National Forum with International Participation “Women in Medicine: The Voice of Change”
On September 27, 2025, Lviv will host the National Forum “Women in Medicine: The Voice of Change” — a landmark event that brings together Ukrainian and international experts to elevate and empower women’s leadership in healthcare.
This high-level event is part of a joint initiative by the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance (GMKA), UA-MED, the University of Toronto, and Razom.
Forum Purpose
To become a powerful voice for change in healthcare by uniting women in medicine and advancing their professional growth. The forum is designed to foster leadership, shared learning, and cross-border collaboration that will strengthen the role of women in reshaping Ukraine’s healthcare system.
Medicine in Ukraine is ‘she’ — and women’s voices must be heard loud and clear at the decision-making table.
Why It Matters Now
In the wake of ongoing war, population displacement, and systemic strain, Ukraine’s healthcare system faces unprecedented challenges. Strengthening women's leadership is not only a matter of justice — it’s a strategic imperative. Women make up the majority of the healthcare workforce, yet remain underrepresented in leadership roles. By empowering them, we unlock new pathways to rebuild healthcare that is equitable, inclusive, and better equipped to serve all communities under pressure.
Who Should Attend?
- Medical professionals
- Public health experts
- Opinion leaders
- Researchers
- Representatives of business, government, and civil society
Why Attend?
Participants will gain the knowledge and tools to:
- Build intellectual capital through professional development and collaborative research
- Advance their careers with confidence and clarity in 2025 and beyond
- Use storytelling to strengthen professional identity and influence
- Advocate for women’s health with evidence-based approaches
- Drive community engagement and support local healthcare innovation
- Lead with resilience and make effective decisions in times of crisis and uncertainty
The program also includes specialized sessions for nurses, as leaders and frontline agents of change in healthcare.
Program Overview
Keynotes & Panel Discussions
- Career Opportunities for Women in Medicine in 2025
- Storytelling and Professional Positioning
- Women’s Health: Priorities and Progress
- Nursing Leadership
- The Voice of the Community: How Physicians Shape Local Healthcare
- Leadership in Crisis: Decision-Making in Uncertainty
Sessions & Workshops
- Professional. Confident. Influential: How Nurses Become Agents of Change
- Standards of Care in Women’s Health: Screening, Reproductive Medicine, Vaccination
- Building Intellectual Capital Through Research and Development
Featured Speakers
- Dr. Ulana Suprun — Former Acting Minister of Health of Ukraine; Public Health Advocate; Editor-in-Chief, ARC.UA
- Inna Sovsun — Member of Parliament, Ukraine; Senior Lecturer, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy
- Dr. Michelle Hladunewich — Chair of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Professor, University of Toronto
- Dr. Nelya Melnitchouk – Founder of GMKA; Assistant Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School
Participating Faculty Representing
- University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine
- Harvard Medical School
- Yale School of Medicine
- Stanford School of Medicine
- University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine
- Ministry of Health of Ukraine
- National Health Service of Ukraine
By advancing women’s leadership in medicine, we are transforming the entire healthcare system. By breaking down gender bias, ensuring equitable access to decision-making, and fostering safe, inclusive workplaces, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more responsive healthcare system. One that draws equally on the expertise, experience, and leadership of both women and men — to improve the quality, equity, and safety of care for every patient, especially in times of crisis and recovery.
Join us in Lviv — or online
The Forum will be held in person in Lviv, with live streaming available for remote participants. Be part of a landmark event bringing together Ukrainian and international experts to elevate and empower women’s leadership in healthcare.
Forum participation (online or in person): $100
Participation in two forums — “Women in Medicine: The Voice of Change” and “Quality & Safety in Healthcare”: $180
If you choose the online option, we’ll provide access instructions before the event.
Can’t attend? You can still make a difference. Your payment will be considered a charitable contribution to the GMKA initiative, helping to cover the cost for Ukrainian nurses attending the Forum at a discounted rate.