Surgeons from Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University Collaborate to Support Ukrainian Counterparts

Strategic Insights -

Orthopaedic surgeons at Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) and McMaster University are teaming up with their Ukrainian counterparts to provide specialized care to patients injured in the war. The ASSIST Canada -- Ukraine Project aims to strengthen the skills and capacity of Ukrainian surgeons, enabling them to improve patient care and support the broader Ukrainian healthcare system.

The collaboration involves training Ukrainian surgeons virtually and inviting them to HHS for hands-on learning. The McMaster-Ukraine Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship has been launched, allowing four Ukrainian trauma surgeons to learn advanced techniques through an apprenticeship model at HHS. The project also includes the launch of two additional trauma-focused fellowships with Canadian-Ukrainian mentors and infectious disease observerships for four Ukrainian physicians.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ASSIST Canada -- Ukraine Project aims to strengthen the skills and capacity of Ukrainian surgeons to improve patient care and support the broader Ukrainian healthcare system.
  • The project involves virtual training of Ukrainian surgeons and the McMaster-Ukraine Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship, where Ukrainian trauma surgeons learn advanced techniques through an apprenticeship model at HHS.
  • A significant proportion of combat injuries are orthopedic traumas affecting the arms and legs, with lasting consequences for patients.
  • ASSIST's primary mission is to reduce these long-term impacts by improving surgical outcomes.
  • The project is expanding its support for Ukrainian medical professionals, with the continuation of the Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship and the launch of two additional trauma-focused fellowships.
  • The initiative was developed by a small project team supported by volunteers, under the leadership of Dr. Mark Pahuta, and enabled through generous support from health care partners and charitable funders.
  • Key individuals involved in the project include Dr. Mark Pahuta, Dr. Paul Moroz, Dr. Mohit Bhandari, and Dr. Matthew Denkers.
  • Development of the project was spurred by the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Statistics:

  • 11 Ukrainian physicians have been trained virtually through the ASSIST Project.
  • 3 experienced Ukrainian trauma surgeons were invited to HHS to observe and learn specialized practices in 2024.
  • 4 Ukrainian trauma surgeons participated in the McMaster-Ukraine Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship in 2024.
  • The project aims to continue the Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship in 2025-2026, supporting up to 4 Ukrainian physicians for up to 45 days.
  • The ASSIST initiative has secured funding to sustain and grow the program, with the next fellow arriving in October 2024.

Sources:

  • "Hamilton Health Sciences Launches Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship for Ukrainian Surgeons" (Hamilton Health Sciences)
  • "ASSIST Canada -- Ukraine Project Aims to Strengthen Skills and Capacity of Ukrainian Surgeons" (Contify.com)