Our Medical Committee

Dr. George Little has had a distinguished career in neonatology and obstetrics-gynecology. He served for over a decade as Professor and Chair of the Department of Maternal and Child Health at Dartmouth, prior to its division into separate Pediatrics and Ob/Gyn departments. Beyond clinical research, his work has focused on perinatal health policy, systems development, reproductive ethics, NICU family-centered care, and global health. He has been active with numerous national and international organizations, including AAP, ACOG, MOD, and USAID. He served as advisor to the Ministry of Health in Kosovo, participated in a USAID Child Survival Project in Egypt, and worked as a Peace Corps physician in Nigeria and Malawi. Dr. Little is also a producer of award-winning educational films and a widely published author.

Education:
● Medical Degree and specialization in Pediatrics and Obstetrics-Gynecology
● Early career training and clinical experience with the Peace Corps in Nigeria and Malawi

Areas of Professional Interest:
Perinatal health, Medical ethics, NICU and family support, Health policy, Global maternal and child health.

Dr. Mynevere Latifi-Hoxha is one of Kosovo’s most distinguished experts in pediatrics and neonatology, with over four decades of dedication to maternal and newborn health. She graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Prishtina in 1979 and completed her specialization in pediatrics at the University Clinical Center in Zagreb, Croatia in 1988, where she also pursued postgraduate studies. After returning to Kosovo, she worked as a specialist at the University Clinical Center in Prishtina until 1990. Due to the political repression of the time, she, along with many of her colleagues, was removed from her post. Despite the challenging circumstances, she continued her work by running private clinics in Prishtina and Podujeva, and also contributed to the humanitarian “Mother Teresa” Clinic. Following the war, she returned to the public health system and resumed her work at the OB/GYN Clinic in Prishtina, where she led the Neonatology Unit from 2000 to 2011. From 2014 to 2016, she served as Director of the Neonatology Clinic at UCCK, playing a pivotal role in advancing neonatal care, introducing clinical protocols, and strengthening professional development of staff. Dr. Latifi-Hoxha has undertaken multiple advanced trainings and international
certifications. In 2006, she completed the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) training with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in Detroit, USA. In 2008, she was trained in Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) in Istanbul, Turkey.
She is a certified national trainer and lecturer in Essential Newborn Care and Breastfeeding, ALARM International, and Effective Perinatal Care courses. In addition to her clinical and training contributions, she has actively participated in national and international health initiatives. She was a member of the Kosovar Council for Mother and Child Health, National Coordinator for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), and a member of the Perinatal Working Group within the Kosovo–Dartmouth Alliance for Healthy Newborns. In 2007, she completed perinatology training at Dartmouth Medical Center and was certified by the American Medical Association (AMA) and AAP. She served on the Board of the Foundation for Healthy Mothers and Babies and is currently an honorary member of the Medical Advisory Committee of Action for Mothers and Children (AMC).

Education:
● MD – Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina (1979)
● Pediatric Specialization – University Clinical Center, Zagreb, Croatia (1988)
● Postgraduate studies in Pediatrics and Perinatology – Zagreb
● International trainings in NRP (USA), IYCF (Turkey), EPC, and
breastfeeding

Areas of Professional Interest:
Neonatology, perinatal care, neonatal resuscitation, infant nutrition, medical training, public health policy, maternal and child health systems strengthening

Honors and Recognitions:
● 2004 – Recognition from Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in
Kosovo for contribution to the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative
● 2005 – Award for Outstanding Service from the University Clinical Center
of Kosovo
● 2007 – Recognition for contributions to the development of healthcare
services in Kosovo
● 2012 – FIDES Award for Philanthropy – awarded by the Kosovo Civil
Society Foundation (FIQ)
2012 – AmeriCares 30th Anniversary Award – for exceptional collaboration and
dedication to improving the lives of the most vulnerable in Kosovo

Dr. Memli Morina is an experienced gynecologist and obstetrician specializing in women’s health and reproductive care. He is widely known for his dedication to patient-centered care and for integrating the latest technologies into his clinical practice. He is the founder of “Dr. Memli” Polyclinic, located in the Ulpiana neighborhood of Prishtina, where he provides advanced services in gynecology, obstetrics, and infertility treatment. Dr. Memli is one of the founding members of the “Action for Mothers and Children” organization and the initiator of one of the earliest projects in Kosovo to educate couples about pregnancy and childbirth. His public engagement has played a significant role in raising awareness about topics such as antenatal care, ovulation, infertility, and the importance of PAP screening. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Memli is an active public health educator through media appearances and social media platforms, where he shares evidence-based advice and practical guidance for women and families. His articles and interviews reflect his long-standing commitment to advancing women’s health in Kosovo.

