Dr. Gazi Zibari has been recognized as one of the United States most honored doctors for 2025, a prestigious tribute that highlights his dedication to medicine and his remarkable contributions to the field. In his own words, Dr. Zibari reflects on this achievement, stating, “I would not have been able to achieve my goals without my wife’s and children’s full support. Raising four children in the United States is tough at best; I feel my wife, Maysoon Zibari, has single-handedly raised our beautiful children.”
He continued to express his gratitude for the support of his extended family, particularly General Babakir Zibari, who has served as a father figure and mentor for Dr. Zibari. Although he lost his father at a young age, Dr. Zibari emphasizes the importance of family support in his journey. “I always encourage the younger generation to pursue careers in medicine and the sciences, especially young girls. We must support our women and give them a chance to excel side by side with their brothers.”
When I asked Dr. Zibari how he feels to be recognized as one of the United States most honored doctors, he replied: “It is a true honor and a privilege to have been handpicked to be considered among the top doctors in the United States. The country is full of talented physicians and pioneers.” He believes that when a physician cares for their patients, students, colleagues, and staff like family, they should be recognized and acknowledged. “I believe perseverance, hard work, integrity, honesty, transparency, and loyalty go a long way,” he adds.
The “Top Doctors” list from The American Registry serves to recognize and showcase highly respected and accomplished physicians. The selection process highlights doctors who have demonstrated excellence in their fields, based on peer nominations, professional achievements, and leadership, ensuring that those on the list are recognized by their colleagues for their expertise.
As a stateless Kurd, Dr. Zibari reflects on how his cultural background has influenced his journey. He arrived in Nashville, Tennessee, as part of the first group of Kurdish refugees on May 1, 1976. After graduating from high school in a refugee camp and pursuing his medical education, he dedicated his efforts to improving healthcare in Kurdistan. Since 1992, he has returned annually to support the medical community, working six days a week and teaching residents and students’ new surgical techniques.
While the Ba’ath regime committed atrocities against the Kurdish people in the 1970s, Nashville welcomed many Kurds with open arms. “I lost family members, relatives, and dear friends during our fight against Saddam Hussein’s regime.” Dr. Zibari says. “I have always considered myself a peshmerga and have done best to support our brave peshmergas while educating my colleagues and delegations in Washington, D.C. about the plight of Kurdistan.” He added.
Dr. Zibari gained recognition at the U.S. Department of State in October 1992 as one of the five best refugees in the United States. In May 2007, he received the Ellis Island Medal, celebrated in the same city where he first entered the country. He proudly displayed the Kurdistan and U.S. flags during the ceremony. He has also received numerous awards from medical and surgical societies and is dedicated to helping young Kurds train in the United States.
Following the Iraq War and the construction of Erbil Airport, Dr. Zibari began taking comprehensive medical and surgical teams to Kurdistan, including transplant surgeons. He played a key role in establishing renal transplant units in Erbil and Duhok, which have reportedly performed over 4,000 kidney transplants. He has introduced laparoscopic surgeries, surgical oncology, neurosurgery, critical care, trauma, ENT, ophthalmology, hepatopancreato-biliary surgery, medical oncology, nephrology, and anesthesia to the region.
Dr. Zibari has worked closely with the Kurdistan Regional Government and has helped local medical communities in Erbil, Duhok, and Sulaymaniyah. He also established a chapter of the American College of Surgeons and a chapter of the Surgical Society of Alimentary Tract in the Kurdistan Region, despite challenges from Baghdad and neighboring states.
Dr. Sadiq Aziz Khoshnaw, a consultant general surgeon and president of the ACS Kurdistan Region Chapter, expressed pride in Dr. Zibari’s achievements. “Dr. Zibari, an internationally renowned leader in liver and kidney transplantation, has been recognized as one of the United States’ most honored doctors for 2025,” he told Kurdistan Chronicle. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations and take great honor in his achievement. Beyond his distinguished academic career and exceptional surgical skill, Dr. Zibari exemplifies patriotism, dedication, and selflessness. Individuals of his caliber are true treasures.”
