The team of the Lviv Oncology Center studied cancer care practices in the USA.
The team from the regional council’s communal medical facility — Lviv Regional Cancer Treatment and Diagnostic Center — participated in a medical program organized by the Peace and Development Fund under the leadership of Dr. Rostyslav Semikov. Within its framework, the medical staff shared their own experience and learned how cancer care, interdisciplinary interaction, treatment planning, and surgical interventions are organized in U.S. clinics.
During the program, General Director of the Regional Oncology Center Oleh Duda had the opportunity to attend surgeries with Dr. Yadro Ducic at Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth, where they exchanged experiences in the field of head and neck reconstructive and oncological surgery. He also met with Dr. Jay Patel, an abdominal surgeon at Medical City Fort Worth, with whom he discussed surgical approaches in complex oncological cases.
“A special event was the reception at The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders, where we were warmly welcomed by Dr. Bibas Reddy, the president of the Center, and his team. We talked about the organization of cancer care, clinical pathways for patients, quality programs, coordination between surgical and oncological branches, integration of palliative care and supportive therapies, as well as the ongoing collaboration between the USA and Ukraine, which continues despite the challenges of war,” stated Oleh Duda.
As a sign of support and solidarity with Ukrainian medical professionals, the head of the Lviv Oncology Center was awarded the honorary badge of the city of Fort Worth. “We also had the opportunity to visit the George W. Bush Presidential Center, where together with Igor Khrestin, director of The Bradford M. Freeman Center, and program manager Hannah Johnson, we discussed the importance of cervical cancer screening and the further implementation of the project based at the Lviv Oncology Center.
During the visit, I had the honor of attending the screening of the film ‘There Will Be No Other God but Theirs,’ a documentary by talented Ukrainian journalist Danilo Mokryk, organized in Dallas by The Kyiv Independent alongside the Ukrainian community. The film tells the story of Russia’s crimes against Ukrainian priests and religious communities in Melitopol — people who remained faithful to their beliefs and nation even under occupation.
This was not just a trip or internship. It was a joint effort to develop cancer care in Ukraine, an exchange of experiences, and mutual support aimed at saving hundreds of lives. I am sincerely grateful to my American colleagues, friends, and the Ukrainian community in the USA for their support and solidarity,” emphasized Oleh Duda.