Starting in 2022 and now into 2023, The Scholars at Risk Program at Harvard has sponsored six Ukrainian physicians for in-person observerships at Harvard-affiliated hospitals in partnership with the Heal Ukraine Group (HUG) and Global Medical Knowledge Alliance (GMKA). An overarching objective of the initiative is to contribute meaningfully to the repairing and rebuilding of healthcare in Ukraine. Toward that end, Ukrainian clinicians are selected for observerships at Massachusetts General and Brigham and Womens Hospitals with the expressed purpose of improving both short and long-term healthcare delivery and outcomes for Ukrainian citizens. Observers from an array of specialties are paired to work under the direction of expert physician mentors here. On April 3, you will have the unique opportunity to meet and learn from the Ukrainian doctors who are currently in the Boston area. Their expertise includes general surgery, rural family medicine, infectious disease, oncological surgery, and psychiatry. The Ukrainian physicians come from various regions and cities in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Lviv, Karpvlivka village in the Rivne Oblast, and Crimea. Collectively, they will:
- Paint a picture of healthcare systems and delivery before the Russian invasion by describing strengths and challenges related to their respective subspecialties in Ukraine.
- Discuss ways in which the deliberate destruction of hundreds of healthcare facilities by the Russian Armed Forces has altered the delivery of medical care acutely as well as how consequences from the war will alter practice, culture, and systems during times of eventual peace.
- Describe how programs like the HUG-Harvard SAR initiative and each doctor’s specific, targeted training can support the growth and expansion of their particular subspecialty. Relatedly, the panelists will discuss more broadly how they plan to bring their skills and knowledge back to Ukraine and why that matters.
The moderators will help place into context how the HUG-Harvard SAR initiative and the work of GMKA involves rebuilding the healthcare system and minimizing disruption of delivery of care even now, in the time or war.
The event will be followed by a reception on the CGIS Concourse.
Sponsorship
This panel is hosted by the Harvard Scholars at Risk Program (SAR), Heal Ukraine Group (HUG), and Global Medical Knowledge Alliance (GMKA) in collaboration with Harvard Medical School-affiliated physicians and scientists. It is co-sponsored by the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies and the Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard.
Accessibility
The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at 617-495-4037 or daviscenter@fas.harvard.edu in advance of your participation or visit. Requests for Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance if possible. Please note that the Davis Center will make every effort to secure services but that services are subject to availability.
