As Australians and New Zealanders remember those who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations, Australian surgeon Professor Munjed Al Muderis is issuing a rallying cry to fellow doctors and surgeons to support Ukrainian colleagues in the fight to help military and civilian casualties of the Russian invasion of their country.
Earlier this month Professor Al Muderis and colleagues Dr Karolina Siwicka, A/Professor Kevin Tetsworth, and Dr Wojciech Piwek spent a week in Lviv: “We operated on fifty people, but there are still hundreds with horrific injuries” explained Professor Al Muderis, “the injuries are escalating, there is infection and significant delays, and with an anticipated counter-offensive, that is only set to increase.”
Describing the need he said: “Like many peaceful countries, Ukraine only has a certain number of severe trauma surgeons, in times of war the need for this expertise increases dramatically and this is where my colleagues and I come in and why I am calling for other colleagues in Australia and New Zealand step forward and help. We need to support the Ukrainians on every front.”
Medical professionals with experience in emergency medicine, trauma care, limb reconstruction, and infectious disease control are all needed. Professor Al Muderis and his colleagues will return on several occasions during the year and professionals who want to help should contact him about how they can help.
“I can’t think of a better way to honour the fallen, and those who have made past sacrifices in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations than supporting those currently facing the same awful situations. However modest the help, it will make a difference.”
