From Ukraine to Utah

I grew up in Ukraine during a time of significant social and economic change, which deeply shaped how I see medicine and community health. Even as a child, I was fascinated by science, but what truly inspired me was witnessing how limited access to healthcare affected families around me. That early experience instilled in me a strong desire to become a physician, not only to care for individuals, but also to strengthen the health of entire communities.

Due to the war in Ukraine, my family and I relocated to the United States. My husband and I are now building our life in Utah, where we’ve been warmly welcomed. We share our home with our two cats, Richard and Musik, who bring a lot of joy to our days. Outside of medicine, I love spending time with my family, practicing yoga and meditation, and exploring nature. One of my favorite ways to recharge is by visiting national parks — we’ve already visited 34 across the U.S., and Utah has some of the most breathtaking ones.

Building a Foundation in Women’s Health and Leadership

I graduated from one of the top medical schools in Ukraine, completed an OB/GYN residency and high-risk pregnancy fellowship, and practiced as a physician for over 15 years. My early career was focused on women’s health, where I developed strong skills in surgical procedures, prenatal care and patient education.

Over time, I developed an interest not only in clinical medicine but also in public health, research and healthcare administration. I established educational programs for pregnant women, contributed to the development of hospital protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, and served as medical director at the private hospital in Kiev, ISIDA Clinic.

As an OB/GYN, it has been my privilege to guide women through the most private aspects of their health, from childbirth to menopause — a power granted only by earning their respect. Furthermore, while providing care for female patients, I often engage with them in discussion about the health of their entire family and potential lifestyle adjustments. I was driven toward providing comprehensive care that extends beyond women’s health to serve the whole family, and I am thankful to have discovered ways to achieve this goal.

From Global Practice to Local Impact

Throughout my career, I have had opportunities to travel across Europe, collaborate with colleagues, attend FIGO, ESHRE, ECO and other conferences, and gain exposure to different healthcare systems. I was driven all my life to learn from others and implement the best practices in the community where I serve. I had an observership program at the Cleveland Clinic in the NICU in 2019 and a fellowship training in CICI, Clermont-Ferrand, France, in 2020. I worked for six months at Sophienklinik GmbH in Hannover, Germany, in 2022. These experiences broadened my perspective and strengthened my interest in global health.

Ultimately, the war in Ukraine changed the course of my life. Relocating to the U.S. was a major decision, but I saw it as a chance to continue serving patients, learn a new healthcare system and bring my skills into a broader field — family medicine. Utah became home because of the supportive community I found here, both personally and professionally.

A New Chapter: Becoming a Physician in the United States

Getting licensure in the U.S. was a challenging yet rewarding experience. It required thorough preparation, exams, clinical rotations and resilience. Along the way, I was lucky to have mentors and colleagues who offered encouragement. I passed the USMLE exams and earned an ECFMG certificate, then applied to the Residency Match. I ranked CHC Family Medicine Residency as my top choice, and I successfully matched with my preferred program.

I met the CHC Family Medicine Residency Program during the National Conference for Family Medicine Residents in Kansas City. I learned that it emphasizes community health, diversity and comprehensive training. What stood out to me was the chance to join a new program and help shape its culture. Being part of the first class has been exciting — we are not just residents but also pioneers, building something meaningful for the future of our community and for residents who will follow us.

Courage Forged in Crisis: Lessons from War and Healing

During Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, I spent 32 days with the air full of weapons and the ground rocked by explosions, facing challenges that evolved my craft as an OB/GYN. In her Washington Post article, “For These Expecting Mothers in Kyiv, the Night is Passed in a Maternity Ward Bunker,” Siobhan O’Grady wrote about our terrifying nights in dark, uncomfortable shelters where we kept our stressed and confused patients alive overnight. Their discomfort and lack of privacy now fuel my pursuit of comprehensive care for patients who need it most. Surviving has permanently heightened my senses, establishing an unshakable courage I’ll use to allay any of my patients’ fears. The war has not been kind to anyone caught up in it, but through it, I have grown.

Going beyond my Ukrainian background to meet the standards of the United States healthcare system has made me a more critical thinker and broadened my cultural awareness. As I continue on a more holistic path of family medicine, I appreciate that I joined the CHC FMR program, which offers a commitment to continuing education, exposure to various subspecialties and a welcoming community. My 15 years of practice in Ukraine prepared me to manage complex medical conditions, conduct clinical research, work as a manager and foster long-term relationships with patients and staff.

I believe strongly in the power of education, collaboration and compassion in medicine. For me, medicine is not just a profession; it’s a calling that has allowed me to grow through challenges, connect with people across cultures and build bridges between communities. My long-term goal is to become a full-spectrum family physician who can provide care for entire families — women, children and men alike — while also continuing to contribute to medical education and global health initiatives. My everyday mission is to use my perseverance and diligent work ethic to provide the best quality care here in my new home in Utah.