A Ukrainian surgeon, who typically works at a public trauma hospital, has traveled to Hamilton to explore advanced techniques that could enhance survival rates for victims of the ongoing Russian invasion in Ukraine. Dr. Mariia Kuzeikiv arrived in Canada in October as part of the ASSIST program by Hamilton Health Sciences, which aims to train Ukrainian doctors in managing severe war-related injuries.
Established in 2022 by Dr. Mark Pahuta, an orthopedic spine surgeon and associate professor at McMaster University, the program was initiated to assist in the crisis affecting Ukraine, a cause close to Pahuta’s heart due to his Ukrainian heritage and personal connections in the country. Pahuta expressed his desire to contribute positively by utilizing his expertise to aid Ukrainians during these challenging times.
Since Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the conflict has led to a devastating toll on civilians, with reports from the United Nations indicating the loss of over 14,000 lives, including 745 children. Efforts to halt the war have been ongoing, with recent developments led by U.S. President Donald Trump, although further work is deemed necessary according to Canadian and global leaders.
The impact of the conflict continues to unfold daily, with a tragic incident on November 19 resulting in the deaths of at least 26 individuals and almost 100 injuries following a Russian drone and missile attack on residential buildings in Ternopil, a city in western Ukraine. Dr. Pahuta emphasized the significance of surgeons in Ukraine’s healthcare system, noting the strain on hospitals when sending professionals abroad for training.
Dr. Kuzeikiv’s work in Ukraine primarily involves treating civilians and military personnel with gunshot and blast injuries sustained during the conflict. Her focus is on providing care for patients with blast trauma, often dealing with significant wounds requiring multiple surgeries for recovery. Kuzeikiv aims to apply the knowledge gained in Hamilton to assist those injured in Lviv upon her return to Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of enhancing her skills to address the urgent medical needs.
During a collaborative surgical procedure on November 14, Dr. Pahuta, Dr. Kuzeikiv, and another surgeon carried out a specialized surgery to stabilize a pelvic fracture in a patient, marking a new experience for Kuzeikiv. The use of advanced techniques such as navigation and minimally-invasive procedures during the surgery provided valuable learning opportunities for Kuzeikiv, preparing her to apply these skills effectively in Ukraine.
Hamilton Health Sciences, renowned for its high-volume trauma care, offers a conducive environment for Kuzeikiv’s professional development. Dr. Paul Klas, a trauma and orthopedic surgeon at the institution, highlighted the valuable exchange of experiences with Ukrainian fellows, emphasizing the mutual learning opportunities presented by the collaboration. The initiative aims to build connections and foster innovation in the field of surgery, benefiting both Ukrainian and Canadian medical professionals.
