first gala brochure - Albanian American Medical Society

Transcription

first gala brochure - Albanian American Medical Society
A
IC
AN I A N A M
B
AL
AN ME
C
I
D
ER
L SOCIET
Y
•M
•
MVIII
Albanian American Medical Society
First Award Gala
Saturday, March 19, 2011 ● 6:00 PM
The Harvard Club of New York City
35 West 44th Street New York NY 10036
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Albanian American Medical Society
PRAYER OF THE ALBANIAN LANGUAGE SCHOOL
(January 14,1967)
God Almighty, Creator of the Universe, help us give a successful start to our Albanian
School, so that we may learn the language, history and traditions of the Albanian nation,
the country of origin of our parents and forefathers; for even though she is poor and humble, she is noble; for even though she has suffered throughout the centuries in her dogged
fight for survival, she is a nation who lives, and will continue to live, for she wishes to live.
God Almighty, in this great nation of America, where different ethnic groups have
found liberty and happiness, let us be proud of our Albanian heritage, for its people and
language are among the oldest in the world; for the moral fiber of the Albanian family is
among the healthiest in the world; for this heritage is a precious one, and is an asset in the
framework of our large American family to which we are privileged to belong.
Dear Lord, bless our country, the United States of America – the country in which we
are born and raised in freedom and happiness; bless Albania, the country of our parents
and forefathers, and bestow peace and happiness on both these nations, since we are a link
between them and we love them both.
Amen
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First Award Gala
P
R
O
G
R
A
17:30
Welcome to the AAMS Gala, Grill Room
18:00
Open Bar, Reception, Harvard Hall
18:45
Chamber Music, Classic Masterpieces
Welcome Remarks for 2011 Gala event
Dr. Lindita Çoku AAMS President
M
19:00
Dinner service
Main Speech & Presentations
AAMS members
20:00
Introduction of the Guest speakers
Dr. Sulejman Çelaj AAMS Co-Chairman
20:15
Presentation of the Award
Dr. Ferid Murad AAMS Honorary Chairman &
1998 Nobel Laureate in Medicine & Physiology
Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Agim Leka
21:00
Guest Speaker: Jaime R. Torres DMP, MS Regional Director
US Department of Health and Human Services
21:15
Guest Speaker: Dr. Peter C. Carmel President
American Medical Association
21:30
Live Musical Performance
The best of Albanian Songs & Dance
22:00
Recognition of the Gala Organizing Committee
Closing Remarks - Dr. Lindita Çoku AAMS President
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Albanian American Medical Society
MUSICAL REPERTOIRE
MUSICIANS:
GJILBERTA LUCAJ-GELAJ: VIOLONIST & CELLIST
HERMIRA GJONI: PIANISTS
MERITA HALILI: SINGER
LULE BORE..............................SIMON GJONI
HABANERA FROM CARMEN...................G. BIZET
LA PALOMA (THE DOVE) .......................S. YRADIER
LOVE ME TENDER....................ELVIS PRESLEY
ROMANCE...............................SIMON GJONI
SERENADE...........................F. SCHUBERT
AVE MARIA.........................BACH-GOUNOD
POEMA E RRAPSODID............SIMON GJONI
ASTURIAS...........................ISAAC ALBENIZ
COUNTRY DANCE............C.M. von WEBER
MEDITATION (from opera Thais).........J. MASSENET
ANGEL'S SERENADE.....................G.BRAGA
CIELITO LINDO (Beautiful Heaven)...........C. FERNANDEZ
LIRIK PRANVEROR...................SIMON GJONI
THE SWAN...........................SAINT SAENS
SALUT D'AMOR...................E. ELGAR
NOCTURNE OP.9.NO.2............F. CHOPIN
SOLVJEG'S SONG.................E. GRIEG
MOLLA E VOGEL.................SIMON GJONI
OH ASAMAN........................SIMON GJONI
*HERMIRA GJONI: SOLO*
MOONLIGHT SONATA..............L.V. BEETHOVEN
WALTZ IN A MINOR.....................F.CHOPIN
POLONAISE............................OGINSKI
THE GODFATHER THEME...............NINO ROTA
WALTZ NO. 2.......................D. SHOSTAKOVICH
LOVE STORY..................FRANCIS LAI
NOCTURNE IN C# MINOR............F. CHOPIN
FUR ELISE....................L.V. BEETHOVEN
LECUONA.................ERNESTO MALAGUENA
ARABESQUE................C. DEBUSSY
SUITE ESPAGNOLE..........ISAAC ALBENIZ
WALTZ IN C# MINOR.........F.CHOPIN
POLKA..................J. STRAUSS
LARA'S THEME (from Dr. Zhivago)........MAURICE JARRE
NAPOLITAN TARANTELLA..................TRADITIONAL
ARGENTINA TANGO.....................VILLOLO
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First Award Gala
MERITA HALILI & THE RAIF HYSENI ORCHESTRA
MERITA HALILI-SINGER, RAIF HYSENI-ACCORDION, MIRGJEN DAROVA-BASS GUITAR,
SEVIM UMER-DRUMS & TAPAN-MANASTIR, DRITËRO GJIKOLLI-CLARINET & SAXOPHONE
CENTRAL ALBANIA
2. Ma gëzofsh jelekun prej ari ..........................................May you enjoy your golden vest
3. Jelekun kadife..............................................................................The vest of velvet
4. Lule t’bukra ka Tirana.......................................................Tirana has beautiful flowers
5. Ajka e qumshtit...............................................................The cream of the milk Medley of
6. Lujma lujma belin e .........................................................Dance, dance with your waist
MACEDONIA
7. Vetë më the të dua...............................................................You told me you loved me
8. Dada do ta shes .....................................................................Dada will sell her apron
9. Moj Xhemile......................................................................O Xhemile [A woman's name]
10. Dola të përcolla......................................................................I went out to see you off
11. Original instrumental composition ..................................Raif Hyseni and Orchestra
SOUTHERN ALBANIA/ÇAMËRIA
12. U mbush mali plot me rrush ........................................The forest has filled with grapes
13. Tuman kuqe ..........................................................................Red shalvarë (pantaloons)
14. Dallëndyshe e vogêl ......................................................................Little swallow
15. Më jep një pikë ujë ................................................................Give me a drop of water
16. Xhixhile ...............................................................................Xhixhile [A woman's name]
NORTHERN ALBANIA/MONTENEGRO
17. Ky marak ............................................................................................My desire
18. M’ka shku mendja me u feju ........................................I am thinking of getting engaged
19. Dola në penxhere.....................................................................I went to the window
KOSOVA
20. Mihane ..................................................................................Mihane [A woman's name]
21. Ani mori nuse ..................................................................................Oh you bride
22. Shota ........................................................................................................Shota
23. Mora mandolinën......................................................................I took my mandolin
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Albanian American Medical Society
A Message from the Albanian American Medical Society
Dear Distinguished Guests,
The Albanian American Medical Society (AAMS) would like to welcome you to the First Award Gala. We are thrilled to have you here
to celebrate with us. We are deeply grateful for your friendship and support, which has been essential to what AAMS has and will accomplish.
