Medical Center's Residency Program: A Testament of Ukrainian Resilience
New Resident Physician Ulyana Khaba Adapts to Life in the United States
Ulyana Khaba, a first-year resident in the Internal Medicine Residency Program at the University of Rochester, has had a unique journey to her current position. Originating from Lviv, Ukraine, Khaba pursued her medical education at Danlo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University. She is now part of the Class of 2026 in the United States.
Khaba's relocation to the US may be connected to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, although specific details about her personal journey related to war-driven relocation or career steps before joining the US residency program are not available. What is known is that she has brought over 10 years of real-world attending level cardiology experience to the residency program.
Khaba's family, including her husband, Taras, and their two sons, ages nine and 13, are also in the United States. Her sons traveled to Wisconsin before the Russian attacks on Ukraine. Tragically, Khaba's plans to take a three-week vacation in February 2022 fell apart due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Internal Medicine Residency Program at the University of Rochester has been fortunate to welcome Khaba. Program leaders have been impressed by her sincerity, resilience, and positivity despite the hardships she and her family have faced. Khaba's extensive clinical background and personal situation were compelling factors in her match with the residency program.
Khaba has connected with the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America (UMANA) for medical and humanitarian aid. She is actively engaged in sending aid back home to Ukraine. The University of Rochester has put together a list of resources to help the people of Ukraine.
Khaba's story is a shining example of why diversity and inclusion are important to medical education. She is not just a resident physician; she is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the human spirit.
Meanwhile, medical education leaders at the University of Rochester, including Ruth O'Regan, MD (the chair of Medicine), Brett Robbins, MD, and Amy Blatt, MD, have been involved in understanding Khaba's circumstances. Interestingly, Khaba's sister, Nataliya Uboha, is an oncologist at the University of Wisconsin (UW).
The 2023-2024 incoming class of the combined Internal Medicine and Medicine/Pediatrics residency programs includes students from nine countries, 22 US states, and 31 medical schools. Khaba's inclusion in this diverse group further emphasises the value of a multicultural learning environment in medical education.
As Khaba settles into her new life in the United States, she prefers not to plan more than a week in advance. Despite the uncertainties, she remains optimistic about her future and the impact she can make in the field of medicine.
- Ulyana Khaba, now part of the Class of 2026, brought over 10 years of cardiology experience from Ukraine to her medical education in the United States.
- Khaba's family, including her husband and two sons, have also relocated to the United States, with her sons traveling to Wisconsin before the Russian attacks on Ukraine.
- In addition to her medical work, Khaba has connected with the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America for medical and humanitarian aid, seeking to send aid back to her home country.
- Medical education leaders at the University of Rochester, including Ruth O'Regan, MD, Brett Robbins, MD, and Amy Blatt, MD, have been involved in understanding Khaba's circumstances, with Khaba's sister being an oncologist at the University of Wisconsin.
- The 2023-2024 incoming class of the combined Internal Medicine and Medicine/Pediatrics residency programs includes students from various backgrounds, such as different countries, states, and medical schools, further emphasizing the value of a multicultural learning environment in medical education.
- Khaba's story serves as a testament to the importance of diversity and inclusion in medical education, showcasing resilience, adaptability, and the human spirit in her journey to the United States.
