MEMBERS WITH REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Father of Modern Surgery in the Maldives

Key Contributions:
First Surgeon to Start Surgical Services in the Maldives and considered the father of modern surgery in the country.
Played a key role in the establishment of surgical care in the Maldives, starting from his time in the Central Hospital, where he also served as the chief administrator.
Mentor to all Maldivian surgeons, including current surgical sub-specialists, providing invaluable guidance and training to the next generations of surgeons.
Pioneered advanced surgical techniques in the Maldives, introducing laparoscopic surgery to the country, starting with minimal equipment and limited staff training.
Established endoscopic services, including gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and endoscopic interventions like polypectomies and biopsies.
Leader and fatherly figure of the surgical team until his retirement in 2009, respected and revered by colleagues and trainees alike for his dedication to the surgical field and his vision for modernizing surgical practices in the Maldives.

Impact:
Dr. Firdous’ contributions to the development of surgery in the Maldives are unparalleled. He laid the foundation for modern surgical care and introduced critical advancements that continue to shape the field today. His legacy lives on through the surgeons he mentored and the services he helped establish.

DR. MOHAMED FIRDOUS

Key Contributions and Impact:

–A Popular General Surgeon known for his close relationship with patients, ensuring trust and comfort throughout the care process.

–A Key Figure in the Maldivian Healthcare System, with an excellent reputation and the trust of countless patients in his services.

–Perfected Modern Surgical Techniques and performed thousands of procedures, gaining the reputation as the most demanded surgeon in the Maldives until his early retirement.

–Introduced Various Circumcision Techniques, including the bone cutter technique and the Plastibell technique, pioneering these practices in the Maldives.

–Mentor to All Maldivian Surgeons, including surgical sub-specialists, passing on a wealth of knowledge and teaching standard techniques that continue to influence surgical practices today.

–Unforgettable Figure in Maldivian Surgery History, remembered for his exceptional contribution to the development of the surgical field and his lasting impact on the next generation of surgeons.

DR. HAMID RASHEED

DR. MOHAMED SHAFIU

Chief Surgical Officer (CSO) – ADK Hospital

First Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon of the Maldives

Key Contributions:
First sub-specialist in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery in the Maldives.
Chief Surgical Officer (CSO) at ADK Hospital with over 20 years of experience in the Maldives health system.

Highly skilled in beating heart surgeries, valve repair and replacement, congenital and pediatric open-heart surgeries, aortic and great vessel surgeries, and the management of peripheral vascular diseases.
Proficient in minimally invasive lung and thoracic surgeries.
Played a key role in establishing and sustaining cardiac surgery services in the Maldives, with services highly regarded by Maldivian patients.

Impact:
Dr. Shafiu’s expertise in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery has been instrumental in transforming the treatment of heart and vascular conditions in the Maldives. His leadership and contribution have brought advanced cardiac care closer to Maldivian patients, making a significant impact on the healthcare landscape.

DR. MOHAMED SOLIH

Senior Consultant in Surgery
Previous President, Maldives Association of Surgeons (MAS)

Key Contributions:
Played a key role in advancing laparoscopic surgery in the Maldives, significantly improving the quality and scope of surgical care in the country.
Held leadership positions including Head of Department (HOD) at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), Executive Director of IGMH, MD/CEO of Medica Hospital, and CEO of Addu Equatorial Hospital.
Awarded the National Award of Recognition by the President of the Maldives in 2020, in acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to the healthcare sector.
Received the Certificate of Appreciation from the Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo-surgeons (IAGES) in 2018 for his significant contributions to surgical practice.
Honored with a Plaque of Appreciation from the Association of Surgeons of India (IAS) in December 2018.
Conferred the title of Honorary Fellow of the College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka in 2017, recognizing his contribution to the development of surgery in the region.

Impact:
Dr. Mohamed Solih’s exceptional leadership and contributions to surgery, particularly in the field of laparoscopic surgery, have had a profound impact on surgical care in the Maldives. His commitment to surgical excellence and training the next generation of surgeons continues to shape the future of healthcare in the nation.

First Neurosurgeon of the Maldives

Senior Consultant Sub-specialist in Neurosurgery, IGMH/DH
Member, Maldives Medical and Dental Council

Key Contributions:
Established and sustained Neurosurgery services in the Maldives, advancing the country’s capacity to treat complex neurological conditions.
Pioneered new techniques in brain and spine surgeries, introducing advanced treatment options that have greatly improved patient outcomes.

First neurosurgeon to introduce endovascular procedures for treating cerebrovascular incidents in the Maldives, providing cutting-edge care for patients with neurological conditions.
Has undergone numerous specialized training programs and attended international conferences, consistently contributing to the development of the field.

Impact:
Dr. Ali Niyaf’s groundbreaking work in neurosurgery has transformed the field in the Maldives. His dedication to advancing surgical practices and improving patient care has solidified his place as a pioneering figure in Maldivian healthcare.

