MISSION ACCOMPLISHED – THE HISTORIC CONGRESS OF ALBANIAN SURGEONS

A week has passed since the impressive conclusion of the First Clinical Congress of Albanian Surgeons, held from September 25–28, 2025.
A new chapter in the history of Albanian surgery was written in golden letters in Prishtina.

Over 1,000 participants from the region and the world, with 219 speakers and 317 scientific presentations, came together for a magnificent, unprecedented event where knowledge, professionalism, and dedication took their finest form.
🔹78 international speakers with 138 presentations
🔹141 speakers from Kosova, Albania, and North Macedonia with 179 presentations
🔹Symposia, workshops, and practical courses that brought the highest scientific standards to date.

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Opening Ceremony
In an atmosphere of solemnity and pride, the position of President of the KCS was transferred from Prof. Rifat Latifi to Dr. Osman Zhuri.
A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the KCS and the University of Prishtina.

Awards presented:

“Lifetime Achievement Award – Prof. Dr. Sami Haxhibeqiri” to:
Musa Miftari – Kosova
Mehdi Agolli – Albania
Sali Qerimi – North Macedonia
“Excellent Partnership Award” to:
University of Prishtina
University of Graz, Austria
Directorate of Health / Municipality of Prishtina
National Center of Telemedicine of Kosova
22 new Honorary Fellows of the KCS were also announced.

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Gala Evening & Award Ceremony
An unforgettable evening honoring contribution, leadership, and passion for surgery.
“FOUNDING PRESIDENT / PRESIDENT EMERITUS AWARD” – Prof. Dr. Rifat Latifi
“Leadership by Example” – Naser Salihu, Mentor Gorani, Kushtrim Shala, Alberto Ferreres, and Russell Andrews
“Volunteerism Award” – Melissa Misialek and Enej Gasevic
“Distinguished Resident – Prof. Dr. Preveza Abrashi Award” – Shkëndije Hashani, Selman Maxhuni, and Ardit Nela
Recognition for Distinguished Members of the KCS – Hysni Jashari, Lulzim Vokrri, Remzi Gashi, Dugagjin Spanca, Korab Berisha, and Ylber Zejnullahu
“Publication and Innovation of the Year Award” – Prof. Dr. Rifat Latifi, for the book “Surgical Decision-Making, Evidence and Beyond”
Awards for the best presentations during the congress:
• Best Podium Presentation – Vjosa Zejnullahu
• Best Quick Shot Presentation – Elma Bregaj
• Best Poster Presentation – Dëfrim Koçinaj
• Best Video Presentation – Remzi Gashi
• Best Leadership Lecture – Sharique Nazir
• Best Named Lecture – Ruben Peralta

This congress was co-organized by:
Kosova College of Surgeons
Department of Surgery – University of Medicine, Tirana
Association of Albanian Doctors in North Macedonia
Association of Albanian Doctors in Switzerland
Kosova Society of ORL and Head & Neck Surgery and the Albanian Society of ORL

Heartfelt thanks to all participants, and special gratitude to the Platinum Sponsor, as well as all collaborators and supporters who made possible the largest and most historic event in Albanian surgery to date.