A significant contribution to this organization was made by the embassy staff, particularly Ambassador Mrs. Albesjana Iberhysaj, who, in coordination with the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania in Prague, Mr. Ilir Tepelena, and the President of the Albanian Doctors Federation in Europe, Dr. Aurora Dollenberg, successfully achieved the goal of hosting a conference that was both successful and of great interest to the attendees.
This time, Dr. Aurora Dollenberg had oriented the conference towards the fight against stress, hence the theme of the presentations by the doctors was "How to Combat Stress" at work, with patients, and among medical staff who are also under attack every day in their profession. In this regard, the organizers of the 22nd consecutive conference had planned to kick off the first night on April 19th with an "Exhibition" by the Federation member, Dr. Amire Demolli, who, besides being a medical professional, has also completed studies in Fine Arts - Painting. Dr. Dollenberg conceptualized this choice as a precursor to the central theme planned for the second day of the conference, "Work Stress, Daily Life, and Human Health."
At the opening of the conference proceedings, preceded by Dr. Amire Demolli's exhibition, a considerable number of doctors and citizens residing in Prague were present. The attendees were greeted by both accredited ambassadors to the Czech Republic, Mr. Ilir Tepelena - the Ambassador of Albania, and Mrs. Albesjana Iberhysaj - the Ambassador of Kosovo in Prague. A brief overview of Dr. Demolli's works was provided by journalist Hajriz Mamaj, a part of the federation's activities, who delved into a short analysis of Mrs. Demolli's works, particularly emphasizing the role of art in alleviating stress, Diaspora Shqiptare reports.
In her welcoming speech, the President of the Albanian Doctors Federation in Europe, Dr. Aurora Dollenberg, thanked both ambassadors for their support and motivation in the Federation's work and all the doctors who endeavor to share the knowledge gained in the diaspora wherever there are Albanians through such conferences, which are also supported by Albanian embassies and consulates wherever such conferences are organized. Therefore, on behalf of all the federation members, I express my gratitude for your excellent support and cooperation. Dr. Dollenberg, in closing her appreciative speech, invited everyone present to return the next day, April 20th, to the same venue to attend the presentations prepared by the doctors for this conference. Although Saturday dawned with low temperatures, perhaps causing concern for the organizer regarding the number of participants, this doubt quickly dissipated.
The flow of attendees began to increase rapidly around 9:00 am, and the queue for registration grew at every moment. This time, the majority of doctors came from Kosovo, perhaps due to the free movement following the visa liberalization, as well as from Albania and other European countries. The two ambassadors, Mrs. Iberhysaj and Mr. Tepelena, were also present on the second day of the conference in Prague, delivering their welcoming words at the beginning of the scientific proceedings. "I am very happy to address the most vital part of my nation today," began Ambassador Iberhysaj, "because you are the ones who give us hope for life, you make us smile in the hardest moments, but also cry when your efforts to save lives fail, so you are even more stressed than us who see in your eyes what you will tell us."
"I wish you all the best among us, even though we did not expect such a large number of doctors. But to the friend and guest, the door of the inn opens with heart and with what is there, so feel at home and successful," she continued. Ambassador Tepelena also greeted the attendees and wished success during the conference proceedings. On behalf of the Federation, the Federation's President, Dr. Dollenberg, wished all present a successful event, followed by welcoming words from the Federation's Board members such as Dr. Skënder Brataj, Fadil Çitaku, Dr. Fadil Avdiu, Dr. Kledisa Shemsi Vice, Merjola Skendaj Prifti, Prof. Arsim Gerxhaliu, and Elona Gjini. After a brief break, the scientific session began, preceded by Dr. Skënder Brataj, Director of the Emergency Center at the University Hospital Center of Tirana.
Mr. Brataj addressed the topic: Stress Management in the Emergency Department in Tirana. His work was well received and welcomed by young doctors facing such situations in their workplaces. Dr. Brataj also answered many questions from the participants. Dr. Aurora Dollenberg, as a specialist in emergency medicine, family medicine, and psychotherapy, had oriented her work towards her many years of experience working with patients and the stress accumulated during work.
In this regard, she managed to explain with concrete examples how to eliminate stress from both the patient and the doctor who faces daily challenges in their work. With concrete examples presented in explanatory tables, she rounded off her work by offering new generations material to use during their work. Mrs. Dollenberg had compiled this experience into a book, which she presented during the lunch break with the participants. Fadil Çitaku, PhD, from the Academy of Leadership and Science in Switzerland, presented his work: "Lifestyle from a medical perspective and stress management in daily life." A special attention during the conference was drawn by the work of Dr. Lediona Troni, a Pediatrics Specialist in the Czech Republic, who chose the topic: Depression and Suicide in Children, for treatment. This topic presented by Dr. Lediona was well received and accompanied by many questions from the attendees.
Two surgeons, whose work was characterized by their field and the stress accompanying them during surgery, were also present at this conference. Surgeon from Kosovo Dr. Arbër Morina discussed the daily routine of his work as a surgeon and the problems that arise during certain moments during surgery, where the surgeon must make decisions in the best interest of the patient. This work not only stresses and keeps you anxious until the critical phase with which the patient is confronted during the operation is overcome, but also the concentration required for a surgeon to achieve the desired result must be maximum. Dr. Morina illustrated everything with examples, stating, "The stress dissipates when I see the patient smiling, only then am I relieved of stress and rejoice in my success during work." Meanwhile, Dr. Haki Kryeziu, a visceral surgeon and chief operator at the Salzburg Hospital, shared his many years of experience as a surgeon in Austria gained from renowned surgeons in the field of surgery worldwide.
"The surgeon must start the operation with full optimism, but it does not always end as we started it. But the battle against stress must always be taken into account because of the surprises that are sometimes unpredictable," said Dr. Kryeziu. He promised to apply the experiences gained in global centers with patience in Kosovo and other Albanian-speaking countries.
Another well-received presentation was made by Dr. Eriona Bytyçi, a general practitioner and distinguished former student of the University of Prishtina. She addressed stress in a different dimension, that of organic stress, to complement this conference with a molecular example of stress. The condition or stressor she exemplified was Rhabdomyolysis (as an acute stressor) and its impact on acute kidney failure (as a victim organ) and the management/treatment of this condition.
In closing the conference, the Federation also elected the leadership of the Federation Branch for the Czech Republic in this composition. Dr. Lediona Toni, a pediatrician, was elected Chairwoman, Arbër Prifti, Angiology Specialist, Resuscitation - Vice Chairman. Merjola Skendaj, Psychologist - member of the board, and Krist Ikonomi - Physiotherapist, member of the board.
It is worth noting at the end of this note that a significant contribution was also made by Prof. Lule Elezi, a renowned pianist, and journalist Alketa Gashi Fazliu, who, in a conversation with journalist and moderator Hajriz Mamaj, discussed the book "They Sculpt the Pain," the story of 15 Albanian mothers heartbroken by the loss of their loved ones during the last war in Kosovo.
In this conversation, special contributions were also made by Prof. Dr. Ariana Reli, a psychiatrist from Tirana, Prof. Dr. Arsim Gërxhaliu from Prishtina, and Latif Hoxha, PhD Clinical Psychologist.
In conclusion, the conference's moderator, Mr. Mamaj, thanked the ambassadors for their engagement and all the participants in the conference, inviting everyone interested to join the federation's activities, the next of which will be held on June 15th at the "Ukshin Hoti" University in Prizren in the main Amphitheater hall. Welcome!