Born in 1976 and raised in the city of Lushnjë, Gentian Toshkëzi, a neurosurgeon, has been recognized in the United States with the prestigious “America’s Best Doctor” award. At the peak of the Covid pandemic, he received the major award from the state of Pennsylvania for his work at Jefferson University Hospital, where he has been practicing as a neurosurgeon for 13 years.

Dr. Gentian Toshkëzi has recently appeared on Albanian screens, providing his opinion on the pandemic. However, few remember the young man from Lushnjë who managed to fulfill his dreams, not only by becoming a surgeon there but also by being selected among the best doctors in the USA.

Having completed his high school education at “18 Tetori” in Lushnjë, Gentian Toshkëzi was passionate about medicine and pursued his studies at the University of Medicine in Tirana. He excelled academically, receiving the Golden Medal with a perfect grade average of 10 from former President Rexhep Meidani in 2003.

His aspirations led him to France and later to the United States, where he specialized in surgery at the Thomas Jefferson University after receiving his medical degree. The ten days he spent there would change the course of his life.

“I had always dreamed of studying in the USA. After I graduated, I had two choices: to return to Albania or continue my studies in America. I chose the latter,” Dr. Gentian said in a previous interview.

He remembers the skepticism his friends and acquaintances had back in 2003 when he told them that a young Albanian breaking into the American medical field was nearly impossible. Despite the doubts, he persevered. Being the only Albanian competing against students from prestigious American universities was challenging.