Overview
The outbreak of war in Ukraine has left us shocked and without words. However, then a request of the vice rector of Kharkiv International Medical University reached us. Of course we are willing to help!
Devastation
We are in contact with several representatives from Kharkiv International Medical University (KhIMU). They describe the situation in Kharkiv: "Really we are surviving very tough times for our country and for our native city Kharkiv. There are constant bombardments and the city is ruined. We pray for our University to withstand every day. It’s our child in which we’ve been investing our soul. The University is rather young but it’s been developing in fast tempo. But the war has destroyed everything."
Retaining normality
Despite these adverse circumstances, the lecturers at the university do their best to fulfill their teaching duties and continue with the medical curriculum. They are still teaching in distance mode, even though connectivity problems, blackouts and constant bomb alarms make this increasingly difficult.
However, also the students do their best to support their country: Besides their studies, they are volunteering at ambulances and hospitals, putting their knowledge and skills to the test in real life. For the rector they are real heroes.
At peace
We have collaborations and partnerships with many providers of medical education, not only in Switzerland but also internationally. However, the partnership with KhIMU is special because it makes us aware that medicine plays an essential role and has a direct impact during crisis and war. Additionally, we at ETH feel close to KhIMU because the responsible persons focus on innovative teaching methods within their medical curriculum. Last but not least, KhIMU is the first international medical university in Ukraine.