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20 OUR LIFE • November 2024 Ukrainian Doctors Train at Florida Veterans Hospital ПІКЛУЄМОСЯ • CARE The Congressional Office for In- ternational Leadership (COIL) and U.S.–Ukraine Foundation asked UNWLA Branch 124 in St. Petersburg, FL, to be the host organization for an impor - tant program, Veterans/Victims of War. Branch 124 members agreed, and in February 2024, sixteen doctors from Ukraine traveled to the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, FL, for training. This is the second year that Branch 124 has host - ed this outstanding 10-day pro- gram that benefits both Ukraine and the U.S. Branch 124 members Olya Czerkas and Dr. Chrystyna Rako- czy worked closely together on this project. Olya took the lead as liaison between the James A. Ha- ley Veterans Hospital and spon- sors, organizing housing, trans- portation, community events, and cultural experiences. Chrys- tyna was instrumental in estab- lishing a strong medical training program at the hospital, focus - ing specifically on the needs of the Ukrainian doctors, by work - ing directly with the hospital’s staff and Dr. Steven Scott, Direc - tor of its Poly-Trauma Unit. The medical staff at the Vet - erans Hospital understood the importance of establishing an intense, hands-on education - al program that encompasses all aspects of veteran care. The training program covered top - ics such as surgeries, lifesaving procedures, making and fitting prosthetics, and the importance of physical and psychological rehabilitation. The doctors ob - served robotic surgery, with time allocated to speak with the surgeon. The Veterans Adminis - tration staff prepared a curricu- Olya N. Czerkas , Press Secretary, Branch 124, St. Petersburg, FL lum that would be beneficial to the doctors once they returned to Ukraine. The training began with each of the Ukrainian doctors introducing themselves, sharing video clips, and speaking about their facility, medical responsibilities, and the treatment of injuries sustained by military and civilian personnel. They especially highlighted the in- creased use of drones during rus- sian attacks, which cause many serious injuries. Training sessions, meetings with political officials, and din - ners with community members were scheduled for the doctors throughout their 10-day stay in the Tampa Bay area. At these opportune times, Ukrainian doc - tors openly shared their knowl- edge about medical issues, weapons used against Ukraine, and experiences they have had treating individuals on the front lines. Their conversations creat - ed stronger solidarity between the two countries, Ukraine and the United States. The training days were ex - ceptionally intense and vitally important. Evening activities fo- cused on learning about Amer - ican traditions, visiting interest - ing sights, and enjoying time with host families. The Ukrain - ian doctors learned about the American way of life, answered a multitude of questions, and most importantly became am- bassadors for Ukraine. A cultural exchange and an opportunity to experience the American lifestyle were two goals of this grant program. On Sunday, Branch 124 prepared a special luncheon where Zenovia Zakovorotna organized a beau- tiful cultural program at the Epiphany of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church. The doctors visited the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, where the Executive Director, Robin Nicholson, warmly greeted the Ukrainian guests. On Saturday evening, Dr. Lyda Lindell and Carl Lindell hosted a buffet at their home, where doctors were greeted by individuals from the medical, military, and political fields. A peaceful and ever-last - ing memory was made as they visited the Gulf of Mexico to en- joy the soothing gulf waves and beautiful Florida sunset. Branch 124 also sponsored a farewell dinner at Dr. Chrystyna Rakoczy’s home. Host families and Dr. Scott received thank-you gifts of Ukrainian embroidery. Mark Van Trees, Director of Support the Troops, presented two small gift boxes to the Ukrainian doctors. Inside the boxes were toy trucks representing the four purchased ambulances that would soon be delivered to Ukraine. Our hearts were filled with many emotions, including pride in our dedicated doctors. We wish them safety as they serve our Ukrainian countrymen. We are grateful to the host families, sponsors, and donors and sin - cerely appreciate and are thank - ful to the James A. Haley Veter - ans Hospital staff for the time they spent organizing this med- ical training program. We also thank the Congressional Office for International Leadership and the U.S.–Ukraine Foundation for their continuous support. Branch 124 is proud to have been asked again to host 12 medical staff from Ukraine who will train in the Tampa Bay area in 2025.
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