Oleh Prybitkin Shared His Experience as a Combat Medic with TNMU Students

The Department of General Surgery recently welcomed Oleh Prybitkin, a surgeon of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a Ternopil National Medical University graduate. During his meeting with students and faculty, the combat medic shared his medical experience as a surgeon abroad, as he had worked in the Czech Republic for over 10 years before 2022.

Having the opportunity to compare the medical systems of Ukraine and the Czech Republic, he highlighted some advantages of the Ukrainian system and the positive changes that have occurred, particularly in the recent challenging period for the country.

As a TNMU graduate, he also emphasized the European-level education of Ukrainian students, who can competitively match their peers from European medical institutions. Oleh Prybitkin was pleased to reunite with his former general surgery professor, Petro Herasymchuk, expressing his deep gratitude for the knowledge he had gained and his mentor’s high standards and dedication.

However, with the outbreak of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine in 2022, his strong civic stance did not allow him to remain on the sidelines during such a difficult time for his homeland. Thus, he left the Czech Republic and returned to Ukraine to serve in the Armed Forces, determined to protect his people.

Given his military surgical experience, students asked many questions, to which their senior colleague responded sincerely and openly. They discussed how to prepare for military service, which subjects to focus on, and how to prepare for the complex challenges of confronting the enemy. He also shared insights into unique cases and extreme situations combat medics face.

At the end of the meeting, he expressed his gratitude to the department and his Alma Mater for their support and the opportunity to speak with students of his home university. He emphasized that only perseverance and dedicated work will secure a prosperous Ukraine for all.