This is the first multi-nation medical conference in Kosova since the province declared its independence early in 2008.


 

 

 

 

 

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Kosova Hosts Landmark International Medical Conference
by Kate Mayer

 

When Zgjim Limani, MD, a physician specializing in ear, nose and throat (ENT) medicine, and his colleagues wanted to put together an international medical symposium in Prishtina, Kosova, they asked if WiRED could help arrange a teleconference from the United States. Dr. Limani had worked with WiRED in the past and knew about the newly formed International Telemedicine Network (ITN).

 

WiRED contacted its ITN partner, the Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC), and the Washington-based teaching hospital agreed to provide the lecture. CNMC’s Diego Preciado, M.D., an otolaryngologist, delivered the lecture and so represented the U.S. in this groundbreaking conference in Kosova on April 25-26, 2009. This is the first multi-nation medical conference in Kosova since the province declared its independence early in 2008.

 

Physicians from 11 countries gathered at the Telemedicine Center of Prishtina for the First International Congress of ear, nose, throat (ENT) and head and neck surgery (HNS). The symposium was sponsored by the Republic of Kosova’s Ministry of Health, Altupharma Pharmaceutics, and LEK-Ljubljana.

 

Mark Freeman, a longtime WiRED adviser, facilitated the ITN teleconference portion of the event. Commenting on WiRED’s history during his introduction, Freeman said, “WiRED actually started its medical education work with the installation of Medical Information Centers in 12 Kosovar hospitals.” He also noted that WiRED’s growth since then led to the creation of the ITN, whose work WiRED coordinates. Using all aspects of information technology, the ITN plans to bring medical information to worldwide audiences.

 

Dr. Limani, organizer of the Kosova symposium, said there was great interest in the ITN among participants, who represented Kosova, Israel, the Netherlands, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, and Albania. “The lecture was excellent, the connection was great, and everything went as planned,” added Dr. Limani.

 

WiRED International began work in the Balkans in 1997 and has had a presence in Kosova since 2000 when it helped the U.S. Department of State set up free computer centers as part of its Kosova Internet Access Initiative (KIAI). The centers helped the war-torn country reestablish contact with the outside world. At times, WiRED set up video visits through the centers to reunite families whose ailing children had been sent to Europe for treatment. Kosova, which struggled for independence during the Balkan war, declared independence from Serbia in February of 2008. Today, most countries view it as an independent province.

 

Editing by Annie Stuart, layout by Brian Colombe.

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