DR. ALI NIYAF

First Surgical Oncologist in the Maldives

Director, National Cancer Center
Vice President, Maldives Association of Surgeons (MAS)

Key Contributions:
Established and sustained oncology services in the Maldives, making cancer treatments widely accessible. Today, all types of cancer treatments, except radiation therapy, are available locally.
Played a crucial role in alleviating the suffering of cancer patients by providing comprehensive cancer care within the country.
Led nationwide cancer screening programs, visiting all inhabited islands of the Maldives with his Cancer Society team to promote early detection and awareness of cancer.
Currently serving as the Vice President of MAS, actively contributing to the growth of surgical services and cancer care in the nation.

Impact:
Dr. Shifan’s remarkable work in establishing oncology services has transformed cancer care in the Maldives. His dedication to improving patient outcomes and raising cancer awareness is commendable, making him a key figure in healthcare development.

DR. MOHAMED SHIFAN

DR. AHMED NISHAN

Senior Consultant in Surgery – Chief Surgical Officer, ADK Hospital

Key Contributions:
Underwent advanced Minimally Invasive Surgical Training at World Laparoscopy Hospital, Gurgaon, India, securing first position in his batch.
Pioneered Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgeries in the Maldives, introducing advanced surgical techniques that have transformed surgical practice in the country.
Played a leading role in introducing and expanding Minimally Invasive Surgery across various surgical fields, setting new benchmarks in patient care.
Successfully established and sustained Bariatric Surgery services in the Maldives, performing numerous complex procedures and improving health outcomes for patients with obesity and related conditions.

Impact:
Dr. Ahmed Nishan’s efforts in advancing laparoscopic and bariatric surgeries have been pivotal in elevating surgical care standards in the Maldives. His dedication to surgical innovation and patient-centered care has left a lasting impact on the Maldivian healthcare system.

DR. MOHAMED WAHEED

First Subspecialist in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Maldives

Current Executive Secretary of the Maldives Association of Surgeons (MAS)

Key Contributions and Achievements:
Leadership in MAS: Serving as the current Executive Secretary of MAS, Dr. Waheed has been instrumental in advancing the field of surgery across the Maldives, shaping its future and guiding the development of surgical care.
Department Head at IGMH/DH: As the Head of the Department of Surgery at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Dr. Waheed leads the surgical team in providing world-class care, shaping surgical practices and training future generations of surgeons.
Pioneer in Advanced Wound Care: He established and introduced advanced wound care services across the Maldives, revolutionizing the way wound management is approached in the country.
International Leadership in Wound Care: Chaired the International Conference on Wound Care held in the Maldives in 2015, and is a member of global wound care societies, sharing best practices and innovations.
Mentorship and Training: Dr. Waheed is known for his dedication to mentorship, having trained and guided numerous surgeons in the Maldives, impacting the country’s surgical standards.

Impact
Dr. Waheed has significantly advanced surgical care in the Maldives, particularly in plastic and reconstructive surgery. His contributions to wound care and leadership within MAS have improved healthcare standards, while his mentorship has shaped the next generation of surgeons, leaving a lasting impact on the country’s healthcare system.

Senior Consultant in Surgery – IGMH/DH

President, Maldives Association of Surgeons (MAS)

Key Contributions:
Served as Head of Surgery Teams in leading hospitals, including IGMH, ADK, and TreeTop Hospital, contributing to the advancement of surgical services.
A pioneer in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) in the Maldives. Led the introduction of MIS in four regional hospitals—Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital (KRH), Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital (ASMH), Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital (URH), and Gan Regional Hospital (GRH)—extending advanced surgical care to 80% of the country.
Actively involved in surgical research, with the first surgery field research conducted at IGMH expected to be published soon.
Recipient of the prestigious Honorary Fellowship Award from the Indian College of Laparoscopic Surgery in 2024, in recognition of his contributions to minimally invasive surgical practices.

Impact:
Dr. Abdulla Ubaid’s leadership and dedication have significantly contributed to improving surgical care across the Maldives, making advanced surgical techniques accessible in peripheral regions and elevating the overall quality of healthcare.

DR. ABDULLA UBAID

Minimally Invasive and Breast Surgeon

First Maldivian Female Surgeon

Key Contributions:
• Specialized in Breast Surgery, with advanced training in managing breast conditions.
• Executive Council Member of the Asian Society of Mastology (ASOMA), India, representing the Maldives on a prestigious international platform.
• Founded the Breast Clinic at TreeTop Hospital, introducing a novel and highly efficient model of care in the Maldives.
• 70% of patients complete case registration, clinical evaluation, imaging, biopsy, and report evaluation in a single sitting, significantly improving patient outcomes and convenience.
• Pioneer in promoting Minimally Invasive Surgery for breast conditions in the country.

Impact:
Dr. Neeza Haleem’s work has set a benchmark in surgical care, particularly in breast health, bringing world-class services to the Maldives and ensuring timely and efficient care for patients.