Biography:

Dr. Karim Meskouri, Professor of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at CHU Mustapha, Algiers, is a highly accomplished and dedicated medical professional with extensive expertise in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. Dr. Karim Meskouri has led the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at CHU Mustapha since January 2023 and became the permanent Head of the Department in July 2024, following a distinguished career marked by numerous achievements in both clinical and educational domains.

Dr. Karim Meskouri,earned their Scientific Baccalaureate with honors in 1990, followed by medical studies at the Faculty of Medicine in Blida, where they graduated at the top of the class in 1997. After completing a residency in Cardiovascular Surgery (1998-2004), Dr. Karim Meskouri obtained the Diploma of Specialized Medical Studies (DEMS) in Cardiovascular Surgery in 2004. They went on to serve as a Thoracic Surgeon at CHU Mustapha, specializing in the surgical management of complex thoracic and cardiovascular conditions. Dr. Karim Meskouri, later achieved a Doctorate in Medical Sciences in 2016 and became a Professor in Thoracic Surgery in 2023, with a top-of-the-class distinction.

Throughout their career, Dr. Karim Meskourihas honed expertise in a wide range of surgical interventions, including surgery for bronchial cancers, pulmonary pathologies, mediastinal pathologies, vascular bypass surgery, arteriovenous fistulas in hemodialysis patients, varicose veins of the lower limbs, and pediatric thoracic surgery. Their contributions to renal transplantation have been particularly noteworthy, having played a key role in the re-launch of renal transplantation in Algeria, including the training of multi-organ procurement teams and performing living donor organ procurements since 2008.

Dr. Karim Meskouri's dedication to surgical excellence extends to their teaching and educational leadership roles. Since 2013, they have served as the Head of Residents in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and have been actively involved in training both thoracic surgery and general surgery residents. They also hold the position of Resident Training Director for 3rd-year thoracic surgery residents and are a member of the Regional Educational Committee for Thoracic Surgery. As a recognized educator, Dr. Karim Meskouri has been a key figure in shaping the postgraduate education landscape at the Faculty of Medicine of Algiers, serving as the Assistant Vice-Dean in charge of postgraduate education.

In addition to their academic and clinical roles, Dr. Karim Meskouri  has made significant contributions to the advancement of the medical field in Algeria. They are a founding member and current President of the Algerian Society for Organ Transplantation (SATO) and have held various leadership roles within the Algerian Society for Thoracic Surgery (SACT), where they serve as Vice-President. Dr. Karim Meskouri is also a member of the Incubator at Algiers University 1 Benyoucef Benkheda and was a member of the Executive Board of the Algerian Equestrian Federation, in charge of modern equestrianism, from 2013 to 2021.

Dr. Karim Meskouri is internationally recognized for their dedication to advancing the fields of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery and organ transplantation. Their passion for clinical innovation, educational excellence, and leadership continues to shape the future of healthcare in Algeria and beyond.

Biography:

Andy Petroianu completed his medical degree in 1976, followed by a Doctorate in Surgery in 1985 and then a Doctorate in Physiology and Pharmacology in 1994. He was a Fellow in Surgical Oncology and also in Head and Neck Surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He was also a Research Fellow and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Health Science Center of the State University of New York (SUNY). He has been a Professor in the Department of Surgery at the School of Medicine of the Federal University of Minas Gerais since 1978 and a Full Professor since 1992. He became a Free Docent in Surgical Technique at the Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP) in 1990 and a Free Docent in Surgical Gastroenterology in 1992 at the University of Sao Paulo (USP-RP). He is Chief of a General Surgery Service at Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Brazil. He plays an active role in various academic and professional areas, being a member of the National Council for Science and Technology, where he has been a 1A or 1B Fellow continuously since 1981, having been coordinator of the Medicine Consulting Committee in four of the seven mandates he has exercised. He has been a member of the Consulting Committee for Medicine I and also Medicine III of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel since 2008. He has been a Consultant for Research Support Foundations in various Brazilian States, including Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Espirito Santo, Rio Grande do Sul, Parana, Amazonas, Ceara, etc. He was honored by becoming a Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Medicine (ANM) in 2023, a Full Member of the Minas Gerais Academy of Medicine (AMM) since 2004 and an Emeritus Member of the Brazilian College of Surgeons (CBC) since 2017. He received the Pirajá da Silva Comendation from the Ministry of Health and the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine in 2008. He received the title of Honorary Citizen of Belo Horizonte in 2004 for his social work. His outstanding contributions have been recognized with 114 awards and distinctions, including the title of best researcher by the National Academy of Medicine, as well as two awards, best researcher and best surgeon by the Brazilian College of Surgery, among others. He is also a member of the editorial and review boards of more than 120 medical journals. His work includes 585 articles published in international medical and scientific journals, 26 books in Brazil and abroad and more than 180 book chapters, including the chapter The Spleen in Gray's Anatomy, published in London. He has presented more than 3,500 topics at medical and research meetings. He has supervised 60 master's and doctoral theses. His research interests cover subjects related to the spleen and splenectomy, wound healing, appendicitis, organ and tissue transplantation, medical ethics, surgical oncology, gastrointestinal surgery, smooth muscle motility, peptic ulcer and portal hypertension.

Biography:

Dr. Ashraf Noureldin is a distinguished Consultant General and Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon with over three decades of experience in both clinical practice and surgical education. He currently serves as the Chief of the General Surgery Department at Almana General Hospital in AlKhobar, Saudi Arabia, where he has been practicing since December 2016. In addition to his clinical expertise, Dr. Noureldin is a prominent educator, holding the position of Professor of Surgery at Menofia University in Egypt since 2011, where he contributes to the training of future surgeons.Dr. Noureldin's academic credentials include a Doctorate in General Surgery (MD/PhD) from Cairo University and Menofia University, Egypt, and a Master of Surgery (MSc) from Cairo University. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has completed specialized training in Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery, including prestigious fellowships in Dusseldorf, Germany, and Vienna, Austria. In addition, he holds certifications in minimally invasive surgery and has attended numerous workshops on breast cancer management and surgery worldwide.Dr. Noureldin's career has been marked by a deep commitment to advancing surgical techniques, particularly in the realm of oncoplastic breast surgery, which he has been practicing and teaching extensively. He has published numerous articles in medical journals, co-authored a widely respected textbook on Oncoplastic Techniques in Breast Cancer Management, and contributed to the development of several internationally recognized surgical guidelines. His work has been featured in renowned medical publications, and he actively participates in both national and international surgical conferences, where he serves as a presenter, instructor, and moderator.Dr. Noureldin is also an active member of multiple medical societies and editorial boards, including the Journal of Case Reports and Images in Surgery, World Journal of Applied Science, and Advances of Surgical Science. His contributions to the field of breast cancer treatment and surgery are regularly cited by American and European medical institutions. He has served as a reviewer for multiple surgical journals and is dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare through continuous education and the dissemination of knowledge.

In his clinical role, Dr. Noureldin has performed over 250 surgeries annually, treating more than 2,500 patients per year. His leadership extends beyond patient care, as he plays an integral role in the tumor board and clinical committees at Almana General Hospital, ensuring high standards of care and contributing to hospital accreditation efforts.As a mentor, Dr. Noureldin is dedicated to developing the next generation of surgeons, guiding them through complex surgical procedures and fostering a deep understanding of the importance of compassionate patient care. He has also been actively involved in public health education, with a focus on breast health awareness, both in the Middle East and beyond.Dr. Noureldin's commitment to excellence in surgery, education, and patient care has made him a respected leader in his field, and his expertise continues to benefit countless patients and healthcare professionals worldwide.