Prof Aurora Bakalli was born in Prishtina. Her medical career began at the University of Prishtina, where she graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1992. Driven by her deep commitment to healthcare, she continued her education, earning a Master of Science degree from the same institution in 2007. Her academic journey culminated in 2012 when she obtained a Ph.D. in Medical Sciences from the University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, North Macedonia.
Her early professional experience began in the United States, where she served in the operating room at Stanley Memorial Hospital in Albemarle, North Carolina, from 1999 to 2000. This international experience broadened her perspective and enhanced her medical skills. Upon returning to Kosovo, she began her residency in Internal Medicine at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK), where she later became a specialist in cardiology. She has completed several cardiology trainings abroad.
Since 2004, she has been a significant contributor to the Cardiology Clinic at UCCK. From 2016 to 2022, she held the position of Head of the Cardiology Ward at UCCK, where she played a key role in managing patient care and overseeing medical staff. She also served as Chair of the Resident Doctors’ Committee for Cardiology, Cardiovascular Surgery, and Vascular Surgery from 2016 to 2020 and led the UCCK Ethics Committee from 2017 to 2021.
Alongside her clinical work, she has had a prominent academic career. In 2013, she joined the Medical Faculty at the University of Prishtina as an Assistant Professor in Internal Medicine. Her dedication to teaching and mentorship led to her promotion to Associate Professor in 2018. She has played a vital role in shaping medical education at the university, particularly through her positions as Head of the Department of General Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine and Coordinator of the Ph.D. Program in Clinical Medicine from 2021 to 2023.
In addition to her clinical and academic roles, she briefly entered public service as a member of the Kosovo Parliament from 2010 to 2014. During her time in parliament, she advocated for improving the healthcare system, further enhacing her commitment to public health in Kosovo.
Her contributions to the field of cardiology extend beyond clinical practice and teaching. She is the author of over 40 scientific papers published in international journals, with research that has contributed to advancements in cardiology and internal medicine. Her work has been recognized by the European Society of Cardiology, where she holds the prestigious title of Fellow (FESC).
Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. She has received several awards throughout her career, including the title of “Distinguished Student of the University of Prishtina” in 1998, “Distinguished Employee of the Internal Clinic” in 2006, and “Distinguished Employee of the Cardiology Clinic” in 2016.
Today, Aurora continues to serve as a Professor at the University of Prishtina and currently holds the position of Vice Dean for Teaching and Student Affairs at the Faculty of Medicine, where she helps shape the future of healthcare in Kosovo through her teaching, research, and leadership.