Today, we would like to introduce three healthcare professionals whose stories reflect the many faces of modern Ukrainian medicine. While their paths are different, they are united by one shared value — putting people first.

Viktor Yuzepchuk: More Than Three Decades of Service to Medicine and People

For more than 30 years, pediatric orthopedic trauma surgeon Viktor Yuzepchuk has worked at the Rivne Regional Children's Hospital. During this time, he has helped thousands of children regain their health and mobility, earning the trust of several generations of families.

Alongside his clinical work, he also leads the hospital’s trade union, supporting healthcare workers and advocating for their rights.

Following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Dr. Yuzepchuk joined the Pirogov First Volunteer Mobile Hospital. He first served during the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO), and after the full-scale invasion in 2022, he once again volunteered to provide medical care for wounded civilians and military personnel.

For his dedication, he has received the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Badge «For Saving Lives» and became a laureate of the regional Order of Saint Panteleimon award.

When asked about the most memorable patient he has treated, Dr. Yuzepchuk says it is impossible to single out just one.

«If you know your own story, no one can knock you off your path»

Iryna Shkabarnia: Leading Change While Living Through War

Family physician Iryna Shkabarnia, Director of the «Family Doctor» Primary Healthcare Centre, has spent more than twenty years strengthening healthcare services in rural communities across Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Even before the full-scale invasion, her leadership helped modernize ten outpatient clinics by improving accessibility, renovating facilities, and creating better conditions for both patients and healthcare professionals.

In 2022, her team faced an entirely new challenge: integrating the community’s healthcare facilities into a unified system during wartime. Despite staff shortages, displacement of healthcare workers, and constant security threats, every structural unit continued operating without interruption.

Over recent years, the healthcare network has renovated medical facilities, upgraded equipment, implemented international projects, and opened a modern diagnostic centre. Today, the institution serves more than 22,000 registered patients, despite the community itself having a population of around 15,000 — a strong reflection of the trust it has earned.

Her story became deeply personal when she herself was diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to early detection, treatment began promptly. Following surgery and therapy, she returned to work and began openly advocating for preventive health screenings and early diagnosis.

«I truly believe that real healthcare begins with people. My greatest achievement is my team»

Every Story Deserves to Be Heard

These are only three stories among many shared with us by our partners. Behind each one are years of education, relentless dedication, responsibility, difficult decisions, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.

At ZDOROVI, we believe that Ukrainian healthcare professionals deserve recognition not only on their professional holiday. That is why we will continue sharing the stories of the people whose knowledge, resilience, and compassion are strengthening Ukraine’s healthcare system and improving the lives of thousands of patients across the country.

Happy Medical Workers’ Day!

We extend our deepest gratitude to every healthcare professional who treats, supports, teaches, leads, and makes difficult decisions every single day. Thank you for the years of study, countless sleepless shifts, unwavering commitment, and the thousands of lives you have helped save. Your work makes Ukraine stronger every day.