Participation of a TNMU Associate Professor in Erasmus+ KA1 Academic Mobility at the Medical University of Warsaw

From June 8 to 14, 2025, an Associate Professor of the Department of Pediatrics No. 2 at I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical underwent an internship at the Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergology at the Medical University of Warsaw. The aim of the internship was to enhance qualifications in pediatric rheumatology, exchange professional experience, and identify priority areas for cooperation between the universities within the Erasmus+ programme.

During the internship, knowledge and skills in modern approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and multidisciplinary management of children with systemic connective tissue diseases were deepened and improved. A significant part of the internship focused on discussing practical aspects of diagnosing juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, vasculitides (including Kawasaki disease and ANCA-associated forms), juvenile scleroderma, and other rare pediatric rheumatic syndromes that are often underdiagnosed due to limited diagnostic resources.

Special attention was paid to the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and managing children with collagenoses, involving rheumatologists, immunologists, pulmonologists, allergists, cardiologists, nephrologists, neurologists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and medical geneticists. This approach provided an opportunity to evaluate the European model of managing pediatric patients with systemic pathologies, which considers not only medical but also psychosocial aspects of the disease.

Particular emphasis was placed on studying modern instrumental and laboratory diagnostic methods. The internship also involved discussions on approaches to immunomodulatory and targeted therapies, including the use of biologics approved for pediatric practice, glucocorticoids, methotrexate, mycophenolate, and cyclosporine. Principles of early therapy initiation and evaluation of treatment response according to EULAR, PRINTO, and ACR standards were reviewed.

As part of the practical component of the internship, Tetiana Kovalchuk participated in daily clinical rounds, outpatient consultations, and internal case conferences that included detailed analysis of complex clinical cases and interdisciplinary discussions on diagnostic strategies and treatment plans. Other topics discussed included long-term patient monitoring, evaluation of treatment efficacy, drug toxicity surveillance, and vaccination planning for children receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Valuable experience was also gained through participation in seminars and hands-on classes conducted by the university’s pediatric faculty for sixth-year medical students.

This internship significantly enhanced the her professional expertise in pediatric rheumatology, provided insight into the latest standards of patient care, and helped establish international professional connections with colleagues from the Medical University of Warsaw. These connections open new prospects for participation in joint research, educational, and clinical projects within European Union programmes (Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, COST).

The acquired experience is planned to be integrated into the educational process at the Department of Pediatrics No. 2 of TNMU and into practical work for organizing specialized pediatric care at the Ternopil Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital. It will also be shared with pediatricians across Ternopil region and Ukraine through discussions at scientific-practical conferences and seminars.