This trip, again through Romania, has just been completed.
The focus was sharing the Eldon Card for Field Blood typing and Whole Blood Field Transfusion in the situation of battle.
As well, an update on Massive Transfusion Protocol.
lectures and demonstrations and discussions occurred in Kyiv, Cherkasy, Ternopil and in Vinnitsa.
very gratifying as only four participants were experienced at any of it.
There is now a firm in Ukraine making Whole Blood Field Transfusion Kits. We will be doing some Quality Control with them and expanding this effort.

Ukraine trip May 21 to June 4 2022

Day One May 21
It was up early and all packed the night before. Michael Joseph came from Clarksville at 8.
Michael and I had recently reacquainted. Hadn’t seen in other in about 5 years.
We had been to Ukraine twice together in 1999 and 2002 or so.
That 1999 trip included my first trip to Israel. We were blessed in many ways on that trip.
Michael met my recent new friend Igor Khulyatsev, the Director of Vinnitsa oblast’s Jewish Charitable Center. Michael for years supported their Vinnitsa soup kitchen. We spent several Shabbats with Igor.
Igor recognised my love for the Jewish people. In part born of medical training at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.
At the time in the late 70s, Max Factor had donated a wing to the hospital in exchange for Cedars-Sinai
Providing free medical care for Russian immigrant Jews. Thus began my education in the Jewish faith and culture (plenty to admire) and the Soviet experience both as the individuals related it and the Soviet
Medical care they’d received (not so admirable).
So after our first trip to Ukraine, Michael and I and Vinnitsa missionary Jon Mohr were off to Israel. Michael had been there many times and was a joy as a friend and as a tour guide. I’ll never forget
that trip. Michael and I met because he worked in Nashville for a forwarder shipping company. He’d helped us ship containers to Ukraine. They were chock full of donated medical equipment and supplies. Project CURE also played a big role in procuring the contents of many containers.
So now, after Michael had valve surgery and idiopathic endocarditis in early 2021, and I had my concussion and subdural evacuated in early 2020, here we were again bound for Ukraine. Wiser and older and more determined than ever to bless Ukraine in all ways possible.

Day Two May 22
Arrival in Atlanta and flight overnight to Paris CDG airport went well. Thank goodness for the Air France Lounge today. Beautiful breakfast and showers. Then our smooth flight to Bucharest. Checked in to the Hilton Garden Inn Airport hotel and a nice dinner and then deep sleep.
Michael met a Pastor working out of Romania to help in Ukraine. Logistics and building. A divine appointment. One of I suspect many to come.

Day Three May 23
The early morning flight from Bucharest to Iasi was only an hour. At the airport, Archana and her nephew Max and his new wife Cayman met us.
Archana and Ruslan Tkachuk founded an amazing ministry in Ukraine called Raising Hope Ukraine in about 2002. They have a Christian Foster Home in Mohildiv Podilsky with 10 kids plus refugee families from Kharkiv and Mariupol staying with them. Their own children are now in Romania but hopefully next month or two, back in Ukraine. I am blessed to be on their Board. Now, they are endlessly helping get humanitarian relief from Romania and America into Ukraine.
This time we went further north in Romania and crossed into southwestern Ukraine near and through Chernitvsti. A lovely city I have twice visited. The hometown of my collaborator Dr. Vitaliy Krylyuk. There we met Olga. She is helping get a van which we were blessed to contribute to the purchase of converted into an ambulance for soldiers in the east of Ukraine. Her mother is a doctor serving just behind the front lines.
Then on to Mohildiv Podilsky and a great reacquaintance with Ruslan’s Mom and a family of refugees from Kharkiv and a 20 year old, Vanya, from Mariupol. His story so sad and poignant as he described his grandfather facilitating his escape.
Raising Hope Ukraine is facilitating Vanya getting a Commercial Driving License.

Day Four May 24
This morning we headed to Vinnitsa. Always home base for me. Both strategically and emotionally.
Here Michael and I checked into the Church rooms at the Vinnitsa Church of Jesus the Nazarene. Pastor Roman and his wife were our gracious hosts. For Michael, ongoing stay at the church as I travel.
It was fun to join Archana as she gave an English lesson to three IT experts.
We then had a lovely lunch and supper and Pastor Ruslan and his Associates Yuriy and Sasha of the Vinnitsa Messianic Congregation met with Michael through their connection with Pastor Roman.
Michael has told me later that these new friendships are wonderful.
The afternoon was largely spent with Dr. Sergei Bolyukh, my best friend, and his wife and daughter in law Lena.

Day Five May 25
After breakfast, we went to Selische for me to meet Pastor Sergei Alekseyev of Mariupol. He and his wife and six kids escaped. Two older children are in the war. Pastor Sergei has severe post viral cardiomyopathy. He is even on a heart transplant list. I was able to look at his records and do a portable echocardiogram. We adjusted his medications and arranged for him to see a cardiologist in Vinnitsa next week. Precious man in big heart trouble. I must remember to pray for Pastor Sergei and ask all who read this to do the same.
In the afternoon we headed to Ternopil. Beautiful western Ukraine city.
There we were greeted by dear friends Drs. Arsen Gudyma and Galina Tsimbalyuk.
After supper we got a nice rest overnight.

Day Six May 26
Today was day 1 of two days of lectures by me and by Ukrainians on Emergency Transfusion and Medical Myths in PreHospital medicine.
Primary goal to impress on all clinicians to use uncrossmatched blood in acute hemorrhagic shock.

Day Seven May 27
Today, day 2, was devoted to laryngeal tube airway, LMAs, SAM IO intraosseous system and SAM Junctional Tourniquet use. With samples and Training devices left behind.
Tonight I take the overnight train to Kyiv with Drs. Tsymbaluk and my translator and ACEP Liaison for Ukraine, Dr. Ivan Kuzminsky. To meet with Dr. Vitaliy Krylyuk and other Ukraine Ministry of Health officials.

Day Eight May 28
After refreshing shower at my host’s home, Dr. Maxim Maximenko, a dear friend for years, we then went outside Kyiv about 50 km to his Dacha for relaxation and borscht . Vitaliy is a borscht specialist.
Then an early night’s rest.

Day Nine May 29
Today a great breakfast and then the collaboration that Vitaliy wanted. We discussed field hospital and medical care logistics based upon post war victory by Ukraine.
This will be a time of much ongoing western and free nations’ assistance.
I am blessed with many humanitarian based friends in America. Many of whom have traveled to Ukraine with me.
Those relationships will take on new dimensions and impact upon Ukraine.
This afternoon it is time for the afternoon train from Kyiv to Khmelnitskiy. Beautiful weather and no air raid sirens for several hours.
However, this meant saying goodbye to Vitaliy and Ivan and Max. That was difficult.
On arrival in Khmelnitskiy we were greeted by Dr. Larisa, the Director of Emergency Services. My host while here.
Ruslan and Max and Cayman meeting up with us here.

Day Ten May 30
The lecture hall in Khmelnitskiy was packed. Well over 100 people. The occasion of having an American Emergency Medicine presentation was new to them.
We discussed Stop The Bleed and Transfusion protocols and Intraosseous and Laryngeal Tube Airway. To my surprise it was new to them on all fronts. They only did Laryngeal Mask Airways.
Only fully crossmatched blood for transfusion. So, to give uncrossmatched blood remains new to them. We demonstrated Point of Care Blood Typing. Discussed the Walking Blood Bank of the US Army. It went well.
In the audience were many doctors and Emergency personnel. We started at 10 am and finished at 5 pm.
Included were demonstrations of SAM IO and SAM Junctional Tourniquet.
After the long day we headed back to the hotel and we’re joined for supper by Dr. Tatiana, Head Doctor of Khmelnitskiy Oblast. Also joining us was a former EMS Paramedic and now Army Medic, Ruslan, who we will work with to get donated equipment and supplies to the frontline of this war. What an honor when he gave me a badge off his uniform designating a Defender of Kyiv’s Juliana Airport.

Day Eleven May 31
The drive from Khmelnitskiy to Vinnitsa was typical of driving around Ukraine. Beautiful and seemingly endless fields of planted wheat and corn and soy. Such a rich soil. Here in the center and west of Ukraine it is an area with few bombings. Air raid sirens are frequent. But not bombings. It is in the east and south that such horrific Russian indiscriminate bombing and complete disregard for human life occurs mostly.
The only information that the Russian people receive from their government is disinformation. They accuse Ukraine of being fascists and neoNazis. With a Ukrainian President who is Jewish and whose relatives died in the Holocaust. The Russians need a long gaze in the mirror.
Upon arriving back in Vinnitsa, it is a reunion with Michael Joseph. He has spent wonderful time in the Vinnitsa Church of Jesus the Nazarene and with leaders of the Messianic congregations of Vinnitsa and Berdichiv. It is such a joy to see his face light up with joy at the prospect of future collaboration in the victory of Ukraine over Russia and the rebuilding of many places here in Ukraine. His forwarding and shipping skills and relationships will be used to the glory of God. This trip was meant to occur for Michael, for me, and to rekindle a great friendship. We have both been so blessed on this trip.
After lunch, it was a visit with Dr. Sergei Bolyukh and his wife Olga. Always a joy, and always difficult to say goodbye.
For certain, Michael and I will leave a big part of our hearts here in Ukraine.
Afternoon it is back to Archana and Ruslan’s home in Mohildiv Podilsky. Home of RaisingHopeUkraine.com
Whose work with children and humanitarian aid can only be described as essential and devoted. All who read should please go to this website and learn of their NGO and 501c3 and consider supporting their effort.

