TNMU Welcomes a Leading Global Expert in Neurorehabilitation

On July 22, 2026, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University welcomed Professor Max Ortiz Catalan, a renowned scientist specializing in bionics, neurorehabilitation, and the treatment of phantom limb pain.

As part of his visit, Professor Ortiz Catalan met with TNMU Rector Professor Petro Likhatskyi. The meeting was also attended by Professor Stepan Zaporozhan, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Clinical Work.

During the meeting, the participants discussed key priorities and future prospects for international cooperation in medical science, education, and rehabilitation medicine. The proposed areas of collaboration include organizing open lectures, practical workshops, and training sessions for students, medical interns, academic staff, and healthcare professionals; implementing joint international research projects; and introducing evidence-based approaches to the treatment of phantom limb pain and comprehensive rehabilitation for patients following limb amputations.

Professor Max Ortiz Catalan praised the high potential of Ukrainian healthcare professionals and expressed his strong commitment to establishing active cooperation with TNMU. The planned partnership will focus on sharing international best practices, enhancing the professional competencies of Ukrainian medical specialists, and integrating innovative technologies in prosthetics and rehabilitation.

Professor Max Ortiz Catalan is a distinguished Swedish-Mexican scientist, inventor, and professor in biomedical engineering, bionics, neurorehabilitation, and the treatment of phantom limb pain. His research has transformed the rehabilitation of individuals with limb loss. Professor Ortiz Catalan developed the world’s first bionic prosthetic system integrated directly with the patient’s bone, muscles, and nervous system through osseointegration. This groundbreaking technology enables users to control an artificial limb through neural signals and even regain a sense of touch.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Professor Ortiz Catalan has been actively involved in humanitarian initiatives. He has contributed to the training of Ukrainian physicians, physical therapists, and rehabilitation specialists by sharing advanced technologies for the treatment of phantom limb pain, prosthetic rehabilitation, and neurorehabilitation for both civilian and military amputees in Ukraine.