State-of-the-art lectures – Third Clinical Congress

The Founding President of KCS, Prof. Dr. Rifat Latifi, for Global Health

This lecture is named after Rifat Latifi, MD, FACS, FICS, FCKS, Chair and Tenured Professor of Surgery at New York Medical College, Director of the Department of Surgery at Westchester Medical Center Health Network, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the International College of Surgeons (ICS), Founder and Chairman of the Kosova College of Surgeons and Editor-in-Chief of the Kosova Journal of Surgery, Minister of Health of the Republic of Kosova (November 16, 2021 – October 6, 2022).

This lecture is dedicated to developments and advances in surgery and health at the global level. Consequently, at the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of  Dr. Girma Tefera, “Global Health in Surgery: Working beyond the “feel good””.

Dr. Adem Ademi for Emergency Surgery 

This lecture is named after Dr. Adem Ademi, a Surgeon, who specialized in Zagreb. In 1981, he was appointed Chief of the Surgery Department at Mitrovica Hospital where he worked until 1992. During the war in Kosova, Dr. Ademi was among the first initiators in the preparation of the Military Hospital. He was assigned to the Shala area. However, due to the impossibility of circulation, the specialists didn’t always stay in the area of Shala. Dr. Ademi was stationed in the mountains of the municipality of Zubin Potok, where he was kidnapped together with a group of 23 intellectuals of various profiles. Since April 19, 1999, he has been registered as missing.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Dr. Petrit Mulaku, MD, Msc, “Current Disaster Management: What everyone should know?”.

Prof. Dr. Qamil Haxhija for Leadership in Opthalmology 

This lecture is named after Prof. Dr. Qamil Haxhija, an Ophthalmologist. In 1971, Dr. Haxhija was elected Head of the Eye Department of the General Hospital of Pristina. With the opening of the Faculty of Medicine in Pristina, he was elected the first Director of the Eye Clinic. For a while, he also held the position of Head of the Department of Ophthalmology in Pristina. Dr. Qamil Haxhija was co-author of the main textbook on Ophthalmology, for Medical students at the level of Yugoslavia, edited by Milan Blagojevic and Olga Litricin. He has had numerous scientific and professional presentations and publications in the field of Ophthalmology.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the featured lecture was that of Dr. Huban Atilla, MD, FEBO, “Huban Atilla: Congenital cataracts; What has changed?.”

Prof. Dr. Muharrem Gashi for Thoracic Surgery

This lecture is named after Prof. Dr. Muharrem Gashi, a General and Thoracic surgeon. In 1969, he was appointed Chief of the Department of Surgery, then of the Medical Center in Gjilan. In 1970, he was elected Assistant of General Surgery at the Department of Surgery of the Faculty of Medicine in Prishtina. At the beginning of 1974, the Department of Thoracic Surgery was established in Kosova for the first time and Prof. Dr. Muharrem Gashi was appointed as Chief. He managed to draft 4 texts for postgraduate students and for doctors. Also, he has published more than 130 scientific and specialist works. Prof. Dr. Gashi published the book “Mediastanium Tumors” in 2012.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of  Mentor Ahmeti, MD, FACS, “Chest Wall Stabilization”.

Prof. Dr. Jashar Dula for Maxillofacial Surgery

This lecture is named after Prof. Dr. Jashar Dula. He was the first Maxillofacial Surgeon, Assistant, in the subjects of Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Surgery, and full Professor at the Faculty of Medicine. Prof. Dula founded the Maxillofacial Hospital Service in Kosova. During his activity and academic career, despite the tireless work in the clinic and lecturing at the Faculty, he has participated in national and international congresses and conferences with over 50 scientific papers. In 2005 and 2012, he was awarded recognition by the Association of Dentists of Kosova for his contribution to the development of Kosovar Dentistry.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Dr. Mërgime Prekazi Loxha, “Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment: Our experience”.

