The establishment of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Kurdistan Region Iraq Chapter in 2023 marked a transformative moment for Kurdish medicine. What began as an ambitious vision now boasts over 100 members and has earned recognition among the organization’s elite international network.

Founded in 1913, the American College of Surgeons is one of the world’s most esteemed surgical organizations, serving over 90,000 members across 124 chapters in the United States, Canada, and more than 140 other countries. The ACS plays a pivotal role in enhancing surgical quality globally, offering education, research, advocacy, and high professional standards to empower surgeons in delivering exceptional surgical care. For many surgeons, being designated as a fellow of the ACS is regarded as a prestigious badge of honor — a mark of professional distinction and commitment to surgical excellence.

The establishment of the Kurdistan Region Iraq Chapter thus represents a remarkable achievement for the Kurdish surgical community. Iraq now joins the ranks of a select few countries, alongside the United States, Canada, and Mexico, by hosting more than one ACS chapter.

International Impact

The founding team navigated numerous political and administrative challenges to bring this vision to life. Their dedication and collaborative spirit resulted in a chapter that has already begun reshaping the landscape of surgical practice in the region. The chapter’s success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of key figures including Professor Gazi Zibari; Dr. Patricia L. Turner, CEO of ACS; Dr. Michael J. Sutherland, Director of ACS Member Services; and Brian Frankel, Manager of International Chapter Services.

Despite being in its infancy, the Kurdistan Chapter has experienced impressive momentum. The membership has grown to over 100 surgeons representing diverse surgical specialties, with a female membership of 9%, a hopeful indicator of progress toward gender equity within surgical leadership. The chapter also supports eight medical students committed to shaping the future of healthcare in the region, along with many newly inducted fellows joining annually.

The Kurdistan Chapter has made an immediate impact on the global surgical community after its establishment. In December 2023, it hosted its inaugural International Surgical Conference in Erbil, attracting ministers, governors, university presidents, and the U.S. Deputy Consul General. This landmark event featured international surgical specialists and marked the beginning of a transformative series of scientific exchanges in the region.

Recognition from the international ACS community has been particularly meaningful. The chapter was honored to be one of only two international ACS chapters selected for the prestigious Dr. Pon Satitpunwaycha Fund, which will advance ACS-based surgical education initiatives. Funding from this program will support a major trauma course designed specifically for local surgeons and medical students, directly advancing surgical education standards across Kurdistan.

Elevating Healthcare in Kurdistan

The significance of the ACS Kurdistan Region Iraq Chapter extends well beyond healthcare. Its establishment contributes to broader recognition of Kurdish identity and autonomy on international platforms in profound ways. While the Kurdistan Region of Iraq is not an independent nation, its ACS chapter formally integrates it into the global ACS network, serving as a significant acknowledgment of the region’s autonomy and institutional identity within the international medical community. With every mention of the Kurdistan Region Iraq Chapter in ACS communications, conferences, publications, and membership records, the name of Kurdistan gains visibility and credibility in a politically neutral, academic, and scientific environment.

The recognized ACS chapter enhances the reputation of Kurdish institutions, bolsters professional credibility for Kurdish healthcare professionals, and elevates the scientific standing of the region. This integration into global standards makes healthcare for Kurdish people safer and more respected. Moreover, the chapter provides Kurdish surgeons with unprecedented avenues for international collaboration, fellowships, training opportunities, conference invitations, and research participation. 

Young Kurdish medical students can now join ACS student programs, engage in international courses, learn from global surgical leaders, and build careers rooted in contemporary surgical science. This fosters a new generation of confident, globally competent Kurdish surgeons ready to lead on the international stage.

The ACS Kurdistan Region Iraq Chapter represents both a scientific triumph and a point of pride for Kurdistan, positioning the region prominently on the global medical map. As the chapter continues to elevate healthcare standards and support surgeons in their professional development, it remains steadfastly rooted in the principles of education, unity, and international collaboration. The work undertaken by this chapter demonstrates that excellence in medicine knows no borders and that scientific achievement can serve as a bridge between cultures and communities.