Interview with Prof. Dr. Agron Dogjani – The ATLS course was an excellent achievement for Kosova
âParticipants in the ATLS course in Kosova can benefit from direct acquaintance with the rules, protocols, and procedures of healthcare safety for trauma patients, up to recognizing specific cases and local challenges in the treatment of traumatic injuries. I appreciate being recognized with the “Honorary Member of the Kosova College of Surgeons” award as part of being known among a group of respected individuals dedicated to advancing the practice of surgery.â
In an interview with the Kosova College of Surgeons, Prof. Dr. Agron Dogjani, Professor of Surgery at the University of Medicine of Tirana and General Surgeon at the University Trauma Hospital, said that the ATLS course was an excellent achievement for Kosova. He stated that the organization of the ATLS course in Kosova has been meticulously planned, starting with the selection of the leadership team and participants. He expressed his honor in being part of this course as an “ATLS International Instructor” because the course is the most applicable in the world in trauma management, and it has been successfully implemented in 83 countries worldwide, with excellent verifiable results in the countries where it has been held.
Dr. Dogjani added that âthe supporting team of Sanford Medical Center Fargo, North Dakota, United States, ensured that the written and necessary equipment part for the realization of the ATLS Kosova Course was as optimal as possible. Despite the difficulties of operating from a distance, everything seemed to have been achieved in Pristina. It is worth giving the highest appreciation for attention to detailâ.
Regarding the collaboration of Albanian surgeons from the diaspora, Dr. Dogjani said that healthcare in Kosova and Albania has extraordinary potential to benefit, as accepting challenges, promoting long-term engagement, and addressing systemic issues, we can ensure that their valuable contributions lead to sustainable improvements in surgical care for the region.
The Kosova College of Surgeons in partnership with Sanford Medical Center Fargo, North Dakota, United States, for the first time organized the ‘Advanced Trauma Life SupportÂź (ATLSÂź) Kosova Course. You were an instructor in this course. What can you tell us about this activity?
Dr. Dogjani: I was honored to be part of this course as an “ATLS International Instructor,” the most applicable course in the world in trauma management, already successfully implemented in 83 countries worldwide, with excellent verifiable results in the countries where it has been implemented.
When Prof. Rifat Latifi and Prof. Mentor Ahmeti invited me, I didn’t hesitate for a moment and immediately accepted, as a minimal obligation to share my experience with my colleagues in Kosova. ATLS Kosova was meticulously planned, starting with the selection of the leadership team and participants.
The supporting team of Sanford Medical Center Fargo, North Dakota, United States, ensured that the written and necessary equipment part for the realization of the ATLS Kosova Course was as optimal as possible. Despite the difficulties of operating from a distance, everything seemed to have been achieved in Pristina. It is worth giving the highest appreciation for attention to detail.
Another element was the boundless support from the leadership team of the Kosova College of Surgeons, who were present from the beginning of the preparations for ATLS Kosova, helping to find the venue for the course, providing all necessary facilities, and in selecting the participant candidates (students), who were actually of a very high level in terms of specialty, professional level, and dedication. To avoid lengthening, the organization and development of ATLS Kosova were much better than expected the first time.
–Since you also hold the same course in Albania with your commitment, what difference is there in the organization and lectures – instructors between the two countries, and what do participants in this course benefit from, what will their advantages be?
Dr. Dogjani: The ATLS course held in Albania was held under different conditions since we had no financial resources, but we only had desire, will, and maximum dedication. The first course we held in Athens, Greece in 2020 (this is the ACS rule), with coverage of expenses by the participants, which was quite difficult given the financial situation in Albania. After delays due to the Pandemic, ATLS was organized in Albania in May 2022, again with self-financing by ASTES and very limited financial resources (a difficult history), someone borrowed all the necessary equipment.