OVERVIEW & MISSION
The Albanian American Medical Society was established on July 20, 2008 as a professional, humanitarian, non-profit organization by
Albanian American medical professionals licensed to practice medicine in the United States. It is organized to contribute to the AlbanianAmerican medical community and the underserved population in the United States of America and in the Balkans as well as maintaining
strong educational bonds with academic healthcare institutions in Albanian populated territories of the Balkan Peninsula.
AAMS was first established with a very simple yet grand vision: A To be an organization exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code. B To hold educational seminars in
the Albanian populated territories of the Balkan Peninsula (Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro) thereby to offer on a charitable
basis advanced training and medical education to the Albanian health care professionals, through scheduled lectures, discussions, publications and other means. C To create and maintain a fostering educational environment between the public academic institutions in the Albanian populated territories and those here in the US wherein its members may meet to exchange medical knowledge and participate in
continuing medical education. D To create and maintain an educational exchange program for Albanian healthcare professionals to come to
the United States so they may learn from the US healthcare system and in turn improve the healthcare system in their home countries. To
assist students and other healthcare professionals who desire to train in the US by mentoring them and providing educational opportunities through observerships in the US healthcare system. E To provide charitable healthcare services to the underserved communities in both
the United States and in the Albanian territories of the Balkan Peninsula through general medical checkups, consultations and education
of patients on disease prevention through medical missionary work. F To plan a variety of public events through which these stated goals
can be materialized.
Starting from the early 1990s, the Albanian community in the US has been growing steadily. Almost two decades have passed since
the arrival of the first massive wave of Albanian immigrants in the US during which time the circle of Albanian doctors and patients here
has expanded. So has the need of the community for patient care from doctors who speak their language and understand their problems
better than any other physician. Therefore, it was just a matter of time when the initiative was taken and such an organization was created.
Among many immigrants who came here to build a brighter future, many were doctors and other health care professionals striving to
be integrated in the American medical system. We are certain that the idea of the founding members of AAMS resonates with that of many
other Albanian physicians who, often felt alone and helpless in their journey of professional development in a new country. AAMS is seeking to unite all Albanian American professionals not only because they speak a common language, but because they desire to speak a
common language of service to the community, to the immigrant physicians and to the first generation Albanian-Americans aspiring to become physicians, dentists, nurses and other healthcare professionals. In the long term we would also like to share our knowledge and expertise obtained in one of the best and advanced health care systems in the world with our fellow colleagues in the Albanian populated
countries of Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia and Montenegro through lectures and other educational and charitable activities. Undertaking
missions in such countries to offer direct treatment of Albanian patients on site is another goal of our society.
It has been a long road, but we have made strides and are so happy to be able to come together as a body of established professionals. We are very excited to expand and extend our invitation to all like-minded health care professionals who would like to join AAMS
to meet other fellow colleagues, give their suggestions and ideas for improvements and to contribute to the community in whatever way
possible.
Thank you all for supporting the Albanian medical cause and making our mission a reality. Together with you and so many others we
will continue to make many great accomplishments. The need of the community is great and there is a lot of work to be done. We look forward to your continued friendship and support; we couldn’t do this with out you.
Warm Regards,
AAMS Board of Directors & Members
58 East Springfield Street, Suite 2, Boston, MA 02118 • Tel | Fax (617) 236-0113 • www.albamedsociety.org
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First Award Gala
FOUNDERS OF AAMS
Lindita Çoku, MD, is a cardiothoracic surgeon and graduate of Boston
University Medical Center/Children's Hospital Boston program. Dr. Çoku
received her medical degree from Tirana University School of Medicine in
Albania. She completed her surgical residency training at New York
Medical College (NYMC) and a two year research fellowship in cardiac
surgery at the Columbia University in New York, investigating the left
ventricular mechanics after pharmacologic manipulation and at NYMC
investigating the role and the function of cardiac stem cells. Dr. Çoku has
published and presented her research work numerous of times with an
emphasis on the cardiovascular system and her field of interest is
minimally invasive and complex valve surgery as well as innovative
surgical technologies for end stage heart disease. She is gaining
international experience during this year at world prestigious cardiac care
centers of excellence in Germany, Israel, France and Italy. Dr. Çoku is
professionally affiliated with the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, European Association for
Cardiothoracic Surgery, American College of Surgeons, Women in Thoracic Surgery,
Association of Women Surgeons, Massachusetts Medical Society and the Albanian American
Medical Society. She is one of the co-founders of AAMS and is serving as its first President.
She is originally from one of Tirana’s old native families, Albania’s capitol and has been
involved in outreach medical efforts with a large Albanian-Speaking community in New
York and Massachusetts.
Sulejman Çelaj, M.D., F.A.C.C. , Co-Chairman of AAMS earned his
medical degree from University of Craiova School of Medicine, Romania.
He is currently attending as Interventional Cardiologist at Montefiore
University Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine,
Department of Medicine, Bronx, NY. Dr. Çelaj is Assistant Professor of
Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Director of Cardiac
Catheterization and Interventional Cardiology Program at St. Barnabas
Hospital in Bronx, NY. He completed all his training in Internal Medicine,
General Cardiology Fellowship and Interventional Cardiology Fellowship
at Montefiore University Medical Center, Bronx, NY. His field of interest
and research is in protein expression and endothelial cell dysfunction in
Congestive Heart Failure and Acute Coronary Syndrome. Dr. Çelaj is
professionally associated with American Heart Association (AHA),
American College of Cardiology (ACC), The Society for Cardiac Angiography and
Interventions (SCAI) and he is one of co-founders of Albanian American Medical Society
(AAMS). Dr. Çelaj is one of the co-founders and co-chairman of AAMS and is originally
from Gjakova, Kosovo.
www.albamedsociety.org
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Albanian American Medical Society
Xhevat Sinanaj, MD, was born and raised in Plave-Guci, Montenegro. In
1985 he moved to Mltrovica and Prishtina, Kosovo to complete his last two
years of high school (nursing school). Dr. Sinanaj graduated from Zagreb
University Medical Faculty in Croatia in 1994 and then immigrated to the
United States in 1995. He completed a one year externship at ColumbiaPresbyterian Hospital. He then went on to complete his medical licensing
requirements and obtained a Family Medicine residency position at BronxLebanon Hospital. After graduation from residency in 2002 he has worked
part time at Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, NY and St. Joseph's Hospital
in Yonkers, NY on the attending physician staff as a Hospitalist until 2007.
