Alisher Kahharov, Head of the Breast Cancer Surgery Department at the Republican Specialized Scientific-Practical Medical Center of Oncology and Radiology, Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan, shared that he became the first CIS specialist to earn FEBS certification in breast surgery through the standard examination:
“I am pleased to share that I became the first specialist from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to successfully undergo certification and attain the Fellow of the European Board of Surgery (FEBS) status in breast surgery, and I am proud to be the first in the region to complete the full, formal certification process and earn the FEBS title through the standard examination procedure.
This achievement is a significant milestone in my professional career, reflecting my commitment to upholding high standards of international medical practice.
It is worth mentioning that Professor Vladimir Semiglazov is the only professor from the CIS who has previously received recognition from the European Board of Surgery, having been awarded an honorary diploma for his notable contributions in the field of Breast Surgery.
The certification process for FEBS is highly rigorous and demanding, consisting of two main stages. The first stage involves a comprehensive assessment of the candidate’s professional knowledge and experience to ensure compliance with the stringent standards of European surgical practice. During this phase, evaluation covers theoretical expertise, research contributions, clinical experience, and participation in scientific activities. Successful completion of this initial assessment allows the candidate to advance to the second stage – the examination.
The examination itself is a serious test, comprising both theoretical and practical components. Candidates are required to demonstrate a deep understanding of modern surgical principles as well as the ability to make complex clinical decisions. Passing both stages confirms that the individual possesses the necessary expertise to deliver safe and effective patient care at the highest level.
The overarching role in maintaining high standards in surgery is played by the UEMS Surgery Section. It recommends standards for surgical training and practices, assesses surgeons’ training through courses and examinations, and awards Fellowship status to those who succeed. Additionally, the UEMS Section of Surgery audits and accredits
training centers for specialist surgeons and reviews applications for educational events to assign credit points, supporting the ongoing professional development of surgeons across Europe.
This certification not only recognizes individual achievement but also signals compliance with international high standards. It affirms that the surgeon has the requisite knowledge, skills, and experience to provide excellent patient care. In today’s era of globalization and standardization, such certification is an essential tool for enhancing healthcare quality, fostering international professional connections, and elevating the prestige of specialists in the region.
Furthermore, the diploma promotes professional development and encourages the adoption of best practices across borders. In the future, such international recognition will be instrumental in building trust, advancing surgical expertise, and improving patient outcomes. It opens new opportunities for integrating European standards into our medical community, ultimately benefiting the health and well-being of patients throughout the region.”

You can read more posts featuring Alisher Kahharov on OncoDaily.