Education:
● Medical degree and specialization in Obstetrics and Gynecology
● Academic title “M.Med.Sci.”(Master of Medical Sciences)

Areas of Professional Interest:
Women’s health, pregnancy and childbirth, public health education, infertility care, preventive care, medical technology in practice.

Dr. Don Kollisch is an experienced family physician with a background in both clinical care and academic leadership. He began his career practicing primary and secondary care in a small rural village and hospital. He later joined the  faculty at Dartmouth Medical School to teach and practice, and also served as a professor and associate dean at the University of North Carolina and the City University of New York. From 2001 to 2007, he led a Dartmouth-based medical team working with Family Medicine Centers in Gjilan and Gjakova, Kosovo, supporting post-war health system rebuilding. Through these exchanges, he gained deep appreciation for the skills and dedication of Kosovar healthcare teams. His work focused on systems of care for hypertension and antenatal care, fostering lasting bilateral collaboration.

Education:
● Family Medicine – Clinical training and practice in the U.S.
● Academic roles at Dartmouth, University of North Carolina, and CityUniversity of New York

Areas of Professional Interest:
Health care systems, family medicine, hypertension management, reproductive health, international

Victoria A. Flanagan is an experienced clinical instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. With a background in pediatric nursing and clinical education, she has contributed to the training and mentorship of medical students and health professionals through hands-on learning and instruction in pediatric care.

Education:
● Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Loyola University, 1977
● Registered Nurse (RN) License

Areas of Professional Interest:
Clinical pediatrics, medical student instruction, pediatric nursing, family-centered pediatric care.

Dr. Steven Ringer has over 30 years of experience in the field of newborn medicine. For 28 years, he led the Division of Newborn Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and served on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. In 2015, he joined Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center as Chief of Neonatology and Professor of Pediatrics. He has been deeply engaged in global health initiatives in Vietnam, India, and Ethiopia, and has collaborated with engineering programs to develop technologies for neonatal care in low-resource settings.

Education:
● BA in Chemistry and Biochemistry – Brandeis University
● MD and PhD in Biochemistry – Case Western Reserve University
● Pediatric Residency – Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital &
Metropolitan General Hospital, Cleveland
● Fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine – Harvard Medical School
(Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital, and Beth Israel
Hospital)
● Fellowship in Medical Ethics – Harvard Medical School

Areas of Professional Interest:
Neonatology, Neonatal Resuscitation, Global Health, Medical Ethics, Health Technology Innovation.

Dr. Merita Vuthaj was born in Istog and completed her university studies at the Faculty of Medicine in Prishtina in 1995. After graduation, she worked with the
“Mother Teresa” Association in Istog until 1999. In 2001, she began her specialization in pediatrics, obtaining her Pediatric Specialist degree in 2006. From 2007 to 2010, she served as a pediatrician in preschool institutions in Prishtina. Since 2010, she has worked at the Ministry of Health, initially as an Officer for Mother, Child and Reproductive Health. Due to the strategic importance of this area, the office was upgraded into a Division in 2015, which Dr. Vuthaj has led since then. Currently, she serves as Director of the Department of Health Services and Public Health, playing a key role in shaping national health policies for vulnerable populations.

Education:
● Medical Degree – Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina (1995)
● Pediatric Specialist – Prishtina (2006)

Areas of Professional Interest:
Maternal and child health, reproductive health, public health policy, strengthening health service systems.

Dr. Albana Sahiti-Morina is a Family Medicine Specialist with over 15 years of experience in public health and healthcare policy development in Kosovo. She completed her medical studies at the University of Prishtina and her residency in Family Medicine at the Family Medicine Training Center in Lipjan.

She has held key roles at the Ministry of Health, including:

● Officer for Monitoring the Implementation of Family Medicine (2010–2016)
● Head of the Division for Primary Care (2016–2023)

She currently practices at the QKMF in Prishtina and serves as an external teaching associate in Family Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina,” for the 2023–2025 academic years. She also chairs the Family Medicine
Specialist Committee. Dr. Sahiti-Morina has actively contributed to working groups drafting legislation, strategies, and administrative guidelines in areas such as immunization, maternal and child health, reintegration of repatriated individuals, and pandemic response. She has collaborated with international organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, GIZ, and local partners like AMC on important health system advancement projects.
She holds numerous national and international certifications in health management, public health, communication, and primary care services, and is widely recognized for her commitment to improving the quality of health services and community well-being.