Dr. Sinanaj currently works in the Northern Bronx in one multispeciality
clinic as a primary care provider where he has been since his graduation
from residency in 2002. His practice has a diverse population of patients,
and a significant number of them are Albanians from all Albanian regions within the
Balkans. Dr. Sinanaj is a co-founder and co-chairman of AAMS.
Manjola Ujkaj, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Director of AAMS is a resident at
Harvard South Shore Psychiatry Residency Training Program, Boston VA
Healthcare System. Born in Albania, Dr. Ujkaj started her medical studies
at Tirana University, Albania and then continued her education at the
University of Bologna, Italy, where she received her M.D., summa cum
laude in 2003. She then graduated with a Ph.D. in Neurosciences from the
University of Modena and Reggio-Emilia, Italy in 2007. In 2006 Dr. Ujkaj
moved to Boston to do part of her PhD at McLean Hospital, Harvard
Medical School. After graduation she became a research fellow at the
Department of Geriatric Psychiatry. Currently while completing her
residency on the Research Track, she holds the academic appointment of
research associate at Mclean Hospital. Her contribution to the field of
Psychiatry has been recognized by several awards including the 2010 ADDPRT International
Medical Graduate Fellowship, the 2010 NIMH Outstanding Resident Award in Psychiatric
Research, the 2011 Geriatric Mental Health Foundation Honor Scholar award and just
recently the 2011 Harvard Medical School Kaplen Fellowship on depression and the
Livingston fellowship. Dr. Ujkaj is an active member of the American Psychiatric
Association, the Massachusetts Psychiatry Society, the American Association for Geriatric
Psychiatry, the American Geriatrics Society and International Society for ECT and
Neuromodulation techniques. Dr. Ujkaj is one of the co-founders of AAMS.
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First Award Gala
HONORARY MEMBERS OF AAMS
Dr. Anna Kohen, DDS, is an honorary member of AAMS. She was
born in Vlora, Albania after World War II, and is the current president of the Albanian American Women Organization (AAWO). In
1970, Dr. Kohen graduated from the Ethnikon and Kapodistriakon
University of Athens Dental School. Dr. Kohen received her DDS
dental degree in 1976 from the New York University Dental School
and was appointed Assistant Clinical Professor of Restorative Dentistry at NYU Dental School and taught there for 10 years. She has
been practicing general dentistry since 1976.
In 1990, Dr. Kohen helped ten Jewish-Albanian families move to
the United States. Alfred Moisiu, the President of the Albania, presented Dr. Kohen with the medal “For Special Civil Merits” for “valuable contribution helping the Albanians during the Kosovar
humanitarian crisis; for precious aid given to the new Albanian emigrants in the United States of America.” In 2006, Dr. Kohen was
also made an “Honored Citizen of Vlora” for her work.
Dr. Çaushaj, MD, D.M. Sc, is an Honorary Member of AAMS and
first generation Albanian-American whose parents are from Southern Albania. Dr. Çaushaj graduated from New York University and
received his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School
of Medicine. He completed a general surgery residency at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center and a colon and rectal surgery fellowship at Lahey Clinic Medical Center. Dr. Çaushaj also
has a post doctorate degree (Honaris Causa) from Higher University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. He was an attending surgeon at University
of Massachusetts in Worcester for 10 years. He was also a surgical attending at the University of Pittsburgh for 10 years. Dr.
Çaushaj was the Program Director of the General Surgery Residency program at Geisinger Hospital for several years. He is well
published and his work has been cited in many medical journals
and publications. Dr. Çaushaj is currently a faculty attending at
Michigan State University Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies.
Dr. Çaushaj specializes in colorectal surgery, surgical oncology,
and gastrointestinal surgery.
www.albamedsociety.org
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Albanian American Medical Society
PAST EVENTS OF AAMS
July 20, 2008 -The Albanian American Medical Society was born
March 21, 2009- Honorary Chairman of the Society Appointed
Ferid Murad, MD, PhD
1998 Nobel Laureate in Medicine & Physiology
The Honorary Chairman presented his research work to other
Board Members of the society and gave scientific explanations
to outline benefit of the Nitric Oxide therapy to the multiple disease conditions.
May 11, 2009- AAMS sponsored educational conference in
collaboration with Sanofi-Aventis at Boston Medical Center
“Dental Hygiene in Valvular Cardiac Disease” -Presented by
Dr. Çoku
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May 16, 2009- Presidential Ceremony
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First Award Gala
July 19, 2009- AAMS 1st Anniversary Celebration
and Educational Event at Boston University Medical
Center
“Discussion of a Doctor’s struggle as a healthcare
provider in the Albanian Communist System”
September 10, 2009- AAMS donated $500 to Albanian American Women’s Organization “Qiriazi Sisters” For Patient Endrit Zushi 4 year old from Kosova
and Pro-Bono Open Heart Surgery was performed
at Boston’s Children’s Hospital
October 31st – November 5, 2009 –
AAMS President, Dr. Lindita Coku
Humanitarian/Educational mission trip to Kosova
February 25th, 2010
AAMS donated surgical supplies to QUKK Medical
Center in Kosovo
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Albanian American Medical Society
March 17, 2010- AAMS sponsored patient Education for the Albanian Community
“Heart disease can be prevented” by Dr. Sulejman Çelaj at St. Barnabas Hospital
May 7-14, 2010- AAMS Lecture Series at
Tirana University Medical Center & Prishtina
University Medical Center “ECFMG certificate
the equivalent of medical degree diploma in
USA" by Dr. Ismet Lukolic
April 29, 2010- Pro Bono consultation and
case presentation was published in Consultant
for Pediatricians. Vol. 9 No. 5 by Dr. Coku and
Dr. Ciu
June 27, 2010- "Albanian Health Fair" at Our
Lady of Shkodra Church in Hartsdale, NY
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First Award Gala
March 4-6th, 2011- AAMS Lecture series at the
State University Medical School of Tetove
“The Role and Legal Rights of a Physician Assistant in the United States and the educational requirements to become one” by Sihana Sela, PA-C,
MBA & “The USMLE/ECFMG” by Lindita Çoku, MD
www.albamedsociety.org
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Albanian American Medical Society
AGIM LEKA, MD
AAMS HONORAY MEMBER &
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECEIPIENT
Agim Leka, M.D., is a graduate of the University of Rome, Italy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery,
class of 1953. He attended the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Medicine (Class of
1956) and then completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Hospitals. During his last year of Medical School at the University of Rome and throughout his
postgraduate training at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School, Dr. Leka was particularly
privileged to have been granted a scholarship by the “National Committee For a Free Europe” whose
aim was that of giving an American education to promising exiled youth from nations behind the
“Iron Curtain.” Soon after his residency in June1958, Dr. Leka worked for two years as a full time
internist at the Veterans’ Administration Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, and taught at the University of Louisville Medical School. In 1960, he started his private practice in Baldwin, N.Y. Dr. Leka
was appointed on the attending staff of Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre, N.Y. and South Nassau
Communities Hospital in Oceanside, N.Y. He taught as an instructor in Medicine at Stony Brook
Medical School for many years.
