Operation Ukraine’s Inspiring Story 

Amid ongoing missile and drone attacks in their homeland, Ukrainian physicians have become some of the most experienced trauma specialists in the world—particularly in treating facial injuries. While attending a national medical conference, Dr. Mark Mims, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at OU Health and assistant professor at the University of Oklahoma, learned of a critical need: Ukrainian doctors were seeking opportunities to advance their skills in facial reconstructive procedures. 

“A plea was made to create a program allowing top Ukrainian surgeons to attend a four-week training session in the United States,” Dr. Mims said. “I knew Oklahoma had a lot to offer, so I volunteered. It turns out I was the only volunteer. Fortunately, OU Health agreed to oversee the initiative.” 

Welcoming and Sheltering Surgeons 

Dr. Mims helped establish program criteria for the first team’s arrival. The surgeons required sufficient English proficiency to communicate effectively, and they needed a commitment of support and technology from their Ukrainian hospitals to make full use of their training. 

Michael McGrail, OU simulations specialist, was asked to set up cadaver labs so that the Ukrainians could practice procedures while having time to ask questions and navigate language challenges–– without the pressure of a live patient. 

Two weeks before the first group arrived, a housing option fell through for two of the surgeons. “While touring the cadaver lab, I mentioned to Michael McGrail that I needed a host family,” Dr. Mims said. “In an instant, Michael said, ‘I want to help out!’” 

After a quick call to his wife, Jennifer, the housing issue was resolved. The McGrail’s son was headed to college, and they had a spare bedroom. 

“We believe in opening up to new experiences and new people,” Jennifer said. “Having Ukrainians live with us for four weeks at a time is now one of the brightest parts of our lives. We eat meals with them, do their laundry, and they become part of our family.” 

Finding Four Weeks of Safety 

So far, 24 individuals have participated in the program, named Operation Ukraine. The sixth cohort of ten surgeons will arrive in August. Families from Edmond and Oklahoma City have stepped forward to house the Ukrainians, after hearing about the McGrail’s positive experiences. 

For each American host family, there is a moment of profound realization about the horrors their guests have lived through. “They all talk about feeling safe,” Jennifer said. “They say things like, ‘I slept all night for the first time since the war began,’ or ‘I didn’t hear any air raid sirens in the middle of the night.’” 

“One morning, a motorcycle roared down the street. When the surgeon heard it, he grabbed my arm and said the Ukrainian word for drone,” Michael said. “He was expecting to hear guns firing next, because the anti-aircraft battery is located on top of the hospital, one floor above him.” 

Exchanging Knowledge 

Two years of feedback from the Ukrainian cohorts has resulted in more hands-on engagement. In addition to cadaver training, they are allowed at the surgery table to assist American surgeons. By the end of the month, they have observed about 50 procedures. 

The process is far from one-sided, however, as the Ukrainian physicians also share their discoveries from having encountered injured jaws, cheeks, and eyes multiple times a day. According to Dr. Mims, the global collaboration reveals the similarities and humanness of healthcare in other countries. 

“Our interns and residents who have observed this program are feeling called to pursue global work or medical missions, and other universities are now contacting us about the program,” Dr. Mims said. 

Becoming a Global Family 

The Oklahoma partners of Operation Ukraine feel that the personal connections they are making are just as important as the clinical achievements. Much like an exchange program, Ukrainians have the opportunity to experience American culture. The McGrails have found that the surgeons are less interested in tourism, however, and mostly prefer to experience calmness and interaction at home with their host families. 

“They become our adopted kids, regardless of their ages,” Jennifer said. “We’ve witnessed two of them get engaged and married. One man received a call that his wife was pregnant. We are part of each other’s lives. It’s scary, too, because we know they return home to danger. We’ve mapped their locations and listen to news reports about the war so that we can check up on them.” 

“When this war ends, the mission will not end,” Michael said. “Even after the ceasefire, the trauma of this war is going to continue for years, both physically and psychologically–– but this collaboration can continue to expand global healthcare so we can help take care of our growing family across the globe.” 

For more information, visit ouhealth.com/health-professionals/educational-observership-for-ukrainian-surgeons.