Is There A Ukrainian Doctor In The House?

Dr John Holian, Senator Emer Currie & Prof Hugh Mulcahy

atest press release from St Vincent’s University Hospital, issued on Thursday, May 25th 2023…

St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) is proud to announce the successful graduation of 25 Ukrainian doctors from a comprehensive English language course.

The course was initiated and developed by SVUH consultants Dr. John Holian and Prof Hugh Mulcahy, supported by the hospital’s CEO, Michele Tait and delivered by Ukrainian lecturer, Prof Oksana Kachurets in response to the significant language barrier faced by Ukrainian doctors arriving in Ireland post the Russian invasion.

The graduation ceremony, held on Wednesday 24th May, was a moment of great pride and achievement for both the doctors and SVUH hospital staff. CEO of St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Michele Tait, expressed her appreciation for the doctors’ dedication and highlighted the hospital’s commitment to supporting healthcare professionals from around the world.

“We are thrilled to witness the successful completion of this English course by our talented group of Ukrainian doctors,” said Michel Tait. “By investing in their language skills and preparing them for the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test, we hope to contribute to their future success and enhance their ability to provide the best possible care to our patients as they pursue their medical careers in Ireland.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to our consultants who have dedicated their time and expertise to set up this invaluable course. Your initiative and commitment to bridging the language barrier in healthcare is truly commendable, while breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive and supportive healthcare community.”

Dr John Holian, Dr Annika Gallagher, Ukrainian lecturer Prof Oksana Kachurets & Prof Hugh Mulcahy

According to Dr. Polina Smolovyk, one of the graduates, “This course has not only improved our language proficiency but has also instilled in us the confidence and competence to excel in our medical careers. We are truly grateful to St. Vincent’s University Hospital for their support and guidance.”

Dr. John Holian expressed his pride in the graduates, saying, “The level of engagement and enthusiasm throughout the course has been fantastic and made it a really rewarding experience for us all. We’ve gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Ukrainian doctors who want to practice medicine in Ireland. Ultimately, we hope this practical course will benefit them as they strive to become part of the healthcare workforce here.”

Prof Hugh Mulcahy said, ”Following clinical observerships held at SVUH, it became quite clear to us that Ukrainian doctors living in Ireland are committed to not only practicing medicine in Ireland but also to helping the approximate 75,000 Ukrainian refugees who have been displaced to our country and find it difficult to access the Irish Healthcare System due to language barriers. We are immensely proud of what these doctors have achieved since arriving in Ireland and will continue to support them throughout their medical journey here.”

“I am truly inspired by the graduation of these Ukrainian doctors from this English course”, said Fine Gael Senator Emer Currie, Spokesperson for Special Education and Inclusion & Northern Ireland who advocated for increased medical exams and better employment pathways to facilitate Ukrainian doctors who want to practise in Ireland.

“By providing language courses and support to international medical professionals, we enable them to fully utilise their skills and expertise in our healthcare system. This not only benefits the doctors themselves but also enhances the quality of care and services available to all patients, especially the Ukrainian people living in Ireland, many of whom are experiencing challenges accessing the Irish Healthcare System due to language barriers. We need to do everything we can to support the integration and inclusion of Ukrainian medical professionals here in Ireland.”

The graduation ceremony was attended by representatives from SVUH and Fine Gael Senator Emer Currie, spokesperson for Special Education and Inclusion & Northern Ireland.

The event celebrated the doctors’ accomplishments and reflects a commitment to fostering collaboration with Ukrainian doctors in the healthcare sector in Ireland.