In late March, we visited Lviv, Ukraine, to connect with students and collaborators from the Ukrainian Catholic University (U.C.U.). Our partnership with U.C.U. started in 2016, focusing on bioethics education. Over the years, it has grown despite various challenges.
U.C.U. stands out as the only Catholic university in Ukraine and one of the few private institutions. Founded by the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, its goal is to train leaders who will contribute to society with integrity. After being shut down by the Soviets in 1944, the Academy was revived in 1994 as the Lviv Theological Academy and became U.C.U. in 2002.
Our collaboration began when Father Ihor Boyko, then the director of U.C.U.’s School of Bioethics, reached out to Loyola’s Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics. Father Boyko, now heading Sheptytsky Hospital, credits our success to shared values and personal connections. In 2020, we secured a five-year grant from the Fogarty International Center at the NIH to deepen our collaboration, especially in the face of war-related health issues in Ukraine.
This war has increased the need for bioethics, as health professionals face new challenges. Research is vital to tackle injuries from modern weapons and the growing demand for mental health services. Ethical considerations in research are especially pressing during conflict, as they must address the unique vulnerabilities of participants in such settings.
The Fogarty grant allowed 10 Ukrainian health professionals to enroll in Loyola’s online doctorate program in bioethics. This flexible format meets the needs of busy professionals in Ukraine. Mark Kuczewski, director of the Neiswanger Institute, emphasizes the need for community support, especially as war has intensified the urgency of our program.
Father Boyko describes the partnership as one of daily solidarity. Students not only learn bioethics but also share their experiences, which is especially helpful now as many face the psychological and physical impact of the ongoing war.
Leaders trained in bioethics, like Dr. Vladyslava Kachkovska of Sumy State University, highlight the importance of advancing knowledge in this field, noting the lack of bioethics education in Ukraine. Many healthcare providers feel that studying bioethics aligns with their Christian values, allowing them to serve their patients better.
Despite the war, students at Loyola continued to engage with their coursework. Under extreme conditions, they found solace and purpose in their studies, discussing the ethical dilemmas that arose from the conflict. For instance, the program provided a platform for open discussions about complex issues, as Dr. Liubov Hasiuk observed.
One of the remarkable stories comes from Dr. Yaryna Pikulytska, who transitioned from being a support person to a student. She now leads the ethics committee at U.C.U., illustrating the resilience of individuals and the continuity of education amid conflict.
As we gathered for a conference in Lviv, the atmosphere was both hopeful and challenging. Air raid alerts sounded on the very first day, highlighting the constant tension. Our group sheltered in the hospital, understanding how crucial safety is during such times.
This meeting marked a significant moment, as many Ukrainian bioethicists now take on teaching roles, showcasing their successes and knowledge. We also celebrated our continued funding, which will support more students in the coming years.
As we look ahead, our commitment to this partnership remains strong. The need for bioethics in healthcare is more pressing than ever, and we will continue to adapt and support the emerging leaders in Ukraine.
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Health and Wellness,Higher Education,Ukraine,War and Peace
