United for Progress: Highlights from the First National Forum "Women in Medicine: Professional Growth and Leadership"
On November 15–16, 2024, Lviv hosted the First National Forum “Women in Medicine: Professional Growth and Leadership”. The event brought together over 300 participants and 42 distinguished speakers, creating a proactive community committed to advancing personal and professional development, transforming Ukraine’s healthcare system, and fostering a resilient civil society.
This milestone event, organized by the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance (GMKA) in collaboration with the non-profit Ukrainian-American human rights organization Razom for Ukraine, provided a dynamic platform to promote women’s leadership in medicine.
The forum offered opportunities for networking, encouraged knowledge exchange, and hosted meaningful discussions on critical social issues. Key topics included reforms in medical education and healthcare, fostering professional growth among healthcare providers, and examining how modern technology is transforming medical practice and improving patient care.
“his forum is a significant step forward for the entire medical field. I am thrilled with the lineup of speakers we brought together on one stage and the diverse topics we covered. I am especially proud of every participant in the poster session — their ideas were truly outstanding. We talked extensively about building a proactive community, and without a doubt, we succeeded,” said Dr. Nelya Melnitchouk, Founder of GMKA and Assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School (Boston, USA).
Ukrainian and international experts from diverse fields — including healthcare, education, public administration, patient advocacy, civil society, business, and academia — shared their expertise and insights. Key speakers involved:
- Dr. Ulana Suprun, Former Acting Minister of Health of Ukraine (2016–2019);
- Inna Sovsun, Member of Parliament;
- Pavlo Kovtoniuk, Co-founder of the Ukrainian Healthcare Center (UHC);
- Dr. Mariia Kukushkina, oncologic surgeon and oncodermatologist;
- Vasyl Strilka, Director of the Department of High-Tech Medical Care and Innovations at the Ministry of Health of Ukraine;
- Evelina Kurilets, Executive Director of Razom for Ukraine Foundation;
- Matviy Khrenov, Co-founder of the Ukrainian Healthcare Centre (UHC);
- Kseniia Vosnitsyna, Founder and director of the Lisova Polyana Centre for Mental Health and Rehabilitation Centre.
“I am genuinely delighted that our forum was such a success. Change is driven by communities, and I believe that over these two days, we have built a strong, dynamic, and most importantly, supportive community. I am confident in the feasibility of the changes we will achieve together,” said Anna Malovanna, oncologic surgeon and Project Lead for “GMKA: Women in Medicine.”
Career Building in Medicine
The “GMKA: Women in Medicine” initiative is committed to creating an inclusive professional environment where all healthcare professionals can build careers based on merit, free from bias or structural barriers. The forum featured discussions on advancing equitable access to leadership roles, improving workplace culture, and fostering supportive systems that promote career growth and professional excellence across the healthcare sector.
“It is crucial for women to come together, and the GMKA forum serves as a significant and empowering platform for uniting women in medicine,” remarked Dr. Ulana Suprun during the discussion “Misogyny: Experiences in Leadership.”
“If you encounter bias, speak out about it — problems cannot be resolved if they remain unspoken. Equally important is the need to grow and develop, as each of us has the potential to be a woman, a doctor, a patriot, and to find happiness,” she emphasized.
Healthcare and Medical Education Reforms
Reforms in medical education and healthcare took center stage in discussions featuring experts such as Inna Sovsun, Pavlo Kovtonyuk, Vasyl Strilka, Oksana Dmytriyeva, and Tetiana Chernysh. Participants addressed key challenges, including bureaucratic obstacles, resistance to change across different system levels, and strategies to overcome these barriers.
“The healthcare system faces complex challenges, and it is essential to involve those who are genuinely committed to improving it—for both their work and their patients. Without reforming this system, we cannot succeed as a nation. That is why I am thrilled to see events like this forum. It represents a collective effort to initiate conversations and build a supportive community,” said Inna Sovsun.
“Remember, you are part of the group responsible for driving change. These changes won’t happen unless each of you starts advocating for what is within your power to achieve. I want you to recognize and embrace this responsibility. Now, in the 11th year of the war, as Ukraine works to assert its strength and viability as a state, this mission is more crucial than ever,” she added.
Professional and Personal Growth
Another major focus of the forum was professional growth, particularly in leadership and management skills. Speakers shared advice on project implementation, building partnerships, networking, mentorship, and developing public and crisis communication skills.
Given the increasing mental health challenges and professional burnout faced by medical professionals during wartime in Ukraine, experts offered valuable insights on maintaining emotional resilience and psychological well-being.
Women Medics on the Frontlines
The role of women in military medicine, their work on the frontlines, and their volunteerism during armed conflict were central themes of the discussion.
“Currently, women’s mobilization is voluntary, and I believe women must choose between adopting a stance—such as in sports or the arts—or taking a position. A position is more challenging; it demands fighting for and defending what we stand for. No matter the structure we belong to, there will always be fewer of us who are seen as ‘inconvenient’ or ‘challenging.’ However, a principled position, backed by knowledge and skills, is our most powerful weapon. If we unite, we can amplify its impact, transforming quantity into quality,” said Nataliia Babii, a thoracic surgeon serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
International Collaboration
The forum welcomed participants from around the globe, including representatives from the United States, both in-person and online. Among them was Dr. Jacki Hart, a founding member of the Heal Ukraine Group, a consortium of Boston-based physicians organizing and supporting training for Ukrainian clinicians. Jacki specializes in addressing medical and behavioral health issues to reduce health disparities for vulnerable populations. She participated in the dialogue “Integrational Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care” alongside psychiatrist Sofiya Hrechukh.
Another prominent participant was Dr. Andrey Zinchuk, a pulmonary, critical care, and sleep physician and Assistant Professor at Yale-PCCSM. Dr. Zinchuk is also a co-founder of Doctors United for Ukraine, a non-profit organization focused on critical care, and mental and women’s health of vulnerable populations in Ukraine. At the forum, he discussed pathways for international research partnerships and funding opportunities.
The participation of international organizations and independent advocates highlighted the global significance of improving healthcare in Ukraine. This forum served to strengthen international cooperation—a vital factor in advancing Ukrainian medicine amidst the ongoing challenges.
Women’s Leadership in Medicine
The “Women in Medicine: Professional Growth and Leadership” forum brought together a dynamic community poised to drive professional development in healthcare, cultivate a new generation of leaders, and foster systemic improvements in the medical field.
“We encourage proactive women and men to engage in medicine, self-governance, and political life because progress is only possible through collective effort,” said Inesa Huivaniuk, oncologic surgeon and Executive Director of GMKA Ukraine.
“This forum is just the beginning. I warmly invite you to join GMKA and our progressive medical community in Ukraine, regardless of gender, profession, or experience level. Strive to excel in your work, seek excellence daily, and never stop growing and learning. This is how we will move forward together,” she added.
During the event, Inesa Huivaniuk was honored with the Annual Award in Memory of Victoria Amelina, in recognition of her dedication to human dignity, and contributions to healthcare reform.
A Step Toward the Future
The “Women in Medicine: Professional Growth and Leadership” forum marks a significant milestone in GMKA’s mission to build a community committed to transforming healthcare, fostering innovation, and expanding professional development opportunities.
Together, we are shaping a future where dignity, and professionalism are at the core of the healthcare system. Join our initiatives — this is only the beginning, and many impactful changes lie ahead!
The National Forum was organized by GMKA in collaboration with RAZOM, a Ukrainian-American foundation that supports frontline medics and first responders, strengthens Ukraine’s healthcare system, and amplifies Ukrainian voices through education, volunteerism, and the arts.
The forum was made possible with the support of key partners, including BeiGene, the Tokarev Foundation, the Carbone Cancer Center, MedGlobal, Harvard University, Heal Ukraine Group, Sushko Foundation, and others.
The forum was made possible with the support of key partners, including BeiGene, the Tokarev Foundation, the Carbone Cancer Center, MedGlobal, Harvard University, Heal Ukraine Group, Sushko Foundation, and others.
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