Medical center welcomes resilient residents from Ukraine, detailing their journey from Ukraine to the medical center for their residency program
In the midst of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, Dr. Ulyana Khaba, a seasoned cardiologist with over a decade of experience, has found a new home in the United States. Dr. Khaba, now a first-year resident in the Internal Medicine Residency Program, is making a significant impact, both clinically and graciously.
Originally from Ukraine, Dr. Khaba relocated her family to the United States due to the Russian attacks in Ukraine. Her sister, Nataliya Uboha, an oncologist at the University of Wisconsin, urged her to send her sons to the United States to avoid the unrest. Dr. Khaba's husband, Taras, and their two sons, ages 9 and 13, are also in the United States.
Dr. Khaba's extensive clinical background and personal situation were compelling factors in her match with the Internal Medicine Residency Program. She brings over 10 years of attending level cardiology experience to the programme, enriching the learning environment for both faculty and residents.
The 2023-2024 incoming class of the Internal Medicine Residency Program includes students from nine countries, 22 US states, and 31 medical schools, reflecting the programme's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Dr. Khaba's journey to the United States was not part of her original plans. She is currently living in Rochester, where she joined the medical center not long ago. Ruth O'Regan, MD, the chair of Medicine at the medical center, had a connection with medical education leaders Brett Robbins, MD, and Amy Blatt, MD, to help Dr. Khaba stay in the United States and practice medicine.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) like Dr. Khaba are typically accommodated in Internal Medicine Residency Programs in U.S. universities through several standard processes. IMGs must usually pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) steps required by the residency. They often need to obtain certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). Some programs offer targeted support such as orientation sessions, mentorship, and resources to help IMGs adapt to the U.S. clinical environment. Visa sponsorship and assistance with immigration paperwork are often provided for non-U.S. citizen graduates.
However, without specific details on Dr. Khaba or the university in question, this general overview reflects common accommodations for IMGs in Internal Medicine Residency Programs. For more tailored and accurate information, please provide the exact university name.
In addition to her role as a resident, Dr. Khaba is actively engaged in sending aid back to Ukraine, connecting with the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America (UMANA). She is an inspiring example of why diversity and inclusion are important to medical education, and her commitment to her patients and her home country is truly commendable.
Dr. Khaba's two sons will soon join her in Rochester, settling down after a period of rapid life-altering decisions. As she plans her life no more than a week in advance due to the uncertainty, her resilience and determination shine through, making her an asset to the Internal Medicine Residency Program and the medical community at large.
- Dr. Ulyana Khaba, now a first-year resident in the Internal Medicine Residency Program, is not only making a significant clinical impact but also demonstrating grace.
- Prior to her relocation to the United States, Dr. Khaba was a seasoned cardiologist in Ukraine with over a decade of experience.
- In the 2023-2024 incoming class of the Internal Medicine Residency Program, students hail from diverse backgrounds, such as nine countries, 22 US states, and 31 medical schools.
- Dr. Khaba's family, including her two sons, ages 9 and 13, and her husband, Taras, have also relocated to the United States.
- Although her journey was not part of her original plans, her commitment to family-health, mental-health, and her home country has been inspiring.
- To practice medicine in the United States, International Medical Graduates like Dr. Khaba typically need to pass the USMLE, obtain certification from the ECFMG, and may receive targeted support and visa sponsorship.
- Dr. Khaba is currently living in Rochester, where she is also actively engaged in sending aid back to Ukraine and working with the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America (UMANA).
- Her personal growth, career development, and dedication to education-and-self-development, as well as her role as a parent, makes her an asset to the medical community, business, and diversity-and-inclusion initiatives.