Asst. Dr. Shpetim Robaj for Anesthesiology

This lecture is named after Asst. Dr. Shpetim Robaj, Anesthesiologist. After completing his specialization, he started working at the Surgery Clinic, where he was selected as an Assistant in the subject of General Surgery in the field of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation at the Faculty of Medicine in Prishtina. When Kosova most needed support, during 1998, Dr. Robaj, together with his colleagues, began to provide health care to KLA fighters and the civilian population, first in Drenica and then in other war zones, did surgeries, and supplied necessary materials.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Dr. Vedat Eljezi, “Update of diagnosis and treatement of pulmonary embolism”.

Dr. Bajram Rexhepi for Combat Surgery

This lecture is named after Dr. Bajram Rexhepi, a Surgeon and Albanian politician from Kosova. He worked as a general surgeon and endoscopic specialist in the regional hospital of Mitrovica until 1990. After that, he became the Leader of the shadow government in the city and was elected as the representative of Mitrovica in the Assembly of Kosova. During the 1999 war with Serbia, Rexhepi joined the KLA and spent three months in the mountains serving as a doctor in the operational area of Shala. The Assembly of Kosova elected Bajram Rexhepi as the first Prime Minister of Kosova. Rexhepi left politics in 2014 to continue his career as a surgeon.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Joseph Sakran, MD, MPA, MPH, “Gun Violence in America – A Public Health Problem”.

Dr. Hajrullah Saraçi for Intensive Medicine

This lecture is named after Dr. Hajrullah Saraçi, who completed his studies at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Pristina. After graduating, Dr. Saraçi worked as a general practitioner until he left for Germany to return. After returning from Germany, he specialized in Anesthesia and Reanimation. Dr. Hajrullah Saraçi was an Anesthesia and Reanimation Specialist and Executive Director of the “Sheikh Zayed” Hospital (in Vushtrri) from 2015 to 2019. Then, from 2020 to 2021 he was again the Executive Director of this hospital. On April 21, 2021, he passed away in Pristina after a severe and short illness.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Bellal Joseph, MD, FACS, “Whole blood”.

Prof. Dr. Rifat Latifi – Advances in Trauma, Telemedicine, and Technologies

This lecture is named after Rifat Latifi, MD, FACS, FICS, FCKS, Chair and Tenured Professor of Surgery at New York Medical College, Director of the Department of Surgery at Westchester Medical Center Health Network, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the International College of Surgeons (ICS), Founder and Chairman of the Kosova College of Surgeons and Editor-in-Chief of the Kosova Journal of Surgery, Minister of Health of the Republic of Kosova (November 16, 2021 – October 6, 2022).  Prof. Latifi is a true clinical master, educator, researcher in surgery, and the embodiment of an academic surgeon.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of  Hayato Kurihara, MD, FACS, FEBS, “Trauma system in Europe: An Ongoing Challenge”.

Prof. Dr. Hajredin Ukelli & Ass. Prof. Faik Kafexholli for Paediatric Surgery

This lecture is named after Prof. Dr. Hajredin Ukelli, a Pediatric Surgeon. As the founder of Pediatric Surgery in Pristina, he led the Department where complicated surgical interventions are performed in this field. During the period from 1986-1996, he served as the Head of the Department of Surgery. He has participated in many professional meetings, symposia, and congresses and has published over 70 scientific papers. Prof. Ukelli has published three books: “Early detection and treatment of frequent congenital abnormalities of the locomotor system”, “Indications for surgical intervention in fractures of the diaphyses of the long bones of the lower extremities in children”, and “The most frequent surgical diseases in children”.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Emir Haxhija, MD, PhD, FEBPS, “Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy for Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis in Children: does it Improve the Quality of Surgical Services? ”.

Prof. Dr. Hajredin Ukelli & Ass. Prof. Faik Kafexholli for Paediatric Surgery

This lecture is named after Ass. Prof. Faik Kafexholli, Pediatric Surgeon. He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine in Skopje in 1968, then started working as a doctor in Prizren. He also worked in Has and in other places. In 1974, he moved to the Surgery Clinic in Pristina, in the Department of Pediatric Surgery. He finished his specialization in pediatric surgery in 1978 in Belgrade. Then he returned to continue working in the Department of Pediatric Surgery in Pristina until he retired in 2004. It is worth noting that in the circumstances of the war in Kosova, in 1998-1999, Ass. Prof. Faik Kafexholli, goes without hesitation to the operational area of Llapi, helping the residents of that area.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Emir Q. Haxhija, MD, PhD, FEBPS, “Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy for Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis in Children: does it Improve the Quality of Surgical Services?”.