In 1994, Dr.Leka was appointed Assistant Professor of Preventive and Community Medicine at
N.Y. Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y. At that time, Dr. Leka opened a second office in the Bronx to
tend to the needs of Albanian immigrants who spoke very little or no English. On May 26, 1994, Dr.
Leka received an honorary award from the Hon. Eliot L. Engel of NY for forging a unique alliance
with Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center whose purpose it was to open a Health Care Center for the
Albanian Community in N.Y. Dr. Leka continued his private practice in the Bronx for a period of
twelve years. During his association with “Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center,” Dr. Leka helped
many Albanian physicians obtain residency training positions and others to even obtain jobs in the
Hospital. He also helped some of these young physicians be appointed to coveted professional jobs in
other American institutions. Dr. Leka was instrumental in helping very sick patients in Albania and
the Balkans come to the US for medical treatment.
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First Award Gala
Dr. Leka was active in Human Rights Organizations and was uniquely qualified to handle immigrants from Eastern Europe because he was multilingual and had a deep sense of mission for those
who had suffered under totalitarian regimes, particularly for the survivors of concentration camps.
His writings were published in the New York Times, the Christian Science Monitor, Newsday, as well
as in Albanian ethnic newspapers.
In 1942, during Mussolini’s occupation of Albania, at the age
of 18, Agim Leka translated an antifascist book into the Italian
language. The title of the book in Albanian was “The Cordignano
Scandal and the Defense of the Albanian Nation.” It was written
by Nick Barcolla (a pseudonym for Dom Nikolle Mazrreku, an
Albanian Catholic priest) responding to an Italian Catholic priest
who had written an article in an Italian magazine filled with disparaging remarks about the Albanian people. The aim of this incriminating article - it was suggested then- was that of
vindicating Mussolini’s occupation of Albania on April 7th,1939,
as a missionary act by Rome with the aim of civilizing a backward country just as similar conquests were ostensibly justified
during the Roman Empire.
The Albanian edition of the book by its author Father Dom
Nikolle Mazrreku had helped arouse Albanian consciousness of
the denigrating attacks and condescension in the Italian Fascist
intellectual publications. As a student, Agim Leka was so moved
by its inciting content that he decided to translate the book into Italian for the purpose of elucidating
Italian readers about the true history of the Albanian people and their civilization. The book was
published in 2000 copies and was distributed to consulates, Libraries, bookstores and to the Albanian
Resistance as well.
Dr. Leka was instrumental in affiliating American Universities with the University of Tirana, Albania. He was Vice-Chairman of the Fultz Foundation which sponsored the rebirth of the Harry T.
Fultz American Technical School in Tirana and a Community College as well.
Dr. Agim Leka and his wife Elizabeth Leka, a former language teacher in N.Y.C., were founders of
the Albanian Language School of the Albanian Center in Woodhaven, N.Y. which was started in 1967.
Dr. Leka was the Principal of the School and Elizabeth Leka was the Educational Administrator. The
School was notable for bringing many Albanian children together in the tri-state area every Saturday
morning.
Always focused on the ever expanding need for keeping up with current medical advancements,
Dr. Leka brought about as far back as in April, 1975 the affiliation between Harvard University Medical School and Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre, N.Y. which provided continuing education for
physicians in the New York Metropolitan area. This was Harvard University Medical School’s first
affiliation outside of Massachusetts. (The New York Times, April 26, 1975). Dr. Leka retired from his
professional life in June 2007 at the age of 83.
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Albanian American Medical Society
Ferid Murad, MD, PhD, AAMS Honorary Chairman & 1998 Nobel Laureate in Medicine and Physiology
is Director Emeritus of the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular
Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, Director of the IMM
Center for Cell Signaling, Regental Professor and John S. Dunn Sr.
Distinguished Chair in Physiology and Medicine, Texas Nobel
Scholar at the University of Texas at Houston, and Director of the UT
Health and Science Center at Houston Program in Intracellular Signaling.
Dr. Murad completed his undergraduate work at DePaw University and received his M.D. and Ph.D. from Case Western University. He completed his medical residency at Massachusetts
General Hospital and a fellowship at NIH in the Heart Institute. He
was on the faculty of the University of Virginia 1970-81 as Director
of the Clinical Research Center and Director of Division of Clinical
Pharmacology with appointments in Medicine and Pharmacology.
He was chief of Medicine at Palo Alto Veterans Hospital 1981-1988,
Associate Chairman of Medicine 1982-86 and Chairman of Medicine 1986-88 at Stanford University. He was Vice President of Research and Development at Abbott Laboratories 1988-93 and Professor at Northwestern University.
Dr. Murad has been active in both academic medicine and industry throughout his distinguished
career. He has founded or co-founded five biotechnology companies and has advised many cities and
government leaders about technology development. His work has concentrated on the field of cell signaling and signal transduction systems.
In 1998, Dr. Murad received the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his work on nitric oxide- a colorless,
odorless gas that signals blood vessels to relax and widen, which in turn lowers blood pressure. He continues to do research that leads to a better understanding of how information is transmitted between
cells.
Among his many other awards and honors, Dr. Murad received the prestigious Albert and Mary
Lasker Basic Medical Research award in 1996, the American Heart Association Ciba Award 1998, and
the Baxter Award for Distinguished Research in the biomedical sciences from the Association of the
American Medical College in 2000. He also received the American Society of Clinical Pharmacology
Distinguished Research prize in 2005 and the President’s Scholar Award from the University of TexasHouston Health Science Center in 2006.
