Top Participant of GMKA’s 'Principles of Surgery' Course Completed Observership at Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Dr. Markiian Nozdrin, an oncologic surgeon at the First Medical Union of Lviv, completed a clinical observership at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston — a globally recognized academic medical center affiliated with Harvard Medical School. This opportunity was awarded following his exceptional performance during the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance’s (GMKA) online course ‘Principles of Surgery’, where he was named top participant in 2024.  

The observership program, organized by GMKA in partnership with the Heal Ukraine Group, allowed Dr. Nozdrin to gain firsthand clinical experience from some of the world’s leading surgeons.

“What interested me most during this observership wasn’t just acquiring the latest surgical skills and techniques, but learning how effective teamwork is built,” said Dr. Nozdrin. “I could have focused only on observing operations and mastering technical details. Instead, I immersed myself in all aspects of surgical care — the small and big things that collectively improve patient outcomes and speed up recovery.”

He emphasized that successful surgical outcomes depend not only on individual skill, but also on seamless collaboration. “What stood out to me at Brigham and Women’s Hospital was the well-coordinated communication — among doctors, residents, interns, and nurses. From pre-op planning to intraoperative teamwork, everyone understands their role and each other. It’s a system built on clarity and mutual respect.”

As part of the observership, Dr. Nozdrin participated in weekly Grand Rounds and Morbidity and Mortality conferences — an integral element of American medical education. These multidisciplinary forums bring together physicians and trainees to review complex cases, share insights, and learn from both successes and challenges.

“Morbidity and Mortality conferences aren’t about pointing out mistakes. They’re about learning from one another, staying current, and continuously improving. In the U.S., they’re routine — as essential as conferences or skills labs for refining techniques,” he explained.

Even after returning to Ukraine, Dr. Nozdrin continues to attend Grand Rounds virtually. Many sessions are available on Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s YouTube channel and are announced on Platform X using the hashtag #GrandRounds.

“During my observership, I picked up practical techniques that I’ve already applied in my own operating room,” he said. 

Dr. Nozdrin encourages other Ukrainian attending physicians and interns considering an observership not to hesitate. “It’s an incredibly valuable experience. Beyond learning specific techniques, you build long-term professional connections. Don’t be afraid to ask questions — American physicians are very open to sharing knowledge. If you make a strong impression, that relationship can continue well beyond your time in the U.S. Even now, I can reach out to BWH colleagues for a second or third opinion.”

This program exemplifies GMKA’s mission: to expand medical knowledge and support Ukrainian healthcare professionals during a time of war. By equipping physicians with international experience and connections, GMKA and its partners are helping to strengthen the future of Ukrainian medicine.