Education:
● MD – Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina
● Family Medicine Specialization – Family Medicine Training Center, Lipjan

Areas of Professional Interest:
Family medicine, primary care, health policy, medical education, public health, health system management.

Dr. Jehona Binishi-Hysa is a highly experienced gynecologist, obstetrician, and infertility specialist with over 18 years of clinical practice in both public and private healthcare institutions in Kosovo. She graduated from the Faculty of
Medicine at the University of Prishtina in 2004 and completed her specialization in Gynecology and Obstetrics at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo in 2010. From 2017 to 2022, she pursued sub-specialization in infertility and IVF in Kosovo and Turkey. Her professional background includes work at the Family Medicine Center (2004–2005), “Rezonanca” Private Hospital (2011), American Hospital in Prishtina (2012–2016), and “Bahçeci” IVF and Infertility Hospital (2017–2022). Since December 2022, she has been practicing at “Fati Im” Hospital and Medical Park Kosova as a part-time specialist. As of August 2024, she is also a reserve physician for the Peace Corps Medical Officer (PCMO). Dr. Binishi-Hysa has been an active member of the Medical Board of the Action for Mothers and Children Foundation since 2013, contributing to maternal and child health advocacy, public education, health system evaluation, and fundraising for life-saving equipment.

Education:
● MD – Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina (2004)
● Residency in Gynecology and Obstetrics – UCCK (2005–2010)
● Sub-specialization in Infertility and IVF – “Bahçeci” Hospital, Prishtina & Istanbul (2017–2022)

Areas of Professional Interest:
Gynecology, obstetrics, infertility treatment and IVF, high-risk pregnancy management, minimally invasive surgery, maternal and women’s health
advocacy

Scientific Participation and Certifications:
● Ongoing participation in international conferences and trainings in ultrasound diagnostics, colposcopy, laparoscopy, and IVF in Kosovo, Albania, Turkey, France, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania
● Participant at the XXIV FIGO Congress (Paris, 2023)
● Participant at the 6th Congress of the Kosovo Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2024).

Dr. Elida Islamaj is a pediatrician specializing in pediatric endocrinology. She was born in 1981 in Gjakova and completed her general medicine studies at the University of Prishtina, graduating in 2007. Between 2008 and 2010, she worked as a general practitioner at the Family Medicine Center in Gjakova. During the same period, she attended international language programs, focusing mainly on English and German. In 2016, she completed her specialization in pediatrics at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo and has since worked at the Pediatric Clinic in the Endocrinology Department Dr. Islamaj has actively participated in numerous scientific symposiums, medical congresses, pediatric schools, and professional training programs, all contributing to her ongoing professional development in the field of medicine.

Education:
● MD – University of Prishtina (2007)
● Pediatric Specialization – UCCK (2016)

Areas of Professional Interest:

Pediatrics, pediatric endocrinology, continuing medical education, participation in medical conferences and scientific forums.

Dr. Vjollca Kadolli-Halili is a committed healthcare professional with extensive
experience in primary care and institutional leadership. She earned her degree in General Medicine at the University of Prishtina and completed her specialization in Family Medicine. She currently serves as the Director of the Main Family Medicine Center in Viti and is a board member of SHSKUK. Her professional background includes health education, quality management, capacity development, and national health policy engagement. She has represented Kosovo in international trainings on emergency response, quality assurance, and maternal-child healthcare. As a trainer, she has been involved in antenatal/postnatal care and home visiting programs for mothers and children, in collaboration with UNICEF and AMC.

Education:
● MD – University of Prishtina (1994–2007)
● Family Medicine Specialization – University of Prishtina (2012–2015)
● Additional certifications in human rights, health emergency management,
public health, quality improvement, and home visiting programs (Kosovo, Turkey, Southeastern Europe)

Areas of Professional Interest:
Family health, primary care services, maternal and child health, public health policy, healthcare leadership, training and development, quality assurance.

Shemsije Jezerci is a dedicated midwife and experienced trainer with over two decades of service in maternal and child healthcare. Since 1999, she has worked at the maternity ward of the Family Medicine Center in Lipjan, providing specialized care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, along with health education for new mothers. Since 2015, she has coordinated the Home Visiting Program for mothers and children aged 0–3 years. She currently serves as a trainer for both Group Care and Action for Mothers and Children, leading group sessions focused on antenatal care, parental support, and family wellbeing. Her work has significantly impacted early childhood support services and empowered parents with practical skills and knowledge.

Education:
● Medical High School “Ali Sokoli,” Midwifery Track – Prishtina

Areas of Professional Interest:
Maternal and newborn care, home visits, parenting support, antenatal care, health education, early childhood and family wellbeing.