He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, Fellow of the American Academy of Arts
and Sciences, member of Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science Technology. He is also
a member of several foreign academies and is an Honorary or Adjunct Professor at a number of universities. Dr. Murad also serves on the Board of Directors or Scientific Advisory Boards on a number of
public and private companies and various foundations and universities. About 140 trainees have worked
with him in his laboratories who are currently academic or pharmaceutical industry leaders around the
world.
Dr. Murad’s research with cell signaling focuses on the nitric oxide/cyclic GMP pathways to identify novel molecular pathways and targets that can lead to the discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents. His laboratory in the IMM is typically 18 to 20 scientists. He also has a similar sized
laboratory at the Shanghai University examining the effects of traditional Chinese medicines on the
no/cGMP pathways.
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68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:30
www.albamedsociety.org
First Award Gala
Peter W. Carmel, MD
President-American Medical Association
Peter W. Carmel, MD, is a pediatric neurosurgeon from
Newark, N.J., and president of the American Medical Association
(AMA). He has served on the AMA Board of Trustees for eight years.
He is a member of the AMA House of Delegates since 1985, Dr.
Carmel has served as chair of the Specialty and Service Society,
helping it achieve AMA bylaws recognition. He has also served on
the AMA Council on Long Range Planning and Development and
was its chair. During his tenure, the council originated the AMA International Medical Graduates Section and established proportional
representation for specialty medical society members. From 2006 to
2007, Dr. Carmel served as president of the AMA Foundation, and
is currently on the foundation’s board of directors.
Dr. Carmel has served in numerous positions in both the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS). He was the delegate to the
AMA from the CNS (1985–2002) and received the AANS Distinguished Service Award in 2008.
Dr. Carmel was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and completed his medical training at the New York University School of Medicine and was a research associate at the National Institutes of Health. He completed his residency in neurosurgery at the Neurological Institute of New York, and obtained his doctorate
in neuroanatomy from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (P&S). Dr. Carmel was
on the faculty at P&S for 31 years, and was the founding chief of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery
and a professor of neurological surgery.
In 1994 Dr. Carmel moved to the New Jersey Medical School, where he is currently chairman of
the Department of Neurological Surgery and co-medical director of the Neurological Institute of New
Jersey. A noted clinician who operates at the University Hospital in Newark, N.J., he has been named
to “Best Doctors in America” (American Health), “Best Doctors in New York” (New York magazine), “New
Jersey Top Doctors” (New Jersey Monthly) and “America’s Top Doctors” (Castle Connally).
He is a committed advocate for neurological research, and has served as chairman of the National
Coalition for Research in Neurological Disease and Stroke, and subsequently as chair of the National
Foundation for Brain Research. As chair of the National Foundation for Brain Research, Dr. Carmel
helped the late Representative Silvio O. Conte launch the Decade of the Brain initiative, which raised millions of dollars for neurological disease and stroke research. In addition, he also founded the Neuroendocrine Laboratory within the Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction at P&S in 1969. This
laboratory has been continuously funded for 41 years.
Dr. Carmel has also served on the board of directors of the National Patient Safety Foundation
and the National Health Museum, and he serves on the New Jersey Commission on Spinal Cord Research.
Dr. Carmel and his wife, Jacqueline Bello, MD, a neuroradiologist, live in Manhattan, NY. Dr.
Carmel has three sons. His son Jason is on the pediatric neurological faculty at Columbia University.
Jason’s wife, Amanda Carmel, MD, is on the internal medicine faculty at the NYPresbyterian Hospital,
Weill-Cornell Medical Center.
www.albamedsociety.org
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:31
17
Albanian American Medical Society
Jaime R. Torres, DPM, MS
New York Regional Director
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Jaime R. Torres, DPM, MS, is the Regional Director of the New York for the
United States Department of Health and Human Services.
As the HHS Regional Director, Dr, Torres serves as the Region II representative
of Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and helps coordinate the implementation of departmental policies and initiatives in Region II, which includes New York, New
Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and seven Tribal nations. He will
play a vital role in HHS’ effort to effectively implement the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Previously, Dr. Torres was Associate Director of Consultative Services at Coler-Goldwater Specialty Hospital, part of New York City’s Health and Hospitals Corporation - the nation’s largest public hospital system. He is also the founder and past president of Latinos for National Health Insurance, a national
coalition working for equality in healthcare.
Dr. Torres has served on the Board of Directors of the National Hispanic Council on Aging and on the
Advisory Board of the National Hispanic Medical Association from 2000-2006.
For eight years he served in the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP), which is sponsored by
the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As vice-chair of
NDEP’s Hispanic/Latino Work Group, he was instrumental in creating bilingual health campaigns for
people with diabetes.
In 2006, he served as a spokesman for the American Podiatric Medical Association’s campaign “Descubras Sus Pies” (Discover Your Feet), which educated the Latino community on how to prevent foot ailments related to diabetes.
In 2009, Hispanic Business Magazine named Dr. Torres one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics of the
Year.
Dr. Torres earned his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine,
a master’s degree in Community Health from Long Island University and a Bachelor’s of Science from
Fordham University. He and his wife, sculptor Donita Ellison, live in New York City.
18
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:31
www.albamedsociety.org
First Award Gala
Thank You
GALA ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
MEMBERS OF AAMS
Lindita Çoku, MD- President
Sulejman Çelaj, MD- Co-Chairman
Mariana Krasnic, PharmD- Steering Committee
Ismet Lukolic, MD
Elizabeth Lulaj, MD
Indrit Reso, MD- Steering Committee
Iliriana Sela, PA-C, MBA
Sihana Sela, PA-C, MBA
Granit Veseli, MD
Board of Directors
DONORS
Adela Agoli Tarshi | Dental Bright
Alma Capa
Amco Electric
Hastrit Çelaj | Interstate Toyota
Mark Anthony Grishaj | Pisces Beverage Corp.
