A Ukrainian surgeon, who typically works at a public trauma hospital, has traveled to Hamilton to expand her knowledge of life-saving techniques for victims of Russia’s aggressive invasion. Dr. Mariia Kuzeikiv arrived in Canada in October as part of Hamilton Health Sciences’ ASSIST program, which has facilitated the training of seven Ukrainian doctors to manage severe war-related injuries.
Established in 2022 by Dr. Mark Pahuta, an orthopedic spine surgeon and associate professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, the program aims to assist the dire situation in Ukraine. Dr. Pahuta, who has Ukrainian roots and connections in Ukraine, initiated the program to utilize his expertise in aiding the Ukrainian population.
Since the onset of Russia’s military invasion in February 2022, the conflict has claimed the lives of 14,534 civilians, including 745 children, as reported by the United Nations. Efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the war have seen some progress, albeit requiring further refinement, as noted by Canadian and international leaders.
The ongoing crisis in Ukraine continues to impact its citizens daily. Most recently, on Nov. 19, a Russian drone and missile attack in Ternopil resulted in the deaths of at least 26 individuals and left nearly 100 others injured, as reported by Ukraine’s interior minister.
Dr. Pahuta emphasized the significant role of surgeons in Ukraine and the strain on hospitals caused by sending them abroad for training. The primary objective is to ensure a valuable learning experience that equips them with transferable skills to make a meaningful impact upon their return to Ukraine.
Kuzeikiv, who specializes in treating civilian and military individuals with gunshot and blast trauma at a public trauma hospital in Ukraine, aims to enhance her skills during her six-month stay in Canada until April. Her focus is on aiding patients with severe injuries, primarily blast trauma, to restore their primary movements and improve their quality of life.
During a collaborative surgery on Nov. 14, Dr. Pahuta, Dr. Kuzeikiv, and another surgeon operated on a patient with an unstable pelvic fracture, a new experience for Kuzeikiv. She expressed a mix of fear and anticipation in the operating room, highlighting the learning curve and the support received from colleagues during the procedure.
Incorporating innovative techniques such as navigation for minimally-invasive surgeries, Kuzeikiv aims to apply her newfound knowledge in Lviv, a relatively peaceful city in western Ukraine facing sporadic Russian attacks. The exchange of medical expertise between Canadian and Ukrainian surgeons presents an opportunity for mutual learning and collaboration.
Dr. Paul Klas, a trauma and orthopedic surgeon at Hamilton Health Sciences, emphasized the hospital’s role as a leading trauma center in Ontario and Canada, providing a conducive environment for Kuzeikiv’s professional development. The shared experiences between Ukrainian fellows and Canadian medical professionals enrich the learning environment and pave the way for advancements in surgical practices.
Dr. Pahuta highlighted the reciprocal learning process between Canadian and Ukrainian medical personnel, emphasizing the importance of building connections and exchanging knowledge in wartime medical practices. This exchange of expertise serves as a bridge for fostering mutual growth and innovation in the field of surgery.