Dino-Josip Ključarić (born in 1981) is the founder and president of the Sarcoidosis Patients’ Association. After being diagnosed with sarcoidosis, he devoted himself systematically to researching the disease. Over several years, he spent more than 4,000 hours studying medical literature, clinical guidelines and the immunological mechanisms associated with sarcoidosis. He uses the results of this work to prepare educational materials for patients and to communicate with healthcare professionals.

Through the Association, he brought together approximately 1,200 people living with sarcoidosis from Croatia and the surrounding region, creating one of the largest organised sarcoidosis communities in south-eastern Europe. He developed an internal classification and terminology framework that helps patients understand the disease, including its immune processes, disease forms, differential diagnosis and models for assessing symptom severity. He also contributes to recommendations for patients concerning early recognition of symptoms, communication with doctors, specialist examinations and disease monitoring.

In cooperation with hospitals and specialists from different fields, he has participated in establishing triage processes aimed at recognising sarcoidosis earlier, identifying patients at high risk and directing them towards appropriate diagnostic protocols. He also works actively with state and community institutions in medicine, the media and social care, focusing on improving access to diagnosis, information and psychosocial support for people living with the disease.

In the public sphere, he publishes texts on medical and ethical questions, the sociological and phenomenological aspects of disease, healthcare systems and the social challenges faced by people with chronic illnesses. The materials he produces are used to educate patients and support people going through diagnostic or treatment processes.

He holds a Master’s degree in Theology, with a philosophical specialisation. He also works in the fields of electronics, electrical engineering, mechanics, music and visual arts. Professionally, he works in management and organisational development and contributes to professional publications concerning business processes and organisational management.

Through the work of the Sarcoidosis Patients’ Association, he focuses on developing educational materials, cross-sector cooperation and better coordination between patients, healthcare institutions and community organisations, with the aim of improving understanding of the disease and the quality of care for people living with it.