Day Twelve June 1

Today it was a day to sleep in, then a beautiful breakfast. I have gotten to know the family of Sasha
and Larisa, evacuees of Kharkiv. Northeastern Ukraine near the Russian border where the Ukraine military and many citizens have defended. They left to protect their kids. Sasha works night shift for IT for some companies. Able to work from here in Mohildiv Podilsky remotely to maintain income. Lovely couple and family. They hope to return to Kharkiv upon the Ukrainian victory.
This afternoon I go to the Mohildiv Podilsky Regional Hospital for my final lectures. And to leave behind equipment and supplies.
By the way, to give you a microcosm of Mohildiv Podilsky, this border town with Moldova is normally a population of 30,000. It is now 45,000 as a result of 15,000 evacuees. This is a major focus of Raising Hope Ukraine humanitarian efforts.
Tomorrow morning we leave Ukraine for Romania. It will be a heartbreak for Michael and for me.

Day Thirteen June 2
Yesterday’s presentations went well at the Mohildiv Podilsky Regional Hospital.
Today we head out this afternoon for Iasi Romania by van. That is where Archana and Ruslan’s kids are evacuated to during the war.
Tomorrow I will have time again to meet Nathan, Roxana and their 10 year old son Samuel. They hosted me in Iasi in March during my last trip to Ukraine. Their ministry is to eliminate orphans in Romania by adoption and great Foster Homes. Beautiful couple and son.
go to: https://comission.org/our-team/burke
Consider not only learning about the Burke’s but also helping sponsor their work in Romania and for Ukraine. Nothing wasted. Pure servant hearts, as with Raising Hope Ukraine here in Mohildiv Podilsky.

RaisingHopeUkraine.com

Day Thirteen June 3
Perhaps the most challenging feature of these 44 trips now to Ukraine is the saying goodbye. And now, in tge setting of Putin’s evil war crimes, it is more difficult.
You become accustomed to the air raid sirens. But never entirely.
To continually meet people evacuating Ukraine for safety in EU and other free countries makes it real.
For example, a family now living with Archana and Ruslan in Mohildiv Podilsky, Sasha and Larisa, we’re starting to seriously plan their return to Kharkiv in the days we were on the road. Then, two days ago, they learned that one of the three schools that are about 200 meters apart from the school their kids attend, was demolished by a bomb. Really, a school!?
So now they wonder about their future. We all just loved on them and encouraged them and prayed.
On our trip last night through Moldova we were blessed to be accompanied by a mother and her two young children, Marharita and Danil. From Luhansk. An area being devastated as was Mariupol.
A family in Iasi specializes in helping Ukrainian refugees by having them staying their home, until they get settled elsewhere.
Tomorrow, the three of them and their two suitcases fly on to live in Munich. Thankfully, the mother has a childhood friend there who wants them to live with her.
Through Raising Hope Ukraine we were able to give her some Romanian currency and three discounted humanitarian airline tickets from Iasi to Munich. She cried uncontrollably upon learning of this generosity.
I am so proud of the ministry of Raising Hope Ukraine and the role I am blessed to play. No bigger blessing in this life than to help others in need. Except for one. I am so blessed to have this long marriage of 38 years to Catherine and an amazing family….three beautiful daughters and 7 grandchildren with number eight on the way.
Though part of my heart has been in Ukraine since my first visit in 1996, I find a bigger part of my heart is there now in this time of their war against evil and for freedom.
At this time, Michael and I are on our flight from Iasi to Bucharest. Tomorrow the long flight through Amsterdam and Minneapolis to Nashville.

Day Fourteen June 4
The first leg from Bucharest to Amsterdam is delayed about 90 minutes. The KLM pilot came to the gate himself to apologize. That was impressive. And stayed around with the gate agents to offer insights on connecting flights. He himself was upset that the Schiphol airport was down to one runway for scheduled repairs to others. We will see if our next flight is also delayed. Might then make it.
These are nuisance inconveniences. Honestly, the older I get the less such disrupts me.
Of course, after again beholding the war in Ukraine and it’s impact on people, it puts into perspective what should bother me and what should just be tolerated without any distress.
So, as this trip, second to Ukraine during this war that began roughly 100 days ago, it is a time to pray for Ukraine and it’s people.
It is a joy to be available and able to help them and to encourage them. They are truly now the frontline of the world’s battle for liberty. It is the most important geopolitical situation of my life. And yours, unless you were alive during World War Two.

