麻豆传媒

As part of the , Dr. Oleksii Boduliev, an assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care at Poltava State Medical University, spent several weeks engaging with the University of New Haven community, visiting hospitals, and sharing insights from his work on the front lines of war.

鈥淚t has been a wonderful, enriching experience to host a BridgeUSA Ukrainian Scholar again this year,鈥� said Betsy Francis-Connolly, Ph.D., dean of the School of Health Sciences. 鈥淭he students and faculty have learned firsthand about the practice of emergency medicine in a war zone from the personal lived experiences of Dr. Boduliev.鈥�

During his time on campus, Dr. Boduliev gave guest lectures in several classes, met with students and faculty, and presented a public talk to the wider University community. He also attended the in Uncasville and visited several area hospitals. 鈥淚t truly was an honor to have Dr. Boduliev at the University,鈥� said Dr. Francis-Connolly.

For Dr. Boduliev, the opportunity to participate in the BridgeUSA program was an easy decision. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 a great opportunity to have a new educational experience, new clinical experience, and to create connections with U.S. educators and scientists,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here was no reason to hesitate on this opportunity.鈥�

Throughout his visit, Dr. Boduliev made a lasting impression on those he met, including Alvin Tran, Sc.D., MPH, chair and associate professor in the Department of Population Health and Leadership. 鈥淲hat stood out to me most from Dr. Boduliev鈥檚 visit was his genuine passion for learning and connecting with others,鈥� said Dr. Tran. 鈥淗e spoke with warmth and curiosity, truly interested in hearing from both faculty and students about our work and experiences.鈥�

Dr. Tran accompanied Dr. Boduliev on several visits across the state, including a trip to a virtual reality research lab in New Haven. 鈥淗e seemed to genuinely enjoy exploring the technology and asked very thoughtful questions about the behavioral-change interventions being developed, including those designed for healthcare providers,鈥� said Dr. Tran.

The two also shared meals and stories that deepened their understanding of one another. 鈥淚t was a deeply meaningful experience to hear his firsthand accounts,鈥� Dr. Tran said. 鈥淗e shared powerful, on-the-ground stories from his work as an anesthesiologist and trauma care expert in Ukraine鈥攎any of which were heartbreaking and sobering.鈥�

Despite the weight of his work, Dr. Boduliev鈥檚 optimism stood out. 鈥淚 was struck by how hopeful and positive he remains,鈥� said Dr. Tran. 鈥淗e is deeply committed to supporting others through his work.鈥�

In Ukraine, Dr. Boduliev divides his time between teaching and serving in a military field hospital near the front lines. 鈥淏efore the war, it wasn鈥檛 possible to gain large expertise in major trauma,鈥� he explained. 鈥淣ow, unfortunately, in all of Ukraine we have an outbreak of trauma, and that trauma is mostly penetrating wounds caused by explosions. It鈥檚 totally different from what we faced before.鈥�

Stepping away from that environment to focus on education has been meaningful for him. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a very good opportunity to switch activities,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a mental rest, not a physical one. When you care for your brothers-in-arms and citizens injured as a result of strikes, it鈥檚 difficult mentally. I鈥檓 free from those negative emotions while here.鈥�

Dr. Boduliev said he was particularly impressed by the simulations and hands-on learning experiences in the paramedicine program. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very useful for me because I saw the quality of the simulations,鈥� he said. 鈥淥ur medical university also has a paramedical program, and I hope I can take back and use this experience.鈥�

When asked what sustains him through the challenges of his work, Dr. Boduliev鈥檚 answer reflected both resilience and dedication. 鈥淧robably it鈥檚 a high level of motivation to help people in these conditions,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f I can鈥檛 do this, who will? Many people try to do what they can by serving in the army, by helping in civilian life, and by supporting the armed forces. This is my way.鈥�

The conversations he sparked across campus provided students and faculty with a profound sense of global connection. 鈥淢y public health graduate students were deeply engaged and learned a great deal from his insights,鈥� said Dr. Tran. 鈥淭hey gained a real understanding of the realities of providing care in crisis situations and the resilience required of healthcare professionals.鈥