Ukrainian Medical Delegation Visits Karolinska University Hospital to Share Best Practices
As part of Sweden’s ongoing support for Ukraine, Karolinska University Hospital recently welcomed a delegation of Ukrainian medical professionals. This visit, made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with several Ukrainian hospitals, including Kryvyi Rih City Clinical Hospital No. 2, focused on fostering professional exchange and advancing clinical care practices.
The delegation, which included an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, audiologist, anesthesiologist, neurosurgeon, and Medical Dicrector, spent time observing and engaging with Karolinska's medical teams. The visit offered an opportunity to exchange best practices in healthcare, providing valuable insights into Sweden’s healthcare approach and the pivotal role of life sciences in elevating patient care.
Members of the Ukrainian delegation reflected on their recent internship at Karolinska University Hospital, highlighting the valuable insights gained and the high level of professionalism they experienced.
“Our two-week internship left a profound impression on us,” they noted. “The program was intensive and very valuable, thanks to the clinic’s team, whose dedication and professionalism were inspiring. Everyone understands their unique contribution, working together seamlessly as part of a unified system.”
They were particularly moved by the compassion and solidarity shown by the Karolinska team throughout their stay.
"One of the most striking aspects of our experience was the warm and supportive attitude extended to us as Ukrainians," they shared. "The empathy and genuine desire to help created an atmosphere of warmth and solidarity, which was especially meaningful in today’s challenging global context."
Advanced facilities and high-quality technical equipment stood out and were highlighted by our visiting colleagues, who viewed Karolinska University Hospital as an example of the healthcare environment they aim to establish in their own country.
“The clinic’s technical equipment is truly world-class, and we hope to work in such peaceful and comfortable environments ourselves in the near future. This experience has set a new benchmark for us, and we are inspired by the practices and culture at Karolinska,” they shared.
Building Bridges
Head of the ENT Medical Unit, Anna-Maria Svensson, expressed gratitude and pride in hosting such a diverse group of specialists from Ukraine, emphasizing the collaboration that made the internship a success.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to host this internship and welcome such a talented group,” Svensson noted. “The collaboration we received from other departments was impressive, with colleagues across disciplines generously opening their doors for observation, enabling a truly enriching exchange.”
She adds, “It feels incredibly important to establish and conduct internships like this one between our countries. While we can have digital meetings, the clinical and personal interactions provide so much more value.”
Strengthening Support through Collaboration
Through these MoUs, Karolinska aims to strengthen collaborative ties by facilitating the exchange of expertise and training. Several Ukrainian fellows are currently training with Karolinska’s ENT department, reinforcing the commitment to ongoing knowledge transfer and capacity building in both countries’ healthcare systems. This program seeks not only to strengthen Sweden's support for Ukraine but also to show the people of Ukraine that they are not alone during these challenging times.
This visit was supported by Swecare, a Swedish organization committed to fostering international healthcare collaboration, demonstrating the power of partnerships in advancing global health.
Photos: Ukraine Team and Anna-Maria Svensson.