Meet the Speakers from Our 2026 Conference

Mr Ismail Vokshi, FRCS, MRCS, FHEA

Consultant Cardiac Surgeon

Mr Ismail Vokshi is a Consultant Cardiac Surgeon specialising in aortic surgery and complex aortic disease. He has trained in major cardiothoracic centres in the UK and Europe, with expertise in aortic root surgery, valve-sparing procedures, aortic arch surgery, frozen elephant trunk techniques, and the management of acute aortic dissection.

​

Alongside his clinical practice, Mr Vokshi is actively involved in service development, education, and research. He works closely within multidisciplinary teams to advance specialist aortic care and is committed to improving patient outcomes through surgical excellence, innovation, and collaborative working. He also serves as a clinical advisor, contributing to the development of healthcare innovation and emerging technologies designed to enhance patient care.

Dr Aneta Gordani

Research Fellow, Cambridge University

Dr Aneta Gordani graduated with an MBBS from the University of Prishtina in Kosovo and has worked in a range of clinical and healthcare settings in both the UK and Kosovo.

​

Currently a junior doctor, her experience includes roles in hospital medicine, pharmacy services, and medical education, where she has supported patient care and day-to-day clinical work. Through these roles, she has gained practical experience in patient communication, teamwork, and routine clinical practice. Dr Gordani has a keen interest in neuroscience, rare diseases, and evidence-based medicine.

She is currently a Clinical Research Fellow at the Cambridge Clinical Mitochondrial Medicine group within the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge, where she is developing her clinical research and trial experience.

Blerta Ilazi

Queen’s Nurse, ReSTORE Programme Lead

Blerta Ilazi is a multi-award-winning nurse and Queen’s Nurse dedicated to reducing health inequalities and advancing health equity. A Health Inclusion Specialist, her work spans clinical practice, education, and leadership.

​

Drawing on her lived experience of forced migration, Blerta founded and leads ReSTORE, a programme supporting refugee nurses, midwives, and allied healthcare professionals to regain professional registration and integrate into the NHS workforce.

She has also served as Clinical Fellow for Refugee Nursing with NHS England North East and Yorkshire. A national and international keynote speaker, Blerta is a leading advocate for refugee integration and a diverse, inclusive healthcare workforce that improves lives, strengthens communities, and addresses health inequalities.