A Ukrainian surgeon, who usually operates at a public trauma hospital, has traveled to Hamilton to enhance her skills in treating victims of Russia’s aggressive invasion. Dr. Mariia Kuzeikiv came to Canada in October through Hamilton Health Sciences’ ASSIST program, initiated in 2022 by Dr. Mark Pahuta, an orthopedic spine surgeon and associate professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, with Ukrainian roots.
The ongoing Russian military invasion of Ukraine since February 2022 has resulted in the deaths of 14,534 civilians, including 745 children, as reported by the United Nations human rights office. Efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the conflict are underway, supported by Canada and other global leaders. However, the situation remains critical, with recent attacks causing further casualties, such as the November 19 incident in Ternopil, Ukraine, where 26 people died and nearly 100 were injured.
Dr. Pahuta, driven by his Ukrainian heritage and connections in the country, aims to assist in alleviating the crisis by sharing his expertise with Ukrainian doctors. He emphasizes the importance of providing valuable training that can be applied effectively upon their return home. Dr. Kuzeikiv, dedicated to her work in Ukraine’s public trauma hospital treating victims of conflict, deals mainly with blast trauma cases, often requiring multiple surgeries for recovery.
During her six-month stay in Canada until April, Kuzeikiv seeks to acquire new skills and knowledge to enhance her patient care in Lviv, Ukraine. In collaboration with Dr. Pahuta and other surgeons, she recently performed a specialized surgery on a patient with an unstable pelvic fracture, learning innovative techniques like minimally-invasive procedures and navigation systems.
Dr. Paul Klas, a trauma surgeon at Hamilton Health Sciences, commends Hamilton as an ideal learning environment for Kuzeikiv due to its high volume of trauma cases. He anticipates continued collaboration with her, highlighting the enriching exchange of experiences with Ukrainian fellows. Dr. Pahuta emphasizes the mutual learning process between Canadian and Ukrainian medical professionals, recognizing the value of shared innovations in medicine and surgery.
The presence of Ukrainian fellows in Hamilton not only benefits their professional growth but also fosters a valuable exchange of knowledge and practices. Dr. Kuzeikiv’s experience in Canada is not only enhancing her skills but also contributing to the collective learning and advancement in the field of trauma surgery.