Anton Gojcaj | Albanian Limo
Glide Health
Altin Leka
Donald Leka & Family
Rev. Arthur and Margaret Liolin
Albanian Orthodox Archdiosese of Boston
Marko & Lena Lukalic
Denisa Leka Kaltani & Family
Regional Renovation
Dr. Sami & Mrs. Diana Repishti
Nosh Shkreli & Family
Mehmet Shuro
www.albamedsociety.org
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:31
Honorary Chairman
Ferid Murad, MD, PhD
President
Lindita Çoku, MD
Co-Chairman
Sulejman Çelaj, MD
Xhevat Sinanaj, MD
Executive Director
Manjola Ujkaj, MD, PhD
Honorary Members
Philip Caushaj, MD
Anna Kohen, DDS
Agim Leka, MD
Steering Committee
Linda Ciu, MD
Ardita Dalipi, DMD
Edlira Duro, MD
Mariana Krasnic, PharmD
Juliana Mertiri, RN
Skender Murtezani, MD
Indrit Reso, MD
Mentor Sejdiu, MD
19
Albanian American Medical Society
MEMBER DIVSIONS
PHYSICIANS
DENTISTS
Oltjon Albajrami, MD
Shadie Bajrami, MD
Kujtim Balidemaj, MD
Dukagjin Blakaj, MD, PhD
Genta Dani, MD
Evis Harja, MD
Irida Hasalla, MD
Bashkim Kadriu, MD
Ivi Kasimati, MD
Florian Koci, MD
Ismet Lukolic, MD
Elizabeth Lulaj, MD
Enon Maci, MD
Ekrem Maloku, MD
Mimoza Meholli, MD
Zana Nikolla, MD
Fatos Rugova, MD
Merita Shehu, MD
Myhidin Shehu, MD
Shkendie Velia, MD
Granit Veseli, MD
Adrian Zhubi, MD
Adela Agolli, DMD
Ema Bimbli, DMD
PHARMACISTS
Zana Blaku, PharmD
Elonia Pojani, RPH
Lendita Prlesi, PharmD
NURSES
Arelta Dalipi, RN
Edlira Gjerasi, RN
Sonila Brakaj, RN
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
Benhard Prlesi, PA-C
Iliriana Sela, PA-C, MBA
Sihana Sela, PA-C, MBA
ADMINISTRATORS/SCIENTISTS
Ariana Kamberi, MPH, MBA
TECHNICIANS
Shabani Trim
MEDICAL STUDENTS
Arian Abdulla
Besian Binxhiu
Kola Dushaj
Nik Gjurashaj
Andi Peshkepija
Aurora Shehu, PhD
Pharmacology Students
Alvana Nicaj
20
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:31
www.albamedsociety.org
First Award Gala
ETHNIC ALBANIA
O
n a small area of land in the Balkan peninsula abutting the Adriatic
Sea and surrounded by the countries of Macedonia, Montenegro,
Kosova, and Greece lies present day Albania. However, Albanians
can trace their heritage well outside of these modern day borders. Present
day Albania and its former territories (now consisting as parts of neighboring countries) were originally settled by Indo - European population.
This unique mixture gave birth to a population incorporating unique cultural and linguistic characteristics to the Balkan Peninsula—the Illyrians.
The Illyrians were a agricultural society organized in tribes and governed
by a common monarchy until their civilization fell to Roman conquests at
30 B.C. During this time, Illyria and its people served the Roman Empire
and brought about many great contributions such as becoming one of the
most revered military training institutions among the vast expanse of the
Roman empire. However, with the decaying Roman Empire and its division
in 395 AD; Illyria became a part of the Byzantine Empire. During this period Illyrians made a transformation from polytheism to Christianity but
where successful in maintaining their distinct cultural identity among other
groups with in the Byzantine Empire such as the invading Slavic clans from
the north. While the exact emergence of the Albanians from the Illyrian
tribes is debated it is accepted that the Byzantine Emperor Alexius I Comnenus made the first recorded reference to a distinct area of land known as
Albania and to its people during the 11th century. During the next 1000
years this area was witness to yet more invasions by the Ottoman Empire
to secure crucial crossroads for its expanding empire. The Ottoman Empire
ruled Albania from 1385-1912. During this time, much of the population
converted to the Islamic faith, and Albanians also emigrated to Italy, Greece, Egypt, and Turkey. Although its control was
briefly disrupted from1443-78 during a push for independence and self determination led by Albania's national hero George
Kastrioti.
It was not until the league of Prizren (1878) where Albanian chieftains expressed a renewed interest in self determination
of the Albanian people. By the early 20th century, the weakened Ottoman Empire was no longer able to suppress Albanian
nationalism. On November 28, 1912 Albania raised its flag bearing a double headed black eagle on a sea of red declaring its
independence and securing its territorial integrity at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, after U.S. President Woodrow Wilson dismissed plans by the European powers to totally divide Albania among its neighbors. However, even though the Albanians avoided becoming extinct as a nation certain provinces were left outside the borders of present day Albania. While
the world slipped into another World War Albania’s integrity was yet again compromised by subsequent invasions of Mussolini’s Fascists and later Hitler’s Nazi’s. With the struggles of the war Albania once again emerged from the war with the
ability to preserve not only their entire Jewish population but their strong sense of culture which always has kept them unified. As fate would have it Albania and most of its people was to be isolated from the eyes and ears of the world by a totalitarian communist dictatorship until the fall of communism in 1991. During the next two decades Albanians have worked
hard and have been successful in acquiring NATO membership and is considered to be a potential candidate for EU accession in the near future. Albanians in other territories (once belonging to Albania) who wished to preserve their culture and
history have accomplished great feats. Most notably the recent independence of Kosova which has given rise to Europe’s second Albanian speaking nation.
While the exact origins of these people remains debated one thing for certain is that the Albanian people’s unity and cultural
identity has transcended geographic boundaries, time, and invasions by the world’s greatest empires. The Albanians are the
creators and bearers of one of humankind’s fundamental languages, a language that has its unshakable place among a dozen
or so of the main languages of the world.