Ass. Dr. Bedri Bakalli for Orthopedic Trauma Surgery

This lecture is named after Ass. Dr. Bedri Bakalli – the first Albanian doctor in the field of Orthopedics and Traumatology in Kosova. In 1976 he was appointed Head of the Department of Traumatology of the locomotor system, a task he exercised regularly and successfully until his retirement at the end of 2007. From 1976 he was an Assistant/lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, on the subject of Orthopedics and Traumatology, until 2007. During his career, he performed over 5,000 major surgical interventions in the locomotor system and countless conservative interventions. Being among the first orthopedists in Kosova, he also had the task of passing on knowledge and skills to future generations of orthopedists who were formed over the years in Kosova.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Prof. Dr. Ilir Hasani: “The power of ” NOW in Pelvic Fractures Surgery”

Prof. Dr. Agron Pustina for Pediatric Orthopedics

This lecture is named after Prof. Dr. Agron Pustina, an Orthopedist. After completing his specialization, he moved to the Orthopedic Clinic in Pristina, where he was also included in the teaching process, starting his academic career as an Assistant, then Docent, Associate Professor, and Ordinary Professor. Prof. Dr. Agron Pustina was one of the founders of the Department of Orthopedics, and at the same time, the leader of the Orthopedics Clinic at UCCK. He was the Director of the Orthopedic Clinic at the UCCK and one of the founders of the Orthopedic Association of Kosova.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Gershon Volpin, “Rare Complications of Total Hip Replacement”.

Prof. Dr. Gazmend Shaqiri for Vascular Surgery

This lecture is named after Prof. Dr. Gazmend Shaqiri, founder of Vascular Surgery in Kosova. He has published over 210 scientific papers, as well as the books: “Diseases of the arteries”, “Surgery of the heart and aorta”, “Medicinal manuals in daily practice”, “Emergency surgery – Injuries”, “Emergency surgery, General part”, ” Surgery, Acute Diseases, Special Section”, “Surgical Interventions” “Surgeon’s Diary”, “Anemia of the Body Parts – Peripheral Arterial Diseases”, while in March 2018, at the time when he was fighting against the serious disease that had advanced, published the book “Surgery of visceral blood vessels”.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Prof. Dr. Ilirijana Haxhibeqiri, “On-pump vs Off-pump revascularization”.

Dr. Xheladin Deda in Ophthalmology

This lecture is named after Dr. Xheladin Deda, a doctor, ophthalmologist, patriot, and docent. He is known as the first Kosovar Ophthalmologist, founder of the Eye Department in Kosova, and who laid the foundations for the formation of the Eye Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine. He managed to form a team of doctors and lay the solid foundations of the ophthalmology service in Kosova, on which the Ophthalmology Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine in Pristina was built. He was Head of the Eye Department at the old Hospital of Pristina, then also at the General Hospital, where he worked until the last days of his life.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Gurkan Erdogan, “Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach for Complicated Vitreoretinal Diseases”.

Ass. Prof. Dr. Shefqet Meha for Neurosurgery

This lecture is named after Ass. Prof. Dr. Shefqet Meha. He was the first Neurosurgery Specialist in Kosova. After specialization, he worked at the Surgery Clinic in Pristina and founded the Department of Neurosurgery. During this time, he was also a Surgical Assistant at the Faculty of Medicine in Pristina. Knowing the circumstances in which we were in the 90s, he leaves his job against his will from the Serbian regime. After the war, he again returned to the Clinic of Surgery and continued his work until his retirement, namely in 2001.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Krishnan Ganapathy M Ch (Neurosurgery) FACS FICS FAMS Ph.D, “Quality of Death in Surgical Practice: A 50 year Story from India”.

