In January 2020, following the successful ATLS Albania promulgation course in Athens, Greece, the Albanian Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ASTES) convened a post‑training meeting to celebrate our new cadre of ATLS-certified surgeons and lay the groundwork for the first ATLS course to be held in Albania.
1. Awarding ATLS Provider and Instructor Certificates
During the meeting, ATLS provider and instructor certificates were formally presented to all participants who passed the rigorous ACS examination. Each certificate bears a unique ID registered in the American College of Surgeons (ACS) system, ensuring global recognition—valid in over 80 countries. This milestone not only honors individual achievement but also expands our network of qualified ATLS instructors able to deliver world‑class trauma education back home.
2. Planning the Inaugural ATLS Course in Albania
A key agenda item was strategizing the rollout of the first ACS‑surveilled ATLS course on Albanian soil. Faculty and society leaders mapped out logistics, faculty recruitment, and candidate selection criteria to ensure the highest standards of training and patient safety. This course will mark a transformative step in national trauma care, equipping local teams with the same protocols trusted worldwide.
3. Adapting to the COVID‑19 Pandemic
Shortly after our Athens meeting, the COVID‑19 pandemic brought international travel and gatherings to a halt. In light of this, the ASTES board resolved to tentatively schedule the Albanian ATLS course for January 2021, with full flexibility to adjust as public‑health conditions evolve. We remain committed to closely monitoring developments and will provide updates on registration timelines and safety measures well in advance.
Below are moments from the January 2020 meeting—certificate presentations, ACS ID card handovers, and our strategic planning session. We look forward to celebrating our first in‑country ATLS course soon, united in our mission to advance trauma care across Albania.