www.albamedsociety.org
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:31
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Albanian American Medical Society
Did you know……
• The name Albania is derived from the ancient Illyrian tribe called Albanoi who inhabited the provinces of
Durrës and Dibër in today's Albania andMacedonia in 200 AD. But the Albanians' name for their country is
'Shqipëri' which means 'the land of eagles
• The first book in Albanian is the Meshari written by Gjon Buzuku between 20 March 1554 to
5 January 1555
• The Albanian Language originates from one of eight Indo-European languages and is a distinct
Indo-European language that does not belong to any other existing branch
• Albanians are descendents of the Illyrians who are one of the most oldest and indigenous people of
Europe
• The windmills which Don Quixote battled in Miguel de Cervantes novel was based on modern day
city of Ulqin, Montenegro
• James and John Belushi are both of Albanian Descent
• The Albanian National Flag is one of the oldest flags in Europe
• Mother Teresa (Gonxhe Bojaxhiu) was 100% of Albanian descent
• William G. Gregory - The first Albanian-American astronaut who piloted the Space Shuttle Endeavor
• Pope Clemente XI of Rome (Pope Albani, his reign: 1700-1721) was Albanian as were numerous
cardinals
• Danny DeVito, the famous American actor, is of Albanian descent
• Gwen Stefani, the famous Singer, is Albanian through her father
• Mehmet Isa The chief builder of the incomparable Taj Mahal in India was Albanian
• Albanian, Sadefqar Mehmeti, is the architect credited with the design of the famous Blue Mosque in
Istanbul
• Karl Von Ghega, the builder of the famous Semmering railway in Austria that became the model for
all of Europe was Albanian
• Fiorello LaGuardia, the best known NYC mayor of all times whose name one of nation’s largest
airport bears, and whose father came from Foggia, Puglia in Italy, was of Albanian/Arbëresh heritage
• Joe Paterno, the most successful football coach at Penn State University and of all college football
history is Albanian
• Francesco Crispi, the first Italian prime minister, was Albanian
• Muhammad/Mehmet Ali Pasha – is regarded as the "founder of modern Egypt" and founder of
Egyptian Royal Family
• Ismail Kadare – writer, winner of the inaugural Man Booker International Prize
• Paul Kurti – Albanian-Canadian filmmaker, winner of 2009 YobiFilm Awards grand prize
• Kara DioGuardi – Albanian-American songwriter, judge of American Idol and daughter of
Joe DioGuardi
• Marisela Shala & Eliza Dushku- are both actresses are Albanian
• Inva Mula – Opera soprano
• Regis Philbin – Albanian-American television personality
• Tie Domi – Albanian-Canadian NHL hockey player (retired)
• Tony Dovolani – Albanian professional dancer from Dancing with the Stars
• Anna Oxa- Albanian-Italian singer. Part Albanian on her father's side and part Italian on her
mother's side
• James Biberi- American Actor
• Onufri – Painter
• Laura Mersini – physicist-cosmologist
• Stan Dragoti – film director
22
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:31
www.albamedsociety.org
First Award Gala
T
hank you for your sincere congratulations for an event to come that caught me by surprise. We
have been working together for a long time and I believe that we have been able to achieve a
great deal in cementing the spiritual bonds between the Albanian and the American people in a
world where interest and greed govern, in most cases, the essence of human interaction. The spontaneous
outpouring of love for the United States and for what American ideals mirror throughout the world during Secretary Baker’s visit to Albania in 1991 have indeed no parallel in the world’s diplomatic history at
peace time. You were privileged to witness and be part of this historic vibrant human interaction and sincere message from one people to the other.
The presence of the AMA President and of the N.Y. Regional Director of the U.S. Dept. of Health and
Human Services as well as the leadership of the Nobel laureate Dr. Ferid Murad will surely be a source
of inspiration for the younger generation of Albanian American doctors, many of them trained at Our Lady
of Mercy Medical Center.
I hope that somehow you may be able to make it and this will be a great satisfaction for the Community and for me personally. Now that age makes us more and more immobile, seeing good old friends on
rare occasions is a true gift in our remaining trajectory of pain, solitude and eventual extinction.
I have not heard from Joan since the middle of last year. I hope and pray that she be well. Let me know
if you have any information about her. If she is able to come for the Gala Event, we will be most happy to
receive her with the Albanian traditional welcome of :Buke,Krype dhe Zemer ( Bread, Salt and our Heart),
that the Fultz family deserves.
Agim Leka M.D.
www.albamedsociety.org
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:32
23
Albanian American Medical Society
IN HONOR OF DR. AGIM LEKA
FOR HIS LIFETIME OF SERVICE TO THE ALBANIAN COMMUNITY
IN THE UNITED STATES AND ABROAD
THROUGH HIS CHOSEN FIELD OF MEDICINE
IN COUNTLESS HUMANITARIAN ENDEAVORS TO WHICH HE HAS
DEVOTED AND APPLIED HIMSELF WITH EXTRAORDINARY CARE AND
SKILL AND BY HIS EXPERTISE IN DIPLOMATIC ,
ECUMENICAL AND HISTORIC GESTURES PAR EXCELLENCE.
IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO KNOW AND TO HAVE WORKED WITH
HIM AND WITH HIS DEVOTED WIFE AND SOULMATE, ELIZABETH
~~~
MANY BLESSINGS ON THEM AND THEIR WONDERFUL FAMILY.
THE VERY REVEREND ARTHUR AND MARGARET LIOLIN
ALBANIAN ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE IN AMERICA
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
24
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:32
www.albamedsociety.org
First Award Gala
==============================================================================================
CONGRATULATIONS -- PERGEZIME
Our warm congratulations to our dear uncle and brother-inlaw
AGIM LEKA, M.D.
recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award
from the Albanian American Medical Society
for his many contributions to the Albanian American Community
We wish him many more years of good health and happiness
together with his family
The Repishti Family: Diana, Sami, Daren, Bryan, Julia, and
Nicole
The Safir Family: Ava, Adam, Audrey, and Alexander
WE ARE PROUD OF YOU, XHA AGIM!
==============================================================================================
www.albamedsociety.org
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:32
25
Albanian American Medical Society
To Our Wonderful Father and Grandfather,
Congratulations on your lifetime of service to the medical profession.
You have helped thousands of patients with ailments and disease,
but more importantly in the process you have touched their lives.
Your unsurpassed dedication and generosity are what all
doctors should aspire to bring to the medical profession.
Your compassion and service are truly a testament to the great
man, doctor, husband, father and grandfather that you are.
All of our Love,
Donald, Claire, Dylan and Owen Leka
26
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:32
www.albamedsociety.org
First Award Gala
Shume i dashur Vella Agim,
Shoqata Shqiptaro Amerikane e Mjekesise me doktoret e saj te mrekullueshem
vendosi te mirenjohi punen tende 55 vjecare ne sherbim te mjekesise dhe komunitetit ShqiptaroAmerikan. Duke u dhuruar cmimin e saj te pare ti je bere shembull per mjeket e brezave me te rinj.
Gjate punes tende shumevjecare perkrahja dhe ndihma e bashkeshortes tende, Liza,
ka qene e pakursyer.
Ate qe ke bere ti per mjekesine e tregon nderimi qe po te behet.
Ate qe ke bere ti per prinderit tane dhe familjen tone e tregojne uratat e Babait e Nenes tone, Rakip e
Sabire Leka. Uratat e tyre te kane zene ty.
Ate qe ke bere ti per familjen time e shpreh mirenjohja ime.
Kujtojme nga ty vetem te mira.
Urojme nga zemra te jetosh nje jete te gjate e te lumtur.