Prof. Dr. Samedin Haxhijaha for Endoscopic Surgery

This lecture is named after Prof. Dr. Samedin Haxijaha. He was the Head of the Reception Service and Specialistic Ambulances, and an Assistant in the Department of Surgery of the Faculty of Medicine in Prishtina. He founded the Service for Diagnostics and Endoscopic Therapy of the Digestive Tract of the Clinic of Surgery in Prishtina. Prof. Dr. Haxijaha has been the author and co-author of a large number of scientific works in the country and in the world and he inaugurated two original methods in surgery for the treatment of unguis incarnates halluces and atheroma.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of  Kushtrim Shala, Dr. med, “My 20 years of experience in the treatment of colon cancer with laparoscopy and in particular with SILS-Laparoscopy ”.

Prof. Dr. Musa Haxhiu for Scientific Research

This lecture is named after Prof. Dr. Musa Haxhiu. He specialized in Lung Diseases. Meanwhile, he completed his postgraduate studies in the field of Cardiology. He was Dean and Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Chairman of ASHA of Kosova. Prof. Dr. Haxhiu formed the Institute of Pathological Physiology, in which surgeons, gastroenterologists, and specialists from other branches of Internal Medicine began experimental work. Prof. Dr. Musa is undoubtedly the most cited expert in world scientific literature. He has published several university texts and over 400 papers, articles, and scientific lectures in all world-renowned journals.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Dr. Bashkim Kadriu, “Discovery of the Mechanisms and Biosignatures Underlying Rapid-Acting Treatment in Neuropsychiatry: Lessons Learned from Ketamine Discovery in Treatment-Resistant Mood Disorders”.

Ass. Prof. Dr. Adnan Shabani for Plastic Surgery

This lecture is named after Ass. Dr. Adnan Shabani, Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic surgeon. On May 1, 1978, he founded the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Prishtina, and from that time until June 15, 2003, he was Chief of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Prishtina. In 1978, he was chosen as an Assistant in the subject of General Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine in Prishtina. From 2003 to 2009, Dr. Adnan Shabani was the Head of Outpatient Service at the Surgery Clinic in Pristina. He is the author and co-author of over 20 scientific papers.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the featured lecture was that of Lars-Peter Kamolz, MD, “Improving the functional, aesthetic and social outcomes of patients suffering from severe burns: Experiences from the Burn Center in Graz, Austria.”

Prof. Dr. Safet Beqiraj for Lung Cancer Surgery

This lecture is named after Prof. Dr. Safet Beqiraj. He worked in the Department of Thoracic Surgery in Pristina from 1984 to 1988. In June 1999, he returned to the Clinic of Surgery, to the Department of Thoracic Surgery, and was the first leader of the Emergency Center. Besides others, Dr. Beqiraj was also elected Vice-Dean for Health and Specialization at the Faculty of Medicine, Pristina. During the years 2001-2002, he was the Executive Director at UCCK. From 2003, he worked at the Clinic of Dr. Horst-Schmidt in Wiesbaden, Germany. From 2009 onwards he was head of Thoracic Oncology Surgery at Kerckhoff Klinik gGmbH, Bad Nauheim, Germany.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of  Tomaz Stupnik, MD, PhD, “Competency in VATS Major Pulmonary Resections”.

Prof. Dr. Ali Zatriqi for Surgical Oncology

This lecture is named after Prof. Dr. Ali Zatriqi. As a professional surgeon in Kosova, he’s the first that started dealing with Oncology and Immunology. He formed the Ward, the Ambulance, and the Oncology-Immunology Laboratory, the only one in the region, near the Clinic of Surgery and Orthopedics. In 1977, he created the conditions for tissue and organ transplantation. He left the book of War Surgery, General and Special Surgery, of about 1500 pages. As a connoisseur of foreign languages, he published 200 scientific papers in English, French, Serbian, and Russian.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Dr. Mert Erkan: “True or false: Breaking myths about the pancreatic cancer”.

Prof. Dr. Muhamed Guguli for Breast Surgery

This lecture is named after Prof. Dr. Muhamed Guguli, a General surgeon. In 1969, he was elected Chief of the Surgery Department at Prizren Hospital. With the opening of the Faculty of Medicine in Pristina, he was elected Assistant of the Surgery course and began working in the Thoracic Surgery department in 1976. In 1982, he was elected a docent of the course, while in 1987 he received the title of Associate Professor. He has participated in many congresses and seminars, publishing 58 scientific papers as author and co-author, as well as a monograph entitled “Bronchological examination and surgical treatment of bronchiectasis”.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Dr. Bedri Osmani, “Trends in Surgical Management of Breast Cancere”.

Prof. Dr. Sehadete Mekuli for Gynecological & Obstetric Surgery

This lecture is named after Prof. Dr. Sehadete Mekuli, Gynecologist and Obstetrician. On April 1, 1954, she started working as a gynecologist and obstetrician at the Prishtina Hospital. Meanwhile, from 1960 to 1962 she was Head of the Gynecology and Obstetrics ward at the Hospital of Pristina, a role she returned to in 1968. In 1963, for political reasons, she became the Head of the Dispensary, within the Health House of Pristina. Prof. Dr. Sadete Mekuli participated in establishing the Association of Doctors of Kosova and directed the publication of “Praxis Medica”, a medical journal. Among others, Prof. Dr. Mekuli has published 31 articles in the medical journal.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Dr. Sahadete Shala, “Iatrogenic injuries during Cesarian Section Delivery”.

Prof. Dr. Emine Gashi for Gynecological & Obstetric Surgery

This lecture is named after Prof. Dr. Emine Gashi, a Gynecologist and Obstetrician. After graduation, she returned to her hometown and was employed as a doctor at the General Hospital in Prizren. Then Prof. Mekuli was employed in the Department of Gynecology at the General Hospital of Gjilan until 1971. In the same year, she was selected as an Assistant in the Gynecology and Obstetrics course at the Faculty of Medicine, Prishtina. In 1974, she was appointed Chief of the Obstetrics Department of this Clinic, where she worked until August 2000.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Prof. Asst. Dr. Brikenë Dacaj Elshani, “Localization and treatment of ectopic pregnancies in the gynecological clinic – Retrospective study”.

Prof. Dr. Talat Pallaska & Prof. Dr. Besim Sllamniku for ORL
Surgery

This lecture is named after Dr. Tallat Pallaska. He specialized in ear, nose, and throat diseases in 1964 in Belgrade, at the Otorhinolaryngology and Cervical Surgery Clinic. In this year he returned to Pristina and was elected Head of the ENT Department at the General Hospital. For many years he led the department, educating young Albanian cadres about ear, nose, and throat diseases. In 1972, he was elected Director of the General Hospital in Pristina, where he received the title “Primarius” for his merits. Talat Pallaska was the instigator and activist of the opening of the Faculty of Medicine in Pristina, which began work in 1969. He has published more than 85 scientific papers.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Dr. Deniz Tuna Edizer, “Cochlear Implantation”.

Prof. Dr. Talat Pallaska & Prof. Dr. Besim Sllamniku for ORL
Surgery

This lecture is named after Dr. Besim Sllamniku, an ENT Surgeon. In 1974, he performed the first total laryngectomy in Kosova. In 1976 he spent 6 months at the Karolinska Institute, in Stockholm, Sweden where he completed part of his doctoral dissertation. In 1987-1988 he spent a year as a Fulbright scholar at the University of Washington, USA. During that period he published more than 130 professional and scientific publications. His first book was Otorinolaringologija – and it was published by the Department of ENT Zagreb. Dr. Sllamniku was a Professor in ENT – head and neck surgery, and from 1999-2015 he was the president of the Oncology Association of Kosova.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Dr. Deniz Tuna Edizer, “Cochlear Implantation”.

Prof. Dr. Ymer Aliu for Minimally Invasive Surgery

This lecture is named after Prof. Dr. Ymer Aliu, General Surgeon. He was the main founder of the Laparoscopic Center at UCCK near the Surgery Clinic. Prof. Ali was the Director of the Surgery Clinic within the UCCK and in that mandate, he carried out the Pediatric Cardiac Surgery project, one that is still working today. With the initiative of Dr. Ali, a polyclinic has been opened in the city of Presheva for the provision of surgical and gynecological services with doctors from Pristina. He has published over 27 scientific and professional papers in national and international scientific journals as author and co-author.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Prof. Dr. Rexhep Selmani, “Early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis; predictive factors for conversion”.

Prof. Dr. Osman Sejfija for Maxillofacial Surgery

This lecture is named after Prof. Dr. Osman Sejfija, a renowned Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon with over 37 years of experience, specializing in the treatment of complex facial and oral cavity conditions. He served as the Director of the Clinic of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery at the University Clinical Center of Kosova in Prishtina and contributed to the care of over 2000 patients with facial tumors and thousands of others with infections and trauma. His academic path includes a PhD in Dentistry from the University of Prishtina, where he now mentors PhD candidates in maxillofacial surgery. He has participated in numerous congresses and symposiums across Europe and is known for his dedication to advancing maxillofacial surgery through clinical practice and education.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Lumnije Kqiku-Biblekaj, MD, DDS, Ph.D., “Dental Traumatology: Surgical Solutions”.

Prof. Dr. Sami Haxhibeqiri: Frontiers in Surgery

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Prof. Dr. Rifat Latifi, “Medical Diplomacy and Clinical Centers of Excellence as Strategy to Mitigate Medical Neocolonialism and Surgical Disparity in Post-conflict Developing Countries: The Republic of Kosova’s Example”.

Prof. Dr. Sadri Bajraktari for Humanism and Vascular Surgery

This lecture is named after Prof. Dr. Sadri Bajraktari, a General and Vascular Surgeon, and Professor of General and Combat Surgery. Professor Bajraktari belongs to the golden generation of Kosova’s surgeons who laid the foundations of the Clinic of Surgery and the Faculty of Medicine. After retirement, he was honored with the title of Professor Emeritus by the University of Prishtina. He is the author and co-author of numerous scientific papers. In 2003, he published the university textbook “Diseases of the Veins.” He was the first editor-in-chief of the “Kosova Journal of Surgery,” a publication of the Kosova College of Surgeons. For his contributions to healthcare, education, and science, Professor Bajraktari has been awarded many recognitions.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of  Hassan Al-Thani,MD, FACS, MBA, MBBch, CABS, FRCSI/C, “Abdominal aortic aneurysmal rupture: Risk factor and prediction”.

Prof. Dr. Xhemil Bytyçi for Urology

This lecture is named after Prof. Dr. Xhemil Bytyçi, one of the most renowned urologists in Kosova. He has been highly productive in pedagogical, scientific, and clinical work. He has participated in many national and international congresses, seminars, and scientific symposia. He has published over 110 articles, presentations, studies, and papers in specialized professional journals in the fields of urology and surgery. He worked at this medical and educational institution until his retirement in 2006. Even after retirement, he continued to perform his duties as a specialist urologist with full ethical-professional competence at the private clinic “Uropriz” in Prizren, and he continues his work as a professor of urology at the private “Aloka” Hospital and the Special Urological Hospital “Vita – Hospital” in Pristina. Prof. Dr. Xhemil Bytyçi was, for many years, a regular faculty member of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Prishtina, holding the highest rank – full professor.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Dr. Bujar Frangu, “OGG1 rs2304277 Gene Polymorphism in Bladder Cancer”.

Prof. Dr. Salih Krasniqi for Laparoscopic Pioneers in Surgery

This lecture is named after Prof. Dr. Salih Krasniqi, a General Surgeon. He served as an authorized Assistant in the field of surgery (1996-2011) at the Surgery Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine in Prishtina. He was a lecturer of surgery at the State University of Tetovo in the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics from 2008 to 2010. Since January 2014, he has been a lecturer in Surgery at the University of Medicine in Tirana, Faculty of Technical Medical Sciences, branch in Kukës. He was a Municipal Councilor of the Prishtina Municipal Assembly from 2009 to 2013. He served as Medical Director at the University Clinical Center of Kosova (UCCK) from 2010 to 2011. He was a signatory and disseminator of the Appeal of the 215 intellectuals of Kosova. He participated in and co-coordinated seven Military Hospitals in the three wars in the Albanian territories: Kosova, Presevo, Bujanovac, Medvegjë, and Macedonia – Likovë (1998-2001). He is the author and co-author of nine books and more than 30 scientific and professional papers both domestically and internationally.

At the Third Clinical Congress, the lecture selected for the named lecture was that of Demetrius Litwin,MD, MBA, FRCSC, FICS, FACS, “Laparoscopic hernia repair vs open hernia repair”.