A Life Dedicated to Medicine, Science, and Community
Early Life and Education
Dr. Hodo Ali Çelo was born in Lazarat on November 18, 1939. He completed his primary and seven-year education in his village (1948–1955), where he stood out for excellent results. After finishing the seven-year school, he earned a scholarship to attend the Medical Polytechnic in Tirana. He completed it in 1959 with very good results. He graduated as a medical assistant.
Early Medical Career
After graduation, he initially worked in Lazarat (1959–1960) and then in Libohovë as a medical assistant. At that time, due to a shortage of doctors, medical assistants often covered the duties of general practitioners. In 1960, he joined the army in Durrës. There, he had the fortune to work with two distinguished military doctors: Dr. Jordan Haxhinikolla and Dr. Ymer Bala, who supported him professionally and personally.
University Studies and Specializations
He earned the right to pursue his studies at the Faculty of Medicine in Tirana due to his excellent results. His hard work, talent, and dedication were also factors. He completed it with excellent results in 1967. During his studies, he was engaged in the faculty’s scientific groups and earned the respect of the professors.
After graduation, he was appointed a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine. At the same time, he began specializing in internal diseases. He was guided by some of the most renowned figures in Albanian medicine: Prof. Fejzi Hoxha, Prof. Ylli Popa, Prof. Isuf Kalo, Dr. Hektor Peçi, etc.
In 1975, he completed his specialization in endocrinology.
Contribution in Gjirokastër and Study of Endemic Goiter
The authorities of the Gjirokastër district demanded his transfer to the regional hospital. There, he worked as an internist. Later, he served as an endocrinologist. In 1977, he took on the task of studying the spread of endemic goiter in the Lunxhëri area. He also focused on the effect of iodized salt. The study results were extraordinary:
- The percentage of goiter cases dropped from 82% to 17% (1988)
- After the distribution of iodized salt throughout the country (2002), the effects improved even further
This study also extended to animals. It was used for the defense of the title Candidate of Sciences. Later, it was used for the defense of Doctor of Medical Sciences.
Hospital Service Leadership
Dr. Hodo Çelo held several important positions:
- Head of the Pathology Service, Regional Hospital Gjirokastër (1975–1995)
- Chairman of the KEMP Commission for more than 15 years
- Deputy hospital director in the 1980s
- Director of the Regional Hospital Gjirokastër (1995–1997)
During the turmoil of 1997, he managed to keep the hospital functional. He saved dozens of lives. He secured supplies through cooperation with the Lazarat community and European Community depots in Ioannina.
Scientific and Publishing Activity
Dr. Çelo has made a broad contribution to Albanian and international medical literature. He has published articles in Albanian, Czech, Bulgarian journals and has participated in international conferences and congresses.
Published Books:
- Endemic Goiter (2002)
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism
- Autoimmune thyroiditis as a cause of thyroid dysfunction
- Dynamics of Thyroid Gland Dysfunction
- Screening test for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and hypothyroidism
Social and Cultural Engagement
Dr. Hodo Çelo initiated the founding of the “Cultural-Patriotic Association Lazarati,” He served for many years as secretary. He was also a contributor to the newspaper “Lazërati.” He made a valuable contribution to documenting the history of the village.
For his activity, he was honored with:
- Certificate of “City Appreciation” from the Municipality of Gjirokastër
- Decoration from the Presidium of the People’s Assembly
Recent Years
After retirement, he continues to work in his private clinic as an endocrinologist. He also works as a part-time consultant at the Regional Hospital Gjirokastër. He is fluent in French and Russian.
Dr. Hodo Ali Çelo remains one of the most distinguished figures of Lazarat. He is a dedicated professional and a tireless researcher. As an exemplary citizen, he has left an indelible mark on Albanian healthcare and the history of our community.