We continue regularly with 2 courses per year of ATLS Albania, we have 10 of our instructors certified by ACS, and in the next course (March 2024), we have 100% of our necessary equipment, secured by ASTES (Albanian Trauma and Emergency Surgical Society) income and some modest donations from partners. The lectures will be held in Albanian and English, depending on the participants (English speakers/ Albanian speakers), but the didactic presentation materials are in English (this is the ACS rule). Considering that ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) is an international course, the organization and lectures may have some differences depending on the country and local context.
Here are some potential differences and benefits that participants may have:
o Differences depending on circumstances: Differences in organization may include administrative procedures, availability of healthcare resources, and local training holding rules.
o Clinical data used: In some cases, instructors may use materials and clinical scenarios that are more specific to the local context, reflecting the challenges and characteristics of trauma cases in the region.
o Cultural and language considerations: Instructors might adapt their teaching methods to suit the cultural norms and language proficiency of the participants, ensuring effective communication and learning.
o Implementation of protocols: Lectures and scenarios can be adapted to reflect the particular circumstances of health security and first aid in that country.
o Advantages for Participants:
Participants can benefit from first-hand knowledge of health safety rules, protocols and procedures in trauma patients.
Recognition of special cases and local challenges of treating traumatic injuries.
The opportunity to learn from the experience of internationally qualified and certified instructors in the field of trauma emergency treatment.
o Internationalization of the Courses: The opportunity to make acquaintances and build a network of international knowledge and contacts in the field of trauma emergencies, and the recognition of the certificate all over the world.
– The Committee for Nominations awarded you the “Honorary Member of the Kosova College of Surgeons” award, in recognition of your commitment and work within the activities of the KCS. What does this mean for you?
đđ«. đđšđ đŁđđ§đą: The most heartfelt thanks for the “Honorable Member of the Kosova College of Surgeons” award. I appreciate the award as part of being recognized among a respected group of individuals dedicated to advancing the practice of surgery, signifying a collective commitment to shaping the future of the College and the field of surgery. I hope it serves as an inspiration to surgeons and health care professionals.
I am truly honored by your words and motivated to continue striving for excellence in the years to come, I deserve it.
– What will be your commitment for the year 2024 in terms of cooperation with the Kosova College of Surgeons?
đđ«. đđšđ đŁđđ§đą: The areas and possibilities of cooperation are great, which I am listing below:
Field of Education and knowledge exchange:
Development of educational workshops and seminars on specialized surgical techniques, recent advances in the field, and best practices for patient care.
Creation of online learning modules acceptable to surgeons and health care professionals throughout the Albanian speaking space.
Mentoring and training aspiring surgeons through individual instruction or structured mentoring programs.
Facilitating the exchange of knowledge through international collaborations with other surgical associations and institutions.
Field of Scientific Research and Innovation:
Identification and priorities of research areas relevant to the specific surgical needs and challenges of Kosova and beyond.
Collaborating on research projects with other members of the College and external partners, to advance surgical knowledge and improve patient treatment outcomes.
Promoting and supporting the use of innovative technologies in surgery, such as robotic surgery or telemedicine.
Dissemination of scientific research data through publications, presentations and conferences to benefit the wider surgical community.
Advocacy and communication with the public:
Increasing awareness of the importance of surgical care in Kosova, through public education campaigns and communication with the media.
Support for improving access to surgical services for all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Collaborating with policy makers and health care administrators to develop and implement effective surgical care policies.
Organizing community events and health fairs to provide health screenings and raise awareness of surgical conditions.
– The Kosova College of Surgeons has already started preparations for the Fourth Clinical Congress. How do you evaluate the work of previous Congresses, and what do you expect from the next Congress?
đđ«. đđšđ đŁđđ§đą: To effectively evaluate past Congresses, it is useful to gather input and feedback from various stakeholders, including:
Participation in previous congresses has been quite enviable. From the surveys, it is evident that the participants had the opportunity to listen attentively to all the lectures, which offered valuable knowledge about the experience of the lecturers in accordance with the actuality of the event.
