Transformative Journey: A Ukrainian Oncologist's Inspiring Experience in the USA
“Until I flew here, I couldn’t believe that this was a reality,” reflects Dr. Lesya Mytsak on her transformative internship in the United States.
In the heart of Ivano-Frankivsk, armed with Cobalt 60 and AGAT VU, not the most modern medical equipment, Dr. Mytsak tirelessly dedicates herself to saving lives in the Radiation Therapy Department of the Carpathian Clinical Oncology Center. Her passion for medicine and relentless pursuit of knowledge have made her a true connoisseur of medical science.
The challenges amplified during the full-scale Russian invasion led to an influx of patients and evacuating doctors at Dr. Mytsak’s hospital. However, this adversity became a catalyst for professional growth. “They shared invaluable information about educational resources, helping me systematize my knowledge of modern radiation therapy and delve into new research,” recalls Dr. Mytsak.
Driven by her passion and a relentless quest for opportunities, Dr. Mytsak seized the chance to undergo an internship at the renowned University of California Irvine Cancer Center, one of the best oncology centers in the USA.
Currently completing her internship, Dr. Mytsak shares her impressions of American medicine and her future plans.
Uncovering Opportunities
“One day, scrolling through my Facebook feed, I came across a post from the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance about an internship competition in the US. Even after receiving the acceptance letter, I couldn’t believe it.”
A Dream Realized
“Only after flying to the United States of America did I fully understand the situation.”
Grand Beginning: ASTRO Annual Meeting 2023
My internship commenced with the ASTRO Annual Meeting 2023 in San Diego, a dream for every radiation therapist. The possibilities of modern radiation therapy unfolded before me, and interactions with global luminaries in the field were awe-inspiring. Nataliya Kovalchuk’s leadership at the radiation therapy section moved everyone, culminating in a standing ovation with tears in the eyes of those present.
Direct Internship at UC Irvine Cancer Center
“Training under Dr. Allen M. Chen at the University of California Irvine Cancer Center was a revelation. Coordinated patient management, meticulous procedural mechanisms, and the teamwork — all left an indelible mark on me.”
Impactful Skills and Future Plans
“I acquired skills with the MIM contouring program, Eclipse, and the Epic system. Planning cases in various oncological areas, CT simulation, and brachytherapy became second nature. The experience with Truebeam I Trilogy linear accelerators and dosimeters optimization was invaluable.”
Igniting Change
“A month felt like a lot, but as the last week approached, I realized this was just the beginning. My return to Ukraine holds the promise of implementing newfound knowledge, contributing to the transition from cobalt machines to linear accelerators, and improving patient management approaches.”
“I aspire to ignite the love for modern radiation therapy in my colleagues, transferring the experience gained in the USA to elevate our medical care standards and fight for our common victory against cancer.”
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