International Medical Corps Started Training Program for Ukrainian Doctors at TNMU

On January 22, 2024, the Centre for Medical Simulation of I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University started trainings which are a part of the “Trauma Treatment Program in Ukraine: Course for Instructors-Experts” program. The latter is initiated by the International Medical Corps and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative. Almost 100 participants from different cities of Ukraine arrived to the training to acquire and improve their practical skills and become instructors. They will study for five days.

The International Medical Corps is a global non-governmental organization that provides emergency medical care and related services to countries affected by conflict and disaster. The organization also provides health education and capacity building for local communities. The International Medical Corps works in more than 30 countries. It was founded in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses. Currently, the organization has about 7,500 employees worldwide.

Director of the trauma management training program, MD Sean Kivlehan, noted that the International Medical Corps team is pleased to welcome a large group of future trainers to TNMU Centre for Medical Simulation. “All of you will soon become master instructors and pass on your knowledge and practical skills to others. Thank you for taking the time to come and learn. Today we are starting our new project – this is a master training. After completing the training and passing the exams, each participant will receive a certificate, and will later train their colleagues,” Sean Kivlehan said.

Medical coordinator of the trauma management training program, MD Michelle Gonnet emphasized that it was great to see that the entire IMC team and participants reached the final stage of the program. She added that now this program can be handed over to Ukrainian universities and institutions for further implementation at the national level. Michelle Gonnet thanked the administration and staff of Ternopil National Medical University for their partnership and warm welcome.

The Rector of TNMU, Professor Mykhaylo Korda, drew attention of the attendees to the fact that TNMU Centre of Medical Simulation is one of the best and has European certification. The head of the university spoke about the fact that TNMU has been the centre of various programs and courses for the training of doctors for many years.

The head of the International Medical Corps in Ukraine, Matthew Stearns, congratulated all the participants on the start of the training week and wished them effective work. He also noted that he saw a lot of resilience in Ukrainian citizens, which impressed him above all else. Mr. Matthew emphasized the importance of work experience in Ukraine in his life and career. According to him, it is still important to preserve and strengthen the resilience of Ukrainians so that they can endure, win and build their country.

The Medical Director of the International Office of the International Medical Corps, MD Aziz Baig, said that this training program started 18 months ago and is now in its final stages. During this time, the team of the International Medical Corps trained 6194 people.

Director of Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, MD Michael Vanrooyen thanked everyone who put a lot of effort into the implementation of this project. He also addressed the audience with words of appreciation for the fact that in the future each of them will train others and practice the acquired skills in their professional activities.

The Head of the Training Projects and Programs of the IMC representative office in Ukraine Oleksandra Demetska said that today’s program is the third phase of trainings.

“During the first phase, representatives of medical universities and medical institutions were trained by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative. During this phase, the trainers were exclusively foreign instructors. During the second phase, we extensively involved Ukrainian instructors who demonstrated excellent results during our training courses. The third phase started at the end of August 2023 and was dedicated to increasing the pool of domestic instructors thanks to cooperation with Ukrainian universities. Today, we cooperate with Ternopil National Medical University, Dnipro State Medical University, V. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv National Medical University, Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University,” Ms. Oleksandra added.

TNMU Press Secretary, Yanina Chaikivska.

Photographs by the author.