Committee for International Relations

Chairmanship

Chair: Lumnije Kqiku MD, DDS, Ph.D., Specialist in Endodontics and Dental Traumatology

Rifat Latifi, MD, FACS, FICS, FKCS, President of the Kosova College of Surgeons

Members of the Committee:

Prof. Dr. Agron Dogjani, Albania

Alberto R. Ferreres, MD, PhD, FACS (Hon.), ASA (Hon.), ASGBI (Hon.), FCCS (Hon.), FKCS (Hon.), FRCSEd, MAMSE, Argentina

Prof. Dr. Arben Beqiri, Albania

Bashkim Kadriu, MD, FACP, USA

Emir Haxhija, MD, PhD, FEBPS, Austria

Hubert Hauser, Prim. ao. Univ.-Prof. Dr. med., Austria

Prof. Dr. Ilir Hasani, North Macedonia

Mentor Ahmeti, MD, FACS, USA

Lars-Peter Kamolz, MD, Austria

Përparim Limani, MD, PhD, FACS, FEBS, Switzerland

Pierre-Alain Clavien, MD, PhD, FACS (hon), ASA (hon), FRCS (Eng), FRCS (Ed), Switzerland

Vedat Eljezi, MD, PhD, France

MISSION

The Kosova College of Surgeons (KCS) was established at the end of 2018 as a scientific and advocacy organization, aiming to lead the advancement of all surgical disciplines in Kosova with the highest standards and ethics of contemporary surgical practice. The Committee for International Relations, within its scope and responsibilities, builds cooperation with regional and international institutions, organizations, and agencies to promote the work, commitment, and activities of the Kosova College of Surgeons. It also focuses on issues related to the diaspora, particularly Albanian surgeons in the diaspora. The KCS aims to unite all surgeons working or having worked in public hospitals, academic institutions, and the private sector throughout the country, including specialists in any surgical discipline and future medical students interested in surgery.

Today, there are highly successful surgeons of Albanian descent within the Albanian diaspora worldwide, particularly in Europe and the USA. Many of them hold important clinical, academic, scientific, and administrative positions, while others specialize in various surgical fields. The Kosova College of Surgeons intends to identify all Albanian surgeons in the diaspora, cooperate with them, and invite them and their friends to join the membership of the KCS to contribute to the development and advancement of surgery in Kosova.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

The Kosova College of Surgeons will closely collaborate with international colleges, surgical associations/societies, and other organizations worldwide to enhance cooperation. The goal is to improve the leadership of the College, enhance the education of its members through congresses, symposiums, and workshops, and engage in joint research projects. Additionally, the College aims to elevate the quality of surgical care.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Committee for International Relations is responsible for the following:

• Coordinating with the Board of the Kosova College of Surgeons to establish cooperation policies with other relevant institutions and promote the work of the KCS in regional and international organizations.
• Working towards cooperation and membership of all Albanian surgeons and their associates worldwide.
• Promoting medical diplomacy.
• Monitoring negotiations for potential agreements with regional and international institutions and associations to foster the development of surgery in Kosova.
• Overseeing the implementation of agreements between parties.
• Reviewing other issues defined by the KCS Regulation and matters transferred to the Committee for International Relations by the decision of the KCS Board.
• Maintaining close cooperation with other Colleges of Surgeons and national associations across all continents.
• Collaborating with the diplomatic network of Kosova, in coordination with Albanian doctors worldwide and other relevant organizations, to obtain necessary data or reports on specific issues as requested by the Committee.
• Proposing the names of international experts with whom the Committee cooperates for participation in Clinical Congresses.
• Recommending distinguished surgeons worldwide for honorary membership in the KCS.
• Organizing at least two scientific symposia or workshops per year, including one during the Clinical Congress.
• Establishing the Chapter of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) in Kosova to enhance cooperation between the KCS and the ACS.
• Working on cooperation with the Committee on International Relations of ACS.
• Conducting virtual and/or physical meetings four times a year, with one meeting dedicated to the annual Clinical Congress.

COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE

• The Committee for International Relations comprises a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and members.
• All members of the Committee are from different countries around the world and consist of successful Albanian surgeons and anaesthesiologists who have excelled in the field of surgery and/or scientific research.
• The mandate of all Committee members is three years, with the possibility of re-election for another term.
• The Committee is supported by at least one administrative assistant who is proficient in the English language.