Rich program of cooperation between Polish and Ukrainian ophthalmologists

The Society of Ophthalmic Surgeons of Poland (SCOP) is starting cooperation with the Vinnitsa Ophthalmic Training Center “VOTC UP,” led by Prof. Natalia Malachkova, a prominent specialist in plastic surgery, oculoplastics and cataract surgery. Young ophthalmologists from Ukraine will gain knowledge and improve their skills at the Department of Clinical Anatomy and the Department of General Ophthalmology at the Medical University of Lublin, led by Prof. Robert Rejdak, vice-rector of the university and president of SCOP.

An agreement has already been signed between the partners undertaking cooperation?

We are finalizing the final formalities before the conclusion of an agreement between the Association of Ophthalmic Surgeons of Poland and the Vinnitsa Ophthalmic Training Center “VOTC UP.” The center, headed by Prof. Natalia Malachkova, a prominent specialist in plastic surgery, oculoplastics and cataract surgery, conducts educational and training programs for doctors and medical students. This fits in perfectly with the activities of Lublin’s training organizations, which for many years have been conducting specialized workshops and courses for ophthalmologists from many countries, including doctors from Ukraine. With the ever-increasing demand for these training courses, we will further expand the scope of our activities with initiatives conducted jointly with Prof. Natalia Malachkova, who is also an esteemed lecturer at the European School for Advanced Studies in Ophthalmology (ESASO) in Lugano, Switzerland. This is an international education center for ophthalmology specialists.

Prof. Robert Rejdak has also been teaching practical knowledge of the latest technologies used in eye surgery at ESASO for many years. This professional contact influenced your professor to start a partnership between “VOTC UP” and the Association of Ophthalmic Surgeons of Poland?

I’m honored that we will now combine our professional experience with technology, providing training for Ukrainian ophthalmologists online as well. This is a great initiative. Prof. Robert Rejdak is one of the most respected specialists in eye surgery not only in Europe, but also in the world, so benefiting from his knowledge will be extremely valuable for our community. We want to learn from the best, and our cooperation with the president of SCOP and the head of the Department of General Ophthalmology in Lublin guarantees us this. I am already an honorary member of the Association of Polish Ophthalmic Surgeons, and I know how significant a role SCOP plays in organizing conferences, workshops and other events that foster the exchange of knowledge and professional development. Thanks to the cooperation with the Vinnitsa Ophthalmic Training Center “VOTC UP”, young ophthalmologists will have the opportunity to continuously acquire new knowledge. They will be able to study both online and visit the university’s General Ophthalmology Clinic in Lublin and learn from the experience of Mr. Professor, who promotes all novelties, advanced technologies and methods in the treatment of ophthalmic pathologies. The surgical school under his leadership is developing ophthalmology, and Ukrainian doctors will be able to learn new things, as well as share their experience with colleagues from Poland. Only by collecting the best from all corners of the world can new things be mastered and boldly implemented. Our cooperation is not only professional contacts, but also a history of friendship between people and countries, and this always brings the best results.

What else does the partnership project entail?

The project will develop not only practical and professional potential, but also scientific cooperation with SCOP and the Medical University of Lublin. In addition to online courses for novice surgeons, the plans for our joint activities will include lectures discussing current issues in ophthalmology, offline practical courses at the Medical University’s training center, as well as internship opportunities at the Department of General Ophthalmology under the direction of Prof. R. Rejdak. We also anticipate holding related conferences and training courses, organized by both partners.

Professor, do advances in ophthalmology require continuous learning for the surgeon?

Methods of ophthalmic diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases are constantly improving. More and more innovative solutions are emerging, and only following these advances improves the quality of patient care. By sharing our experience, we inspire the next generation of ophthalmic surgeons. We encourage them not only to participate in specialized workshops and training courses, but also to do research together. At the Academy of Clinical Anatomy at Lublin Medical University, we place great emphasis on acquiring the practical skills necessary for a surgeon’s work, as well as on research in ophthalmology and clinical applications. Doctors have the opportunity to practice various surgical techniques and procedures on a special virtual simulation. This is supervised by Prof. Kamil Torres, vice-rector for education, and everything happens under the auspices of the rector of the Lublin Medical University, Prof. Wojciech Zaluski. The opportunities for such training provide incredible insight for young surgeons into the surgical process before proceeding to the actual operation. Assisting with various procedures in the clinic’s departments is, of course, equally important, which is why we create such opportunities at our clinic. I will also encourage Polish colleagues to invite Ukrainian doctors for such training and longer or shorter stays at their clinics. We are planning joint educational and research projects that will strengthen this cooperation and provide opportunities for advancement in the field of surgery.

Will you, professor, share your extensive experience in plastic surgery and oculoplastics with young doctors?

This is one of the main areas of my specialized training aimed at young surgeons. Oculoplasty is a medical field on the borderline of ophthalmology and plastic surgery, which is very much needed, especially now in these very unstable times. On the one hand, these are purely cosmetic effects, but this area also includes a number of diseases, cancers, congenital defects, as well as damage that can be acquired as a result of various injuries. Knowledge in this area will allow us to effectively help many patients. Our cooperation with Lublin specialists will also contribute to raising the standards of ophthalmic care in Ukraine. We are very proud of this and are just looking forward to finalizing the agreement between SCOP and Vinnitsa Ophthalmic Training Center “VOTC UP”.

Interviewed by Jolanta Czudak