Brian R. McMurray, MD, FACP, FACEP, AAHIVS
ACEP Ambassador to Ukraine

Website: http://www.ukrainemedicalmission.com

Day One Friday March 4^th;  2022 and God’s leadings

    The day started well. I slept quite well. Usually not the case when I’ve gone to Ukraine. 

Somewhere over 40 times since April of 1996. 

Catherine made her usual great coffee and breakfast. Instead of being at least mildly perturbed

at my imminent departure, she held my hand and prayed for me and for Ukraine and for our family. 

It was gentle, sincere, and sweet. It was day 9 of war criminal Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Back in April of 1996, I had joined another doctor, Tom Duncan his wife Marilyn who is a Nurse and a dear big Texan Missions leader, Sam Satterfield, to go on my first mission trip as a doctor. And as a new believer. To Ukraine. 

I had no idea what the Lord had in mind. If you wonder how such an event could change your life, try this for the second day in Ukraine. Staying in Vinnitsa. About 5 hours drive from the capitol of Kyiv, where we had landed. Vinnitsa because that is where Mikhail and Anna Mashnitskiy and their four kids had moved from to Franklin, Tennessee shortly after the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991. Their family had joined The People’s Church. Catherine and I had undergone a spiritual awakening and joined the Church in November of 1995.  Baptized together at Church by dear friend and Pastor Rick White. 

So off to Ukraine. A family, Jon and Luanne Mohr had just moved there. Jon a Christian songwriter. They had five kids. 

So, back to the second day. We had to turn in our Passports to get them “registered”. One of my first encounters with a slow to dissolve “Soviet Hangover” custom. Then a mandatory meeting with Vinnitsa’s Director of Ministry.  Very officious guy. Named Yvgeny Ferubko. He warned us to be careful. Some Americans had been too evangelical of late. 

As Yvgeny walked us to the Hospital as a group with our translator, he inquired of the translator as to whether I took care of heart patients. Slavik, my translator, advised him yes. 

The next day Slavik and I met with Yvgeny. I examined him and suggested some new medications. Aspirin, nitrates and metoprolol. He’d been having a lot of angina. It helped him a lot. 

There were no heart caths or stents or bypasses available. It was symptomatic treatment. 

Yvgeny and I, over the next 8 years, became close. I met with his wife, an Endocrinologist, and his son. 

Along with his cardiologist, we worked out his medical plan. And I met other cardiologists. Collaboration began. What a joy. 

That evening, we got back to the hotel area after dark. Awaiting us was an older man and his son, grandson and daughter in law. He asked Slavik if we were the American doctors. He introduced us to his son, Benjamin Rabits. Benjamin had lost his left lower leg and his left arm above the elbow in a horrible car wreck. The request in desperation was could we help him get prostheses?  His leg prosthesis resulted in endless pressure wounds.  Dr. Tom Duncan and I took photos and measurements of his good right limbs. 

Upon returning to Nashville, I requested to attend the Vanderbilt Prosthesis Clinic. Attending the presentation of Benjamin’s plight was Ed Dillard’s son. They ran a wonderful prosthesis company in Nashville. 

Ed Dillard, well into his 70’s, accompanied me the next two trips in 1996. He brought along Benjamin’s beautiful  new prostheses, spent time at the Vinnitsa prosthesis factory. At the conclusion of his two visits he literally transformed Ukrainian prosthesis manufacturing. 

So, as I write this on the flight from Amsterdam to Bucharest, en route to western Ukraine to help a hospital I’ve often visited to now deal with war victims, the pattern repeats itself. 

Unexpected and poignant opportunities to help and to collaborate. Over 40 trips. Each more amazing than the last. Lectures on HIV at the beginning of its presence in Ukraine, in 1996. Over 20 containers of medical equipment and supplies thanks to Project CURE of Nashville. Numerous teams of specialists. 

Including Trauma Surgeon Dr. Tim Nunez from Vanderbilt. Lectures on Stop The Bleed by my daughter, (Vanderbilt Trauma Service NP) Heather Hart. All prescient in retrospect. 

But this time it is different. The country is being ravaged by the unprovoked Russian invasion. I suppose I should feel some fear. I feel none. I know this trip must occur. I sense it deep in my heart. 

Hopefully to help in meaningful ways. But mostly to just love on friends and this precious country….Ukraine ❤️‼️