Pan-Albanian College of Surgeons (PACS) is a professional, non-profit umbrella organization, established on February 6–7, in Tirana, Albania, with the participation of surgeons/delegates from all Albanian-inhabited regions and the diaspora. The College will serve as a platform for nationwide Albanian collaboration and coordination in the field of surgery.
The ceremony was opened with welcoming remarks by Prof. Dr. Arben Beqiri, Host Chair of the Founding Council, and with an introductory address by Prof. Dr. Rifat Latifi, Chair of the Founding Council. Special guest remarks were delivered by: the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia, Dr. Bekim Sali; the Minister of Health of the Republic of Kosova, Dr. Arben Vitia; the Minister of Health of North Macedonia, Mr. Azir Aliu; as well as the Rectors Prof. Dr. Xheladin Draçini (University of Medicine, Tirana), Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli (University of Tetova), and Prof. Dr. Mentor Petrela.
On behalf of representatives from the region and the diaspora, members of the Founding Council also delivered greetings: Dr. Osman Zhuri (Kosova), Prof. Dr. Ilir Hasani (North Macedonia), Prof. Dr. Lumnije Kqiku (Austria), Prof. Dr. Alban Neziri (Switzerland), Prof. Dr. Mentor Ahmeti (USA), Dr. Valon Baraliu (Germany), Prof. Dr. Albion Totsi (Greece), Dr. Daut Gjoni (Montenegro), and Dr. Beqir Nuhiu (Presheva).
Other members of the Founding Council of PACS included Prof. Dr. Arben Gjata, Prof. Dr. Fatos Olldashi, Dr. Edvin Selmani (Albania), Prof. Assoc. Dr. Luan Jaha, Dr. Mentor Gorani (Kosova), Dr. med. Kushtrim Shala (Germany), Prof. Dr. Rexhep Selmani (North Macedonia), and Prof. Dr. Ilirijana Haxhibeqiri (Bosnia and Herzegovina). The meeting was coordinated by Mr. Kujtim Salihu, while Ms. Fatjona Jahaj served as Technical/Administrative Coordinator.
At the conclusion of the program, the Chair of the Founding Council, Prof. Dr. Rifat Latifi, read the Founding Resolution of PACS, which was unanimously approved by all delegates. The resolution states, among other things, that “The Pan-Albanian College of Surgeons (PACS) shall be an independent professional entity with the mission of advancing surgical practice and science by defining training standards across all surgical disciplines, ensuring safe, modern, and evidence-based surgical care, and promoting lifelong learning, ethical practice, and professional accountability.”
The interim structures of PACS will prepare the statute and founding documentation. Following the approval of the statute by the Assembly of Delegates, the governing bodies with full responsibility and mandate will be elected. that brings together Albanian surgeons from Albania, Kosova, North Macedonia, and across the global diaspora. It serves as a collaborative platform dedicated to advancing surgical standards, education, research, and professional development through cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange.
PACS builds on successful models of surgical organizations and aims to strengthen institutional partnerships, support continuous medical education, promote scientific work, and encourage unified professional representation. By connecting surgeons from Albania, Kosova, North Macedonia, and Albanian communities worldwide, the College fosters shared expertise, joint initiatives, and coordinated contributions to modern surgical practice and patient care.
