Page 62 - IFSO-History-Book-Digital-File

CHAPTER SIX

IFSO Presidents and World Congresses

Scott A. Shikora

Introduction

The International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO) was founded in 1995 by Professor
Nicola Scopinaro and a group of like-minded surgeons. In 2025, the name was changed to the
International Federation for the Surgery and Other Therapies for Obesity. Since its founding, 27
surgeons have been elected and served as president of IFSO. Twelve presidents came from the
European chapter, five from the IFSO-NAC, five from IFSO-LAC, four from IFSO-APC, and one from
IFSO-MENAC. Our current president, Khaled Gawdat is the first president from the newest IFSO
Chapter, the Middle East North African Chapter. All of the presidents were and continue to be very
accomplished, and have positively benefitted the organization.

01 - Nicola Scopinaro 1996-1998 Italy

The IFSO organization was founded by Professor Nicola
Scopinaro, an innovative surgeon with a longstanding interest in
metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS). Scopinaro studied the effects
of small intestinal resection and/or bypass. This research resulted
in the development of the biliopancreatic diversion procedure;
this operation involved a partial gastrectomy and a long intestinal
bypass that was extremely effective in achieving significant weight
loss and improvement in the associated metabolic conditions. In
addition to his research and clinical practice, Scopinaro was a
prolific author and a leader. Without his determined efforts, IFSO
may never have been founded in 1995 and organized its first
World Congress in 1996. In gratitude for his far-sighted and
resourceful efforts, he was selected as IFSO’s inaugural president,
and also given the tribute, “Honorary President for Life.”

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