Interview with Asst. Prof. Dr. Mentor Ahmeti, Vice President of the Kosova College of Surgeons for the USA
Asst. Prof. Dr. Mentor Ahmeti: The appointment of Vice Presidents for diaspora by the College will positively affect the engagement of Albanian professionals
Organizations of the Kosova College of Surgeons, according to Ass. Prof. Dr. Mentor Ahmeti, primarly the Clinical Congress, not only strengthens the quality of the health service in Kosova , but also reflects the talent of Kosovar surgeons in the region and beyond.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Mentor Ahmeti, who is the Director of Academic and Research Affairs, Associate Director for Residents, Chief of the Trauma Service at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota, Past President of the American College of Surgeons, North Dakota Chapter, Vice President of the Kosova College of Surgeons for the USA, said that “I am convinced that health education in Kosova  and Albania should be freed from the need for external assistance, and become independent as an independent high-level educational system”.
In an interview for the Kosova College of Surgeons, he considers that the organization of the Congress is at the world level, and hopes that in time I will see more active participation of surgical specialists, with the presentations of their scientific work. He added that the recent initiative of the College for the appointment of Vice Presidents for the diaspora will have a positive impact on the further information and engagement of interested Albanian professionals in the diaspora.
– The Kosova College of Surgeons is preparing for the next Congress. You will participate in the Third Clinical Congress of the KCS, which will be held this year on October 12-15. How do you evaluate the development of the two previous Congresses of the Kosova College of Surgeons?
Dr. Ahmeti: I had the honor to participate in the First Congress of the Kosova College of Surgeons, and I was impressed with the level of organization and inspired by the quality of the presentations and the interest of Kosova surgeons in participating. Such College organizations not only strengthen the quality of health services in Kosova, but also reflect the talent of Kosovar surgeons in the region and beyond.
– What do you suggest to be different in the Third Clinical Congress of the Kosova College of Surgeons?
Dr. Ahmeti: I honestly consider that the organization of the Congress is at the world level. I hope that in time I will see more active participation of surgical specialists, with presentations of their scientific work.
– Since the aim of the College of Surgeons is to gather world surgeons close to themselves, and especially of the Albanian diaspora, how much do you think Albanian surgeons are aware of the mission and activities of the KCS?
Dr. Ahmeti: I personally, as a member of the Kosova College of Surgeons, am well aware of the mission and successful work of the College. I think that the recent initiative of the College for the appointment of Vice Presidents for the diaspora will have a positive impact on the further information and engagement of interested Albanian professionals in the diaspora.
– Albanian surgeons have achieved many successes in science and in their work in different countries of the world. However, their engagement in the country of origin remains insufficient. How do you think they can engage and contribute more to Kosova?
Dr. Ahmeti: I don’t think that the commitment of Albanian surgeons of the diaspora in Kosova can be described as insufficient. It should be understood that surgeons in the diaspora have their own careers, families, surroundings and daily lives and free time is very limited or non-existent. Their influence is applied through their proper name in the professional circles where they exist. In order to reach a professional level and expertise, it takes at least two decades of maximum professional-scientific engagement in external institutions, to build the influence that can then be contributed to the homeland. Our professional diaspora has a very short history. In the 80s there were 1-2 surgeons in the diaspora, in the 90s less than 10 surgeons. The commitment of the new generations will be seen soon â I have no doubt.
– The Kosova College of Surgeons is based on the continuous education of specialists of various surgical disciplines, as well as surgical residents and students, through courses, workshops and committees. How much are you willing to contribute in this direction?
Dr. Ahmeti: I am always willing to contribute to the education of health professionals in Kosova . As evidence is my participation in the First Congress, participation in the Trauma Symposium and recently the first organization of the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Kosova course, which is considered the highest standard of certification for the trauma service. I look forward to participating in the Third Congress!
By mentioning this, I also want to express my philosophy of education, where I am convinced that health education in Kosova and Albania should be freed from the need for external assistance and become independent as an independent high-level educational system. I am confident that this will be accomplished by the wonderful local professionals during a long-term process.