Dr. Sharique Nazir Appointed as President of WALS – United States Chapter, Poised to Elevate Laparoscopic Surgery to New Heights
February 2025 | Gurugram, India – In a historic decision, the World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons (WALS) has appointed Dr. Sharique Nazir as the President of the WALS United States Chapter. This decision was unanimously approved by the WALS Governing Body during their latest meeting, recognizing Dr. Nazir’s outstanding contributions to the field of bariatric, robotic, and laparoscopic surgery on a global scale.
Dr. Nazir, a board-certified bariatric and robotic surgeon, currently serves as the Chief of Bariatric & Robotic Surgery and Assistant Chairman of Surgery at NYC Health and Hospitals/Harlem. He is also an Assistant Professor at Columbia University/Irving Medical Center, where he plays a pivotal role in training the next generation of surgeons. His expertise in advanced bariatric procedures, metabolic surgery, and robotic-assisted surgical techniques has earned him international recognition as a thought leader in the field.
A New Vision for WALS Under Dr. Nazir’s Leadership
With this appointment, WALS is set to expand its influence in the United States, strengthening its role in surgical education, research, and training. Dr. Nazir has outlined a progressive vision to advance the association’s mission through:
• Innovative Training Programs: Expanding WALS-certified laparoscopic and robotic surgery fellowships in the United States.
• Global Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships between WALS, top-tier U.S. medical institutions, and international surgical societies.
• Technological Advancement: Encouraging AI-driven robotic surgery innovations and increasing access to next-generation surgical techniques.
• Enhanced Education: Establishing advanced hands-on training and simulation-based learning centers for surgeons worldwide.
A Milestone Moment at the International College of Surgeons Meeting
To mark this prestigious appointment, Dr. Shah, the President of WALS India, will officially present Dr. Nazir with the Certificate of Appointment during the upcoming meeting of the International College of Surgeons (ICS). This event will serve as a momentous occasion, acknowledging Dr. Nazir’s leadership and his dedication to the evolution of minimally invasive surgery.
Commitment to Taking WALS to the Next Level
Dr. Nazir expressed his gratitude for the appointment, stating:
“It is an absolute honor to be entrusted with this responsibility. WALS has been at the forefront of surgical advancements, and I look forward to leading the U.S. chapter toward greater innovation, education, and global collaboration. Together, we will elevate laparoscopic and robotic surgery to unprecedented heights, ensuring better patient outcomes and empowering surgeons worldwide.”
His appointment marks a new era for WALS, as the association looks to expand its footprint in the United States and beyond. With Dr. Nazir’s visionary leadership, the future of minimally invasive surgery is set to reach new milestones, shaping the next generation of surgical excellence worldwide.
