Dr. Islam Buci
A Life of Service, Knowledge, and Dedication to Lazerati
Born: August 2, 1946, Lazarat
Profession: Physician, Cardiologist, Medical Researcher
Roles: Founder & Chairman of Shoqata “Lazërati”, Community Leader, Lecturer
Early Life and Education
Islam Buci was born in Lazarat on August 2, 1946. He completed his primary and seven‑year schooling in the village from 1954 to 1961, distinguishing himself as an excellent and disciplined student. He frequently received certificates of merit and extracurricular books as awards.
Despite his outstanding academic results, he was denied a state scholarship for high school due to “biographical” reasons — his mom’brother had left Albania in 1945 with other Lazarat residents.
He enrolled in the “Asim Zeneli” High School in Gjirokastër along with six other Lazarat boys who faced similar discrimination. Walking daily from the village to the city under harsh weather and economic hardship, he persevered and graduated in 1965 with strong results.
His dream was to attend university, but again his biography posed obstacles. With the support of the high school administration and village leadership, he earned the right to study at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Tirana, bringing great joy to his family.
He graduated in 1970 as a general physician with the distinction “Diploma of Excellence.”
Medical Career
Early Assignments and Public Health Impact
Despite his academic excellence, he was initially assigned to Kukës — one of Albania’s most remote districts. After intervention by the Minister of Health, he was reassigned to the Nikël Health Center in Kruja, a challenging area marked by poverty and limited resources.
There, he worked tirelessly to improve public health, focusing especially on reducing infant mortality. Through research, staff training, and advocacy for better nutrition in village nurseries, he achieved a remarkable outcome: infant mortality dropped to one‑third of previous levels within two years.
This success led the Ministry of Health to organize a national seminar in Nikël to highlight his work.
Leadership in Kruja Hospital
In 1974, he was appointed Head of the Pathology Department at Kruja Hospital. He modernized the ward, introduced new treatment methods, reduced hospital mortality, and shortened patient stays.
From 1975–1976, he specialized in cardiology at the University Cardiology Clinic in Tirana under Professor Ylli Popa, completing the program with the highest grade.
Working alongside some of Albania’s top physicians who had been transferred to Kruja, he developed into both a skilled cardiologist and a strong general internist.
Career in Gjirokastër
In 1982, he transferred to the Regional Hospital of Gjirokastër, where he quickly became known for his diagnostic and therapeutic expertise across a wide range of conditions.
In 1995, he was appointed Head of the Pathology Service, a position he held until his retirement in 2012. He organized scientific conferences, introduced new diagnostic and treatment methods, and significantly improved hospital outcomes.
From 1985 to 2006, he also served as Chairman of the Work Ability Evaluation Commission (KEMP).
He completed numerous qualifications in Albania and Italy, including advanced training in echocardiography and cardiovascular emergencies.
Scientific Contributions
Dr. Buci has authored and co‑authored numerous medical studies published in Albanian and international journals. His research covers:
- Rheumatic diseases
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Angina and myocardial infarction
- Hypertension and its complications
- Diabetes‑related ECG changes
- Cardiovascular disability
- Rare case reports
He also trained generations of doctors and nurses, serving as a lecturer in nursing programs and as an external lecturer at “Eqrem Çabej” University for 15 years.
Cultural and Community Leadership
Beyond medicine, Islam Buci is one of the founding pillars of Shoqata “Lazërati.” He served for many years as its chairman, helping establish branches in Gjirokastër, Saranda, Tirana, and Detroit.
Under his leadership:
- The newspaper “Lazërati” was published for the first time. Ref-3
- Historical materials were collected from the State Archives
- The first and second volumes of the Lazarati në rrjedhat e historisë were published Ref-1 Co-authors:Dr.Islam Buci, Dr.Hodo Çelo, Hito Brahimi, Niazi Mahmuti, Sali Rabi.
- The documentary “Gjurmë Shqiptare: Historia e panjohur e Lazaratit – Top Channel Albania – News – Lajme” Ref-4 was produced in collaboration with Marin Mema
He is fluent in English, French, Italian, and Russian.
Honors and Recognition
- “Gratitude of Gjirokastër” (2006)
- “Grand Master of Work” decoration by the President of Albania (2017)