How the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance is Bridging Gaps in Critical Medical Care
As Ukraine endures relentless combat and frequent bombardment, its healthcare workers are stretched beyond limits to care for both wounded civilians and soldiers. Since the start of Russia’s unprovoked full-scale invasion, Ukrainian doctors and nurses have faced overwhelming challenges: surges in patient numbers, critical supply shortages, power outages, and, too often, direct attacks on hospitals.
The war has brought with it a staggering number of amputees and trauma patients, alongside increasing cases of concussions, depression, and stress disorders. These conditions demand urgent care, spanning from intensive treatment to long-term rehabilitation. In solidarity, American physicians and specialists are stepping in, sharing their expertise in emerging medical fields to support Ukraine’s healthcare providers and ensure lifesaving care reaches those in need.
At the center of this united effort is the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance (GMKA), which has brought together healthcare professionals to share critical knowledge and resources with Ukrainian providers. Ken Witkowich, Campaign Coordinator, has shared this inspiring story, highlighting how collaboration and compassion are helping to bridge critical gaps in Ukraine’s medical care.
California Physicians Share Their Expertise
In California, Dr. Darshan Patel, a retired anesthesiologist, and Dr. Lewis Lehman, a retired intensivist, have leveraged their decades of experience to assist Ukrainian healthcare workers.
Dr. Patel contributed a series of online lectures and presentations on numerous topics of pain management, including hospitalized patients, peri-operative pain management, post-op analgesia, and modalities for cancer patients—a reminder that Ukraine must still provide care of the sick in addition to war casualties.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to contribute to GMKA’s series on pain management. Providing effective pain management strategies to a nation experiencing widespread suffering and injuries is both a responsibility and a privilege. Pain management is a crucial aspect of recovery and quality of life, especially in the face of significant challenges. Knowing that these modalities can make a real difference in patients’ lives and support the dedicated healthcare providers on the front lines has been a deeply fulfilling experience. It’s a reminder of the impact we can have when we work together and share our knowledge for a greater cause,” said Dr. Patel.
When asked for advice for physicians interested in contributing their time and expertise, Dr. Patel said, “For physicians and healthcare providers interested in contributing their time and expertise, my first recommendation is to align with reputable organizations that have clear objectives and established infrastructure, like GMKA. This ensures your efforts are well-utilized and impactful. Second, focus on areas where your skills and knowledge can have the most immediate benefit, whether through direct patient care, education, or mentoring local providers. Lastly, approach this work with humility, sensitivity, and a collaborative mindset. Building trust and to be a part of a hardworking team is essential for creating sustainable, meaningful contributions.”
Dr. Lehman delivered a lecture on intensive care treatment, with a focus on sepsis, which has become an urgent issue in Ukraine due to rising casualties. Dr. Lehman has also strongly advocated for Ukraine, contributing financially toward delivering medical supplies to frontline hospitals and clinics.
These lectures, along with many others, are shared by the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance. (Read our previous blog, Ukraine’s Medical System Strained as Russian Attacks Continue: GMKA Leads Effort to Provide Critical Support, to learn more about GMKA.)
Mission Gait Steps Up for Rehabilitation Training
In Virginia, David Lawrence, MSPT, GRS, AT-ret, founder and CEO of Mission Gait Foundation, responded swiftly to Ukraine’s growing need for advanced physical rehabilitation. Without hesitation, David Lawrence authorized the use of an extensive series of his physical rehabilitation videos, which guide healthcare workers through rehabilitation practices with patient volunteers. GMKA translated these videos into Ukrainian and made them available on its website. Notably, GMKA’s network of Ukrainian volunteer physicians and medical students translated these resources despite dealing with their own patient care, missile attacks, and power outages.
Mission Gait educational video, “Raising from the floor: a technique for patients with unilateral amputation.”
The Mission Gait videos have become an invaluable tool for training not only healthcare providers in hospitals and clinics but also students of physical therapy at institutions such as Ukraine’s National University of Pharmacy—a partnership that Mission Gait helped establish.
“It is rewarding for the Mission Gait staff to see our training resources benefiting an international community. We are especially honored to partner with the Ukrainian people at a time of great need. We look forward to hearing the testimonials of those who heal, recover, and continue to bless their communities. Thank you, Global Medical Knowledge Alliance, for advancing our vision in Ukraine… A world in which physical therapists everywhere can acquire the knowledge and skills to help patients with complex gait disabilities achieve the rehabilitation goals that matter the most to each patient,” said Lawrence. He also encouraged others to contribute: “Mission Gait encourages those in the broader healthcare community to engage with Ukraine by providing resources and expertise. Reach out, find the need, meet the need, and impact lives. Then teach others how to do the same,” Lawrence urged.
University of Florida Faculty Lead Key Initiatives
In Florida, faculty members from the University of Florida have collectively made significant contributions since October 2023. Specialists have been sharing their knowledge through webinars and online platforms to address the evolving needs of Ukrainian healthcare workers.
Dr. Andrew Dubin, M.D., conducted a live webinar on physical therapy, presenting and answering questions in real time. Similarly, neurologist Chris Robinson provided a presentation on traumatic brain injuries, which have become prevalent in Ukraine due to widespread concussions from bomb blasts.
The greatest contributions came from four members of the Department of Psychiatry: Drs. Ana Turner, Marlene Goodfriend, Kitty Leung, and Joseph Thornton. Dubbed “The Four Angels of Psychiatry,” they presented a comprehensive program on coping with the trauma of war, participated in live webinars, and continued to assist their Ukrainian colleagues via email and video conferencing. They are currently working on an updated program to be hosted on GMKA’s website.
Initiatives are underway to expand psychiatry resources for Ukrainian veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is hoped that additional universities and psychiatric associations with veteran expertise will join this effort.
Due to frequent power outages caused by attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, live webinars have become less feasible. Online platforms like those managed by GMKA remain the most reliable option for Ukrainian providers seeking specialized guidance.
How You Can Help
Are you a medical specialist willing to share your expertise? Or you are not a medical practitioner but would like to support the cause through donations or by helping secure medical supplies. Ukraine’s healthcare providers are working tirelessly in unimaginably difficult conditions, and they need your help. Please consider helping. Evil only triumphs when good people do nothing to stop it. Please lend your talents or donate to support Ukraine through this brutally dark time. It’s important to remember that no donation is too small—collectively, we can make a difference.
Interested supporters should contact the Campaign Coordinator with any questions and for guidance on how to donate to the campaign: