Introduction
The Second NESA Surgical Workshop was successfully held in Tirana, Albania, on May 22–23, 2026, bringing together international experts, surgeons, and healthcare professionals for two days of academic exchange, live surgery demonstrations, and advanced surgical training.
Organised in collaboration with the University of Medicine of Tirana, NESA Academy, and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the workshop continued the strong professional cooperation established during the first NESA workshop held in Albania in 2025.
Continued collaboration following the 2025 workshop
The 2026 edition marked the second invitation extended to NESA and its international faculty to conduct a high-level surgical workshop in Albania. Following the success of the inaugural workshop in 2025, the initiative received significant public recognition, including acknowledgement by the Prime Minister of Albania in an official social media post highlighting the importance of the collaboration and the advancement of modern surgical education in the country.
This year’s workshop further strengthened the partnership between NESA and Albanian medical institutions, reflecting a shared commitment to contemporary surgical training and international knowledge exchange.
Opening ceremony was attended by institutional representatives
The opening of the workshop was attended by representatives of the Albanian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, alongside the Rector of the University of Medicine of Tirana, underlining the institutional importance of the event and its contribution to professional medical education in the region.
Their presence highlighted the growing recognition of international surgical collaboration and the value of practical, evidence-based education in obstetrics, gynecology, and minimally invasive surgery.
Scientific programme and live surgical demonstrations
The workshop combined academic lectures with live surgical procedures, offering participants the opportunity to observe contemporary surgical techniques performed by internationally recognised specialists.
The programme focused on endoscopy, hysterectomy, and cesarean section techniques, with live demonstrations and clinical discussions designed to encourage interactive learning and multidisciplinary exchange.
Certification and professional recognition
Participants of the Second NESA Surgical Workshop were awarded Certificates of Participation in recognition of their attendance and professional engagement throughout the programme. The certificates, jointly issued by NESA and the organising institutions in Albania, also included Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, acknowledging the workshop’s educational and scientific value.
Signed by NESA president Prof. Dr. Michael Stark and Prof. Enkelida Prifti, in charge of the local organizing committee. The certification reflected the workshop’s commitment to accredited medical education, practical surgical training, and international professional standards.
International faculty
The workshop featured an international faculty composed of leading experts in gynecological and minimally invasive surgery:
- Prof. Michael Stark
- Prof. Sven Becker
- Dr. Thomas Fink
- Dr. Dragan Belci
- Prof. Birgit Arabin
Advancing surgical education through international exchange
The Second NESA Surgical Workshop reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation in advancing surgical education and improving clinical practice. Through lectures, live procedures, and direct interaction between local and international specialists, the event provided participants with valuable practical insights and professional networking opportunities.