Me dashuri,
Genci dhe Elena Leka
t
To our Dear Uncle and Granduncle Agim,
Our hearts were filled with joy when we learned of the AAMS honoring your
achievements in the medical field in US and tireless contribution to the
Albanian Medical Cause.
Your warmth, care, compassion, and genuine interest in people
and their lives make you special.
With Love,
Denisa Leka and Alban Kaltani
www.albamedsociety.org
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:32
27
Albanian American Medical Society
To Our Admirable Brother and Uncle Agim,
Congratulations on your Achievement Award for contributions on medical services.
You have gained a special place in the hearts of patients and family as a result of
your sustained efforts and dedication, led by your remarkable activity, generosity,
humanity and devotion in the service of community.
All of our Love,
Luan, Pertefe and Altin Leka
Arenc, Lola and Denis Leka
28
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:32
www.albamedsociety.org
First Award Gala
Dear AAMS,
Nosh Shkreli and Family would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the
Albanian American Medical Society on their mission and First Gala we wish you
all much success.
We would also like to thank the amazing and extraordinary physicians of AAMS,
that worked tirelessly and effortlessly to help save the life of our son/brother. Anthony was involved in a motorcycle accident, in which he was critically injured
and near death. Anthony was taken to the ER and rushed into emergency surgery,
where his surgeon turned out to be Albanian. Her efforts along with a team of
doctors worked to save his life. It was the extra effort of his Albanian surgeon that
made the difference between life and death, it was her unwillingness to give up
that saved his life.
The efforts of the doctors of AAMS did not end there, they continue even today,
with his after care. His Albanian primary care physician takes care of him as if he
was his own son, he treats not only his medical needs but also provides support,
friendship, guidance and is a mentor. It is with the utmost respect & pride that we
thank all the physicians of AAMS. It is because of all their efforts that today Anthony is a thriving college student with a bright future ahead of him.
www.albamedsociety.org
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:32
29
Albanian American Medical Society
Përshëndesim përzemërisht shoqatën
ALBANIAN AMERICAN MEDICAL SOCIETY
Në këtë nismë organizative të profesionalistave shqiptare
në degën e medicinës në SHBA me qëllim për ti ardhë në
ndihmë komunitetit shqiptar në SHBA, e veçanërisht shkëmbimit të përvojave dhe expertizmave mes mjekëve shqiptar
në SHBA dhe në gjitha trojet shqiptare në Ballkan.
Congratulations Dr. Agim Leka for your
lifetime achievement award!
My wife and I are proud to be supporters of AAMS
and look forward for a lifetime of achievements
from AAMS and their members.
Wishing success
---Mrs. Tatiana and Mr. Mehmet Shurdho
30
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:32
www.albamedsociety.org
First Award Gala
A M KO
ELEC TRI CAL
CONS TRUC TION
&
MAINTENANCE INC.
32-17 COLLEGE POINT BLVD.
FLUSHING, NY 11354
TEL. (718) 888-1812
Congratulations to the Albanian American Medical Society
in its humanitarian mission in bringing together
Albanian American healthcare professionals
in support for humanity.
Amko Electrical Construction & Maintenance Inc.
is honored to be in the presents of Dr. Agim Leka,
Dr. Ferid Murad, and other successful
Albanian Professionals in the medical field.
Good Luck to AAMS!
----William Hinke
www.albamedsociety.org
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:32
31
Albanian American Medical Society
Dr. Adela Agolli Tarshi
would like to congratulate
Dr. Agim Leka
and the
Albanian American Medical Society.
32
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:32
www.albamedsociety.org
First Award Gala
We proudly support AAMS & Congratulations to Dr. Agim Leka
www.albamedsociety.org
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:32
33
Albanian American Medical Society
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68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:33
www.albamedsociety.org
First Award Gala
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68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:33
35
Albanian American Medical Society
36
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:33
www.albamedsociety.org
First Award Gala
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION JULY 1, 2011–JUNE 30, 2012
ALBANIAN AMERICAN MEDICAL SOCIETY
58 East Springfield Street, Suite 2, Boston, MA, 02118, U.S.A.
www.albamedsociety.org Ɔ [email protected]
Phone/ Fax 617-236-0113
Albanian American Medical Society membership year runs from July 1 to June 30.
Please type or print clearly.
PERSONAL DETAILS
Family Name
Date of Birth
Place
Gender (please check appropriate box)
First Name
[ ]Male
Title (Prof/Dr/Mr/Ms/other)
[ ]Female
CONTACT DETAILS
Address
City
Phone
Email (required):
State
Fax
CURRENT APPOINTMENT
Zip Code
Hospital/University
Years
Teaching
Years
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
Medical/Dental/Pharmacy/Nursing/Other School
Years
Residency/Other Training
Years
Research/Other Training
Years
Page 1 of 3
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37
Albanian American Medical Society
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38
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:33
www.albamedsociety.org
First Award Gala
Glide Health Corporation
would like to congratulate Dr. Agim Leka for receiving his
Lifetime Achievement Award.
This award memorializes Dr. Leka’s lifetime of service, dedication and sacrifice
to his patients, medical profession and the Albanian community.
We wish him continued success
and are honored to be part of his special night.
GlideHealth
making healthcare compatible
Glide Health provides physicians and patients with a mobile cloud
platform to create, manage and share Patient Health Records
that can be accessed from virtually any platform or device.
Donald Leka, Chairman & CEO
126 Fifth Avenue, Suite 804, New York, NY
Tel. 212.675.6664
www.glidehealth.us
www.albamedsociety.org
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:33
39
Sinqerisht përshëndesim Shoqatën
Albanian American Medical Society
Në këtë mision humanitar duke u përpjekur të
grumbullojë në një organizatë bamirëse sa më shumë
aktivistë professional në lamin e medicinës në ndihmë të
komunitetit shqipertar në SHBA, diasporë, dhe në atdhe.
Urojmë suksese të mëtejshme në punën tuaj bujare duke ndjekur
shembullin e Dr. Agim Lekës , të Dr. Ferid Muradit
(nobel prize recipient in medicine), e të shumë tjerëve.
Congratulations Dr. Agim Leka for your
lifetime achievement in your medical service to humanity!
As the first and only professional medical organization founded by Albanian American physicians in the
United States, the Sela family is proud of your mission in providing advice, healthcare, and networking
opportunities to Albanian American professionals aiding Albanians in their homeland in the Balkans.
Wishing AAMS success,
Zirako and Baudin Sela
68442 Albanian American Medical.pdf, December 1, 2011, 09:11:33