The guest lecturers and presenters were of a very high level thus increasing the level of the event,
Expectations for the Fourth Congress:
I would have focused on several points;
Topics we would focus on: Current trends and challenges in surgery, including new technologies and advances in this field, where all surgical disciplines and not only would be involved, where everyone would feel actors and factors of the event, making it more comprehensive.
Enhancing Lecturer-Audience Interactivity: Using innovative formats such as case studies, live demonstrations and audience participation sessions to promote active learning and engagement.
International collaboration: Invite renowned surgeons and researchers from abroad to share their expertise and foster global knowledge exchange.
Focus on practical skills: Provide seminars and hands-on training sessions to equip surgeons with the latest surgical techniques and procedures.
Emphasis on patient care: Emphasize the human aspect of surgery, including patient perspectives and ethical considerations in discussions.
Technological advances: Using digital platforms and virtual reality tools to enhance presentations, facilitate remote participation, and create immersive learning experiences.
By setting ambitious but achievable expectations, the College can ensure that the Fourth Clinical Congress is a valuable and impactful event for surgeons, healthcare professionals and the wider community in Kosova.
– How do you evaluate the cooperation of Albanian surgeons from the diaspora, and do you think that their commitment in Kosova and the region, in this case in Albania, is sufficient?
đđ«. đđšđ đŁđđ§đą: Assessing the collaboration of Albanian surgeons from the diaspora with colleagues in Kosova and Albania is a complex issue with different aspects to consider:
Positive contributions:
Transfer of knowledge and expertise: Diaspora surgeons bring experience from advanced medical environments, introducing new techniques, protocols and practices to their countries of origin, not simply presenters of platforms or experiences, but real contribution, working, living, touching and apply their experience in concrete works in daily practice.
Training and mentoring: They can provide valuable training and mentoring opportunities for aspiring and practicing surgeons, improving skills and raising overall standards, not only theoretically, but by undertaking practical implementation. It is not necessary to have conferences or simple publicity events, with Albanian lecturers from the diaspora with modest experience, without any weight in the countries where they work, presenting us as success stories that only confuse young doctors.
Being or working abroad is not a criterion for professional level, expertise in years, or participation in scientific activities, or part of academic staffs, or leadership positions in the respective countries, would be quite valuable in the selection of those who will lecture. I know that it is a topic that will open a lot of controversy.
Research and innovation: Collaboration in research projects can foster knowledge sharing, accelerate advances and address specific regional and wider challenges.
Securing financial resources: Diaspora surgeons can help provide essential equipment, funding and technology for hospitals and clinics in Kosova and Albania.
Building international links: They can act as bridges, facilitating partnerships with foreign institutions, and attracting talent back to the region, rather than setting an example for departures from the country.
Brain drain concerns:
If diaspora surgeons focus only on knowledge transfer rather than fostering local expertise, it may not adequately address long-term needs, providing concrete examples of what this country can do.
Is their commitment sufficient?
It is difficult to give a definitive answer as engagement varies greatly between individual surgeons and the specific context of their engagement. However, some points can be considered:
Increased engagement: The potential of the diaspora is increasingly being recognized, leading to more initiatives and platforms for long-term cooperation, and with tangible and not theoretical end products.
Need for coordination: A dedicated structure or network can facilitate communication, project identification and resource allocation to maximize their impact on the progress or implementation of short-term and long-term needs, where the delivery of the product will be tangible in time, short and long term.
Focus on sustainability: Encouraging long-term partnerships, knowledge transfer programs and mentoring initiatives can create a lasting effect, which will encourage youth to be part of them.
Addressing fundamental issues: Building strong health care systems in Kosova and Albania is essential for attracting and retaining talent, ensuring sustainable progress, through comprehensive projects both national and international, where the direct and indirect beneficiaries are the doctors themselves and consequently the patients themselves.
In general, the collaboration of Albanian surgeons from the diaspora has tremendous potential to benefit health care in Kosova and Albania. By accepting the challenges, fostering long-term engagement and addressing underlying systemic issues, we can ensure that their valuable contributions lead to sustainable improvements in surgical care for the region.