ASA selects Kuwaiti doctor as 1st Arab surgeon participating with ESA

GENEVA, May 2 (KUNA) -- The American Surgical Association (ASA) announced Friday the selection of Dr. Waddah Al-Refaie to participate in the 2025 scientific exchange program with the European Surgical Association (ESA).
In a statement to KUNA, Dr. Al-Refaie expressed his deep pride and honor at the recognition he received during the 31st Annual ESA Meeting, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 2 to 3, 2025.
Dr. Al-Refaie, Head of Surgery Department at Creighton University and the American College of Surgeons (ACS), became the first Kuwaiti, Gulf, and Arab surgeon to receive this prestigious honor.
He said that this achievement was the fruit of the continuous generous support that the medical sector received from Kuwait's political leadership.
He added that this selection represents the culmination of the efforts of national competencies in international forums and reflects the prestigious position Kuwait enjoys in the medical field globally.
He also highlighted the importance of enhancing scientific cooperation and exchanging expertise with international medical institutions, thus contributing to the development of Kuwait's health sector.
Dr. Al-Refaie expressed his thanks and appreciation to the American Surgical Association for this honor, expressing his aspiration to actively participate in the program's activities, which will enhance Kuwait's position on the global medical scene.
The American Surgical Association, founded in 1880, is the oldest and most prestigious surgical organization in the United States.
It includes a group of distinguished surgeons, among the most prominent medical academic institutions in the country, aiming to promote excellence and leadership in the fields of science, education, and patient care, with a focus on diversity, integrity, and innovation. (end) amk.ao