Prof. Dr. Rifat Latifi is a distinguished trauma, critical care, and general surgeon. He holds academic appointments as an adjunct professor at the University of Arizona and has previously served as Chairman and tenured Professor of Surgery at New York Medical College. A Fellow of multiple prestigious surgical organizations, including the American College of Surgeons, International College of Surgeons (since 2025 also serving as Vice President), and Kosova College of Surgeons, he was elected Founding President of the latter on December 17, 2018.

Dr. Latifi’s academic and clinical career reflects the model of a global academic surgeon, combining surgical excellence with research and education. After completing his residency at Yale University, he advanced rapidly to full professorship within five years. His work spans trauma surgery, surgical critical care, telemedicine, and complex surgical decision-making. His early career included research training in the United States and clinical work in Kosovo, followed by major academic and leadership roles in institutions such as Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Arizona.

Throughout his leadership roles, Dr. Latifi has been instrumental in building and transforming major surgical departments and healthcare systems. Notably, he led the Trauma Center in Doha, Qatar, elevating it to an internationally recognized institution. Later, at Westchester Medical Center, he restructured and expanded the Department of Surgery into a high-performing academic and clinical entity. His leadership extended beyond institutions, including serving as Minister of Health of Kosovo (2021–2022), where he initiated a comprehensive healthcare reform model based on digitalization, advanced clinical programs, research, and system decentralization.

Internationally recognized for his pioneering work in telemedicine and global surgery, Dr. Latifi has established national telemedicine programs across Europe and Africa and contributed significantly to surgical education worldwide. He has authored over 500 scientific publications and numerous books, while mentoring generations of surgeons and researchers. His contributions have earned multiple international awards and recognitions, reflecting his commitment to advancing healthcare systems, improving patient outcomes, and fostering innovation in surgery and medical diplomacy.