In February, a team consisting of six medical specialists from U.S. Army Europe and Regional Health Command Europe embedded with a Canadian medical team organized by the Canadian-Ukrainian Foundation. The group partnered with Ukrainian Army Surgeons at the Kiev Military Hospital for a Surgical Master Class focusing on Facial Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery.
During the first two days of the class, the team examined wounded Ukrainian Soldiers in order to select appropriate cases for collaborative surgeries which took place Feb 27-March 3.
By the end of the second day of consultations, more than 80 patients were seen, and approximately 40 with complicated wounds were selected and scheduled for surgery.
Of the patients chosen, cases included patients who have recently sustained serious maxillofacial trauma from shrapnel and gunshot wounds as well as severe upper extremity trauma.
This event provided a unique opportunity for the U.S. Soldiers who participated.
Maj. Justin Miller, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center critical care nurse, who was part of the team, said "the first patient that made a lasting impression on me had a fractured jaw with hardware not attached to bone. This hardware was replaced and a full revision of his jaw completed. This surgery completely restructured his face. His wife cried when she saw him in post-op and his thanks alone made my week."
In addition to being able to help a number of Ukrainian Soldiers receive the medical care they needed, this event was also an opportunity to foster interoperability with allies and partners.
Lt. Col. Johnny Paul, Senior Physician Assistant, USAREUR Office of the Command Surgeon, said "it's about collaboration and working together with our allies and partners. As much as they are learning from us, we are also learning from them. Creating these relationships is critical to strengthening regional partnerships and enhancing global security."
This is the first time that members of the U.S. Army Medical Command have participated in this mission.
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