for high-quality, accessible healthcare. With more than twenty years of committed experience in the orthopaedic field, Mrs. R. Petrikienė has been instrumental in the evolution of AB “Ortopedijos Technika” and its clinic, Gijos Klinikos, which has received global recognition as a leading site for orthopaedic and reconstructive procedures.

Mrs. R. Petrikienė’s journey from a young manager to a visionary leader reflects her commitment to innovation, quality, and compassionate care. In her early career with the company she quickly climbed the ranks, bringing transformative growth to the company’s orthopaedics division. But it was her next step—establishing a cutting-edge medical clinic—that has truly distinguished her leadership. Today, AB “Ortopedijos Technika” employs over 600 professionals and serves tens of thousands of patients annually, with state-of-the-art facilities that include that include specialized centers for surgery, rehabilitation, diagnostics, aesthetics, and consultations.

Now in its 80th year, AB “Ortopedijos Technika,” along with Gijos Klinikos, embodies a legacy of excellence and resilience. Under Mrs. R. Petrikienė’s guidance, the company has expanded its services, established itself as a top orthopaedics clinic in the Baltic region, and gained recognition in prominent media outlets like The Guardian, The Sun, and ITV News. From advanced telemedicine solutions to revolutionary surgical techniques, her leadership has cultivated a thriving environment where patient care, innovation, and global standards intersect seamlessly.

Let’s explore how Mrs. R. Petrikienė is reshaping Lithuanian healthcare, bringing world-class care and innovation to patients globally!

A Transformative Career in Healthcare Leadership

Reflecting on her career, Mrs. R. Petrikienė says, “Staying with one company for 20 years might seem like a lifetime to today’s generation. But in reality, my career only accounts for a quarter of the company’s lifespan, as in 2025, AB “Ortopedijos Technika” will celebrate its 80th anniversary, and our medical services will mark its 50th anniversary.” Graduating in Business Management and Marketing in 2004, she began working with AB “Ortopedijos Technika” as a manager in its orthopaedics division. Her keen understanding of market needs and her ability to foster a reliable team brought steady growth to the business, laying the foundation for her leadership roles. In time, she was entrusted with the ambitious task of developing the company’s medical services, leading to the inception of Gijos Klinikos—a clinic designed, as she puts it, “to offer the level of care I’d expect as a patient.”

Building Success through Vision and Innovation

The success of the company is rooted in a commitment to innovation and an openness to adapting new technologies. “Following Lithuania’s independence, we could finally unleash our potential,” says Mrs. R. Petrikienė, referring to the major strides her company and the healthcare sector in Lithuania have made since joining NATO, the EU, and other international organizations. This forward-looking approach has enabled the company to keep pace with the latest advancements in both manufacturing and medicine. From the installation of teleradiology systems to the use of AI solutions, innovative, less invasive technologies, modern equipment, Gijos Klinikos remains at the forefront of medical technology.

A Mission Centered on Patient Care

Mrs. R. Petrikienė has always emphasized the importance of patient-centered care. “Our mission is to exceed the expectations and individual needs of the modern patient,” she states, explaining that her clinic aims to provide every individual with constant care and support. A unique aspect of Gijos Klinikos is its commitment to offering the same level of care to all patients, whether they are professional athletes or everyday individuals. The clinic has long-standing partnerships with sports organizations, including the Lithuanian Basketball Federation and Kaunas “Žalgiris” basketball team. According to Mrs. R. Petrikienė, “In Lithuania, basketball is practically a second religion,” which speaks volumes about the trust these organizations place in Gijos Klinikos to care for their athletes.

During major events, such as the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in 2023 and the FIFA Futsal World Cup in 2021, Gijos Klinikos provided medical support to international athletes. “There is no separate wing for the biggest sports stars,” she explains, “Patients receive the same care, from the same specialists, using the same state-of-the-art equipment.”

Trends in Lithuanian Healthcare

Mrs. R. Petrikienė observes that Lithuanian healthcare has evolved significantly in recent years, especially in terms of patient experience. “Both the public and private sectors are becoming increasingly patient-centered,” she notes. In the private sector, this shift is fueled by an increased demand for services, driven by an expanding range of offerings, technological advancements, and a heightened emphasis on staff training. The integration of minimally invasive surgeries, AI, and regenerative medicine approaches, such as cell therapy and biological healing mechanisms reflects a global trend that is gradually reshaping healthcare in Lithuania. Patients benefit from enhanced comfort and convenience, with multiple services consolidated under one roof.

Medical Tourism and the Global Patient Community

For years, Wellness Travels by Gijos Klinikos has been a trusted name in medical tourism, and the pandemic only emphasized its importance. While many countries faced long delays for vital procedures, such as hip and knee replacements, Lithuania provided patients with fast, affordable, and high-quality care.

The clinic offers a seamless experience from start to finish. Each patient is assigned a personal manager to handle all logistics, from airport pick-ups to post-surgery care. “Our goal is to make sure patients don’t have to worry about anything,” shared Mrs. R. Petrikienė. “They can focus on their health while we take care of the rest.”

Lithuania’s strategic location, just a short flight from major European cities, and its adherence to EU healthcare standards make it an ideal destination for medical tourism. By 2023, the country had become a hub for patients seeking world-class care without the long waits they face at home. Media coverage during this time highlighted the growing demand for Lithuanian healthcare, further cementing its reputation as a leader in the field.

By addressing a global need for accessible, high-quality surgery, AB “Ortopedijos Technika” and its medical tourism branch continue to make a profound difference in patients’ lives. “Helping people regain their health and confidence is the most rewarding part of what we do,” Mrs. R. Petrikienė added.

Integrating Innovation into Healthcare Delivery

Innovation is not a mere term at AB “Ortopedijos Technika”—it is embedded in the clinic’s daily practices. “Innovation has become part of our daily routine to the extent that it no longer stands out,” remarks Mrs. R. Petrikienė. The clinic has assembled a team of highly skilled surgeons who continuously introduce innovative procedures, such as teleradiology-enabled surgeries and complex joint-sparing orthopaedic techniques. In 2018, Gijos Klinikos performed a groundbreaking shoulder joint operation using a biological implant, followed by Europe’s first aesthetic gastric sleeve surgery in 2021.

The clinic’s advanced surgical methods include minimally invasive techniques and regenerative medicine approaches, such as cell therapy and biological healing mechanisms. “Our beginnings in 1945 were in orthopaedic manufacturing,” she says, noting the clinic’s evolution to offer computer-controlled thigh prosthetics, bionic hand prosthetics, and custom orthoses using cutting-edge 3D technologies. AB “Ortopedijos Technika”‘s collaborations with global leaders like OttoBock have solidified its position as the largest orthopaedic company in the Baltic region.

Challenges in Healthcare and How to Overcome Them

In healthcare, every day brings unique challenges, and surgical care is no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic tested the resilience of AB “Ortopedijos Technika” like never before. At first, there was a sense of uncertainty and helplessness. However, there were also some truly uplifting moments during that period. One of their doctors suggested offering free remote consultations, and this idea quickly went viral, as every single one of the medical professionals joined in. “Our physiotherapists led exercise sessions from their homes. Such situations remind us of the true meaning of upholding the Hippocratic Oath. It reaffirmed my belief that we have an exceptional team, always ready to help those in need,” shares Mrs. R. Petrikienė.

The period following the pandemic was even more surprising. By 2023, it seemed as though Lithuania had moved on from COVID-19. Yet, in January of that year, the company was visited by foreign media preparing documentaries and articles about the influx of international patients coming to Lithuania for surgery. It turned out that not all countries had managed the COVID-19 crisis at the same pace.

“Our company’s medical tourism agency, Wellness Travels by Gijos Klinikos, has been operating internationally for over 10 years,” she highlights. Lithuania has long been a popular destination for plastic, orthopaedic, bariatric, and other surgeries. The country’s central location in Europe makes it easily accessible from various countries—for example, a flight from the UK takes just 2.5 hours. The clinic is conveniently located: 100 km from Vilnius Airport and only a 15-minute drive from Kaunas Airport.

In Lithuania, patients avoid long waiting lists and receive world-class medical care that adheres to global standards. The fact that its healthcare is regulated by EU standards provides an additional sense of security. From the initial enquiry, each patient is assigned a personal manager who oversees their journey. The patient is met at the airport and transported to the clinic or hotel. They don’t need to worry about a thing—just calmly wait for their procedure.

In many countries, patients face years-long waits for life-changing surgeries, particularly hip or knee replacements. “It’s heartbreaking. The fact that we can offer these procedures quickly, professionally, and affordably has moved not only our patients but also us as a team,” says Mrs. R. Petrikienė.

The team at AB “Ortopedijos Technika” is eager to raise awareness about this opportunity and is committed to helping as many patients as possible. They are already collaborating with partners in several countries and remain open to establishing new partnerships.

Leadership Style and Team Values

As a leader, Mrs. R. Petrikienė practices a consultative yet decisive approach. “I always listen to what my colleagues have to say,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in decision-making. However, she acknowledges that the final responsibility rests with her, particularly for larger projects and innovative initiatives. “I trust my team and grant them certain freedoms,” she notes, but when it comes to high-stakes decisions, she shoulders the responsibility so her team can confidently move forward.

This collaborative approach has fostered a culture of openness and innovation. “The qualities I value most in my employees are dedication, honesty, openness, and courage,” says Mrs. R. Petrikienė, underscoring her focus on fostering a supportive, cohesive work environment.

Strategic Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, AB “Ortopedijos Technika” aims to expand its reach in Wellness Travels by Gijos Klinikos while maintaining its leadership in orthopaedics. Gijos Klinikos’s unique rehabilitation team, which Mrs. R. Petrikienė describes as a major asset, enables international patients to recover efficiently within a short time frame. “We receive astonished praise from foreign medical professionals,” she shares, recounting cases where patients are able to travel home after just 7-9 days of rehabilitation.

In the coming years, AB “Ortopedijos Technika” plans to enhance its medical tourism agency, introduce a health insurance program, and expand its international network. “Our goal is to offer outstanding medical care for patients around the world, with no waiting list and minimal logistical hassle,” Mrs. R. Petrikienė states, reiterating her vision for a future where healthcare is accessible, reliable, and patient-centered. The rehabilitation needs more emphasis, because it’s unique, done under the same roof as other private clinics can’t offer.

Final Thoughts

Mrs. R. Petrikienė’s journey with the whole company and Gijos Klinikos as well as Wellness Travels by Gijos Klinikos exemplifies the transformative impact of visionary leadership in healthcare. By prioritizing patient care, embracing innovation, and fostering a culture of collaboration, she has not only elevated her clinic to global prominence but also inspired a new generation of healthcare professionals to pursue excellence. In her words, “The biggest reward for our work is knowing that we have made a difference in someone’s life,” capturing the essence of her mission to create a world where exceptional healthcare is within everyone’s reach.

For further inquiries, please visit Wellness Travels or contact at info@wellness-travels.com.

For information regarding orthopaedic services and partnerships, please check Orthopaedic Pro or reach out via email at info@ortopedic-pro.com.

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