Azov Camp of Family Medicine for Interns2025: Learning and Connection Among Like-Minded Peers

The Azov Camp traditionally marks the start of a vibrant season of learning events organized by our project. It’s one of the most anticipated gatherings—for both participants and the team—and for good reason. This six-day experience is packed with learning, networking, discussions, informal fireside chats, scenic walks, and the beauty of the Ivano-Frankivsk region. And the program? As rich and diverse as ever. Let’s take a moment to revisit what made the Azov Camp of Family Medicine for Interns2025 so special.

This year’s camp began with a unique encounter—not just among students, interns, and young doctors participating in the Azov Camp, but also with participants of the Course on Administration, Management, and Systems Leadership organized by the Ukrainian Healthcare Center (UHC). The two groups came together for a four-hour networking session where they co-created a “dream hospital”—through the eyes of doctors, patients, and investors. The session was facilitated by UHC co-founder Matviy Khrenov.

That evening, participants gathered around the campfire for heartfelt conversations and laughter, guided by peer group facilitators Maryna Opalenko, Ilga Remizova, Kateryna Pochtar, and Anastasiia Hibescul.

Day two was packed with hands-on activities and insightful talks from leading experts.

• Fedir Lapiy led an interactive session on the role of vaccination in today’s media landscape, addressing misinformation and manipulation.
• Iryna Voloshyna shared rapid patient assessment tools for daily family practice.
• Mariia Kukushkina gave an overview of skin cancers and practical methods for early detection and referral by family physicians.
• Rural family doctor Vadym Vus closed the day with reflections on building meaningful, value-driven communities.

On the third day, Maryna Opalenko introduced participants to emerging trends in family medicine.

“At the WONCA Europe 2024 conference, I first learned about lifestyle medicine—and realized this knowledge must be shared. We’ve all heard the basics: move more, eat better, quit smoking, manage your weight. But knowing isn’t the same as doing. Lifestyle medicine equips us with tools that not only help change habits but can also affect the course of two-thirds of all chronic non-communicable diseases. That’s why it’s essential for us, as medical professionals,” — shared Maryna.

Yuliia Shuklina held a spontaneous workshop where participants practiced core soft skills for doctors through improvisation and play. Meanwhile, Oksana Lutska guided participants through the art of motivational interviewing.

On Tuesday, May 20, the day began with the usual morning exercise, followed by a much-needed session on bleeding control. Huge thanks to the Dobrobut Academy instructors for over three hours of hands-on, informative training!

After lunch, Anastasiia Khodan and Ihor Zastavnyi explored the theme of human dignity and led a training on effective communication. Rather than approaching dignity from a purely philosophical angle, they emphasized its social, historical, and legal dimensions in medical practice.

“What matters most,” said Khodan and Zastavnyi, “is not choosing what brings the greatest benefit—but what causes the least harm.”

The following day introduced everyone to the peer group format through a session facilitated by experienced group leaders. Participants also attended a training from the WHO’s mhGAP program led by Kateryna Pochtar, followed by a digital panel:

• Anna Nesterenko spoke about using AI tools wisely and effectively in family medicine,
• Trokhym Babych introduced the principles of personal cybersecurity and its role in collective safety. (If you haven’t yet—make sure your passwords are long and unique for each site!)

On the final day, before saying goodbye, participants joined two more trainings:

• Anastasiia Hibescul shared insights on breastfeeding support,
• Zoia Maksymova discussed the philosophy of palliative care.

Everyone then had a chance to reflect and share their experiences from the camp.

We’re deeply grateful to all our partners, speakers, and participants for these six inspiring days. The energy will last us a long time! Azov Camp is more than a training—it’s a powerful step toward building a strong, value-driven community of family doctors.

Partners of the Azov Camp: Ukrainian Healthcare Center (UHC), Dobrobut Academy, Academy of Family Medicine of Ukraine, and the Peer Group Facilitators’ Community.