PPTU a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to standing with Ukraine. Led by Dr. Vitaliy Poylin and Natasha Poylin, the organization began with an urgent push to deliver humanitarian and medical aid to frontline communities. But as the war evolved, so did PPTU’s mission; shifting from crisis response to a long-term commitment: strengthening Ukraine’s medical infrastructure and empowering its healthcare professionals through education. Dr. Poylin, originally from Kyiv is now a leading, US based surgeon who leveraged his deep relationships within Ukraine’s medical community to build trust and collaboration across borders. Ukrainian hospitals responded with openness, welcoming partnerships that could help raise standards of care and introduce new surgical techniques. The shared commitment between teams on both sides has been a defining strength of this work.
Driving Evidence-Based Change
Research has played a key role in the relationship. US and Ukrainian teams have collected data on clinical outcomes and practice adoption, with findings presented at major US conferences. These collaborative studies have not only improved local practices but also contributed to the global surgical community.
Changing Culture Through Prevention
Addressing systemic gaps has been a top priority. Infection control, often overlooked due to resource constraints, has been a focus of hands-on workshops. These workshops are tackling long-standing practices, equipping Ukrainian hospitals with actionable evidence-based knowledge. Another critical area is stoma care, which carries cultural stigma in Ukraine. By reframing the clinical and quality-of-life benefits, the team is helping to make this life-saving intervention more acceptable and better managed.
Upgrading Tools to Match the Task
PPTU has made it a priority to upgrade surgical tools and improve sterilization, particularly in trauma care. The organization has also supplied remote guidance technology, allowing US-based surgeons to assist Ukrainian colleagues in real time. This setup provides immediate access to expert input, even during complex operations.
Education that Transforms
In partnership with Northwestern Medicine, PPTU has launched an observership focused on oncology. Ukrainian physicians spend three intensive weeks learning advanced cancer care alongside leading experts in Chicago; offering them first-hand exposure to advanced oncology care. These immersive programs are more than just training—they help Ukrainian doctors bring back practical knowledge and lasting professional ties.
In Ukraine, US surgical teams regularly conduct masterclasses that combine lectures with live surgeries. These events introduce the latest oncological techniques while reinforcing collaboration and education that has been in traduced in the US with physician observers. Together, We Move Forward What started as an emergency response has grown into a long-term alliance built on respect, learning, and shared goals. Ukrainian healthcare workers have shown resilience and openness to change, while US physicians have offered their time, knowledge, and resources to support them. Every procedure performed, every skill shared, and every patient helped reflects the strength of this
ongoing partnership.