Just one day after the large-scale attack on Kyiv, the medical team witnessed the aftermath of russian strikes firsthand, including the area around the Lukianivska metro station. It was the beginning of another surgical mission. Yet beyond the destroyed buildings, the American doctors saw something that inspires them to return to Ukraine time and again — the extraordinary resilience of the Ukrainian people.
A key focus of the mission was the exchange of surgical knowledge between American and Ukrainian neurosurgeons. The program covered three cities — Kyiv, Dnipro, and Lviv — where U.S. and Ukrainian doctors worked side by side to provide care for patients with the most complex cerebrovascular conditions.
“This is what true systemic change looks like — the very change we aim to achieve by organizing our surgical missions. We receive not only support from American doctors, but also valuable knowledge that remains in Ukraine and continues to strengthen our healthcare system after each mission concludes,” said Yuliia Shama, Head of the Razom Health Co-Pilot project.
During the mission, doctors performed a wide range of complex neurointerventional procedures, including treatment of cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, dural arteriovenous fistulas, venous sinus recanalization and stenting, as well as interventions for traumatic vascular injuries of the head and neck. Patients from various regions of Ukraine, including both civilian and military patients, received specialized care.
In Dnipro, the team worked at the Mechnikov Dnipropetrovsk Regional Clinical Hospital, where 12 complex neurointerventional procedures were performed in just three days. During the mission, doctors spent hours in operating rooms, carrying out advanced interventions while simultaneously providing continuous emergency care, including treatment for patients with ischemic stroke.
“We worked from morning until night, putting all our energy, knowledge, and inspiration into solving highly complex and unusual medical challenges. It was a true team effort, and we all worked together toward one goal — saving Ukrainian lives and improving the quality of medical care in Ukraine,” said neurosurgeon Yurii Cherednichenko.
Throughout the mission, Dr. Maxim Shapiro and Dr. Kim Nelson worked alongside Ukrainian neurosurgeons as part of CO-PILOT NEURO. This collaborative approach enabled Ukrainian specialists to gain hands-on experience with modern endovascular treatment techniques and exchange knowledge while managing complex clinical cases.
The final stage of the mission took place in Lviv, where, alongside surgical procedures, a lecture titled “Modern Aspects of Endovascular Treatment of Central Nervous System Pathologies” was held. The educational session was attended by 26 Ukrainian physicians. The training program was also organized by Razom for Ukraine, as strengthening the professional skills of Ukrainian medical workers remains one of the organization’s key priorities in supporting the country’s healthcare system.
Despite air raid alerts and new attacks, the mission continued. Teams traveling to Ukraine do not abandon their plans — they know their assistance is needed. It is the resilience and courage of Ukrainians that gives them the strength to continue.