Martin Raab’s Visit to Ukraine: Key Meetings and New Connections

In early May, Martin Raab, Team Leader of the Ukrainian-Swiss project “Medical Education Development”, visited Ukraine on a working trip. His programme was filled with events and meetings. Over several days, Martin took part in the Azov School of Family Medicine 2024, signed a memorandum with the Academy of Family Medicine of Ukraine, participated in a student conference, and visited several of the Project’s pilot institutions.

Azov School of Family Medicine and Renewal of the Memorandum with AFMU

Martin’s visit began with the Azov School of Family Medicine, held from 10 to 12 May in the suburbs of Lviv. He engaged with the medical community, presented the ABC of Clinical Skills guidebook and the Table of Primary Care Provider Skills, shared the background story of the guidebook’s creation, and highlighted its importance for strengthening the competencies of family doctors.

Later that day, on behalf of the Project team, Martin renewed the memorandum of cooperation with the Academy of Family Medicine of Ukraine. The memorandum was signed by members of the AFMU Board, with the support of AFMU head Orest Kulenych. This renewal marks not just a formal agreement, but a long-term partnership focused on developing educational products and joint projects that aim to improve the healthcare system and enhance the accessibility and quality of primary care in Ukraine.

The memorandum outlines shared goals, including:

• reforming and improving the healthcare system and increasing access to high-quality primary care in Ukraine
• developing an effective system of continuous professional development for primary healthcare providers
• organizing joint educational events

Together with AFMU, we have already implemented several educational initiatives: the Azov School of Family Medicine and Azov Camp of Family Medicine for interns, training courses for nurses, co-authorship of the ABC of Clinical Skills and the General Practice – Family Medicine guidebook, among many other efforts.

More initiatives lie ahead—and we’re always glad to collaborate with committed professionals who’ve been helping shape the field of family medicine in Ukraine for many years and who share our values.

International Student Scientific and Practical Conference

While in Lviv, Martin Raab also took part in the opening of the International Student Scientific and Practical Conference “Theoretical and Applied Aspects of Fundamental Medical and Biological Sciences”, hosted by the Lviv Medical Academy named after Andrey Krupynskyi in partnership with the Project.

“The idea for the conference was born during discussions at Martin’s previous visit. Thanks to the proactivity and enthusiasm of both students and the leadership of our pilot institution, we supported and co-hosted this kind of event for the first time,” said Olena Ihnashchuk, Medical Education Coordinator.

Nursing students shared their research experiences, and the programme also included sessions for the broader medical and nursing education community. A special roundtable was dedicated to family medicine—particularly its place in nursing education. The discussion brought together primary care nurses, Academy students, and members of our Project team: Martin Raab, Tetiana Chernysh, Olena Ihnashchuk, and Tetiana Pavliuk.

Kolomyia City Primary Health Care Centre

Together with Tetiana Chernysh and Olena Ihnashchuk, Martin visited the Kolomyia City Primary Health Care Centre. He met with the institution’s head, Mariia Burtyk, and family doctor Nazar Kozovyi. They discussed the current state of family medicine in Ukraine and explored ways to improve services for Kolomyia residents.

The visit to Kolomyia held symbolic meaning for Martin, as it was his first time there in 20 years. As he noted, both the city’s architecture and its healthcare system have significantly changed — a welcome transformation.

Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University

Martin’s visit concluded at Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, where he met with the new leadership, faculty of the Department of Family Medicine, students, and medical interns. Together, they discussed key focus areas, shared ideas and needs, and outlined plans for future collaboration.

The university team also presented their vision for a future simulation centre, where students will be able to practise clinical skills. The visit included a tour of training centres already operating within university departments.

“Thank you for the warm welcome and productive meetings at the medical university in Ivano-Frankivsk. We exchanged valuable ideas on how to further develop medical education and strengthen primary care services,” said Martin Raab.

We look forward to Martin’s next visit to Ukraine!