On December 6, 2018, the Albanian Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ASTES) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS) formalized a landmark partnership to bring the internationally-accredited Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course to Albania. The memorandum of understanding was signed by ASTES President, Assoc. Prof. Agron Dogjani, MD, PhD, FACS, FISS, and ACS Region XV Chief, Andrew Baker, MD, PhD, FACS. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in enhancing trauma care education and ultimately improving patient outcomes across our country.
1. A Partnership to Elevate Trauma Care
The ATLS course, a patented program of the ACS, has trained over a half-million clinicians worldwide in a standardized approach to the immediate management of injured patients. By joining forces, ASTES and ACS will:
- Deliver ATLS provider and instructor courses regionally
- Establish a sustainable network of certified ATLS instructors in Albania
- Integrate best practices in trauma assessment, resuscitation, and team communication
“This MOU lays the foundation for raising the standard of emergency surgical care in Albania,” said Assoc. Prof. Dogjani. “Our physicians will gain world-class training that directly translates into lives saved.”
2. Introducing the ATLS Albania Promulgation Course
To kick off this initiative, ASTES is proud to announce the inaugural ATLS Albania promulgation course, scheduled for January 13–17, 2020 in Athens, Greece. Key details include:
- Course Format: Two-day Provider course followed by a three-day Instructor course
- Faculty: ACS-certified master instructors alongside ASTES leadership
- Participants: Emergency physicians, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and allied health professionals
Attendees will engage in interactive lectures, hands-on skills stations, and simulated trauma scenarios, ensuring both theoretical knowledge and practical proficiency.
3. How to Participate
Registration for the ATLS Albania course will open in early 2019. Prospective participants should prepare to submit:
- Professional CV and proof of medical licensure
- Letter of support from their home institution
- Completed online registration form (link to follow)
Limited seats will be available to maintain optimal instructor-to-student ratios. Early application is highly encouraged.
Below are snapshots from the MOU signing ceremony and preparatory workshops. We look forward to sharing more updates as we roll out this transformative program for trauma care in Albania.
