Ukrainian Healthcare Professionals Shadow at Karolinska University Hospital
Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital and Region Stockholm have an ongoing collaboration with Ukraine's largest pediatric hospital, Okhmadyt in Kyiv, focused primarily on knowledge exchange. Earlier in the spring of 2024, three doctors and one nurse from Okhmadyt completed a fellowship at Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital. This autumn, four more colleagues spent over two months shadowing on the pediatric wards at Karolinska University Hospital.
“Pediatric healthcare in Ukraine is under tremendous pressure due to Russia’s war of aggression and repeated violations of international agreements designed to protect children in conflicts. Our close collaboration with Ukraine’s most advanced pediatric hospital, Okhmadyt, allows us to support the professional development our colleagues request and excel in what we do best: highly specialized pediatric care,” says Svante Norgren, Theme Manager of Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital.
He adds, “I am proud of how many employees at Karolinska are dedicated to supporting our colleagues, building long-term connections, and learning from one another. Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital has also become a better children’s hospital through this partnership.”
Here, you’ll meet two of the professionals who served at Karolinska during September and October: Inna, a pediatric surgeon in the pediatric emergency department, and Ihor, a pediatric surgeon in the neonatal ward.
Ihor Shulzhyk, Neonatal Surgeon
“I work as a pediatric surgeon in the neonatal surgery department at the National Children’s Hospital Okhmatdyt, located in Kyiv, Ukraine. Primarily, I perform surgeries for congenital gastrointestinal tract anomalies, as well as planned surgeries for older children. In addition, I serve as the deputy head of the hospital’s trade union committee.”
“The main part of my fellowship was spent in the pediatric surgery department. I also visited other departments such as ECMO ICU, the neonatology department, and the emergency department.”
How does it feel to come here as a part of this exchange program?
“Honestly, I was thrilled when I found out that my candidacy was chosen for this program. It was, in a way, a dream of mine to visit one of the world’s most renowned hospitals and learn from the best. However, I must say, this program exceeded all my expectations. I not only gained valuable experience and many useful ideas to implement in our hospital, but I also had the wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beautiful architecture and history of Stockholm and Sweden as a whole!”
What was the most interesting to learn more about?
“I gained a great deal of valuable knowledge and ideas throughout the fellowship, so it’s hard to highlight just one, but I’ll try to mention a few key things that stood out:”
“First, I was very impressed that high-quality medical care is free for children and almost free for adults in Sweden. Secondly, the salary levels among healthcare workers are sufficient for a comfortable life, even for junior nurses and medical interns. This allows them to fully focus on learning and constantly improving their skills. Third, I was impressed by the high level of hospital organization: each employee knows their responsibilities and performs them diligently. It’s like a large, well-oiled mechanism made up of thousands of parts working harmoniously. The hospital administration and parliament do everything possible to ensure that both doctors and patients feel protected and as comfortable as possible!”
What do you think of Sweden as a country? Were there any surprises?
“Sweden is a harmonious blend of grand history, stunning architecture, cutting-edge technology, and genuinely happy people. It not only attracts but makes you fall in love!”
“It’s well-known that Sweden has a wealth of wonderful museums. The Vasa Museum alone is impressive, but what surprised me most was the Army Museum in Stockholm. Here’s why: the first floor is dedicated to the historical ties between Sweden and Ukraine, which began in the early 11th century with the marriage of Yaroslav the Wise, Prince of Kyivan Rus, and Swedish princess Ingegerd. The museum also showcases one of the first constitutional documents in the world—the original 1710 Constitution of Pylyp Orlyk, a Ukrainian political figure. Additionally, there are numerous Viking artifacts linked to our ancestors, some even found on Ukrainian territory.”
“In the end, I felt a great sense of pride, realizing that the history of our relations with Sweden goes back over a thousand years!”
“I’m immensely grateful to the Swedish people for their sincere support and assistance during this challenging time for Ukraine. Their solidarity and aid have been a vital contribution to our fight for freedom and independence.”
Inna Shulzhyk, Pediatric Surgeon
“I am a pediatric surgeon. I work in the emergency department, and I also perform the duties of a boss from time to time. My responsibilities include consultation and examination of patients with surgical pathology, treatment and performance of surgical interventions, solving organizational issues.”
“During my internship at the Karolinska Clinic, I had the opportunity to visit the emergency department, the surgical department, the neonatology department and the maternity hospital, the infectious disease department, the gastroenterology department, the intensive care unit, including ECMO, a simulation center, and a psychological support center.”
How does it feel to come here as a part of this exchange program?
“I was very happy for the presented opportunity to get an internship within the framework of this program. My emotions knew no bounds. I was worried... but upon arriving in your country, I was pleasantly surprised by the friendliness and openness of the managers and colleagues. I received not only satisfaction from the received opportunity and a wonderful reception, but also received a lot of useful information and skills that I would very much like to implement in my work at our clinic.”
What was the most interesting thing to learn more about?
“I would like to note that the first thing that attracts attention is the organization of the work, it is at a very high level, and the equipment with all the necessary materials, tools, etc. It was very nice to meet the wonderful leaders and team. They are all very friendly, always happy to help and support at any time. Specialists in the clinic of the highest level. It was very useful and interesting to take part in consultations, examinations, treatment, and surgical interventions.”
What do you think about Sweden as a country? Were there any surprises?
“Sweden is a country that has reached a high level and does not stop there. The population is very friendly, kind, and strives to improve living and working conditions every day. It is very nice that people devote a lot of time to positive moments (family, recreation, sports). Very beautiful nature, which the population takes care of and protects. There were surprises almost every day. I am delighted that I had the opportunity to visit your country! And with pleasure, if possible, I will visit the beautiful country and the friends I made there more than once. “
Text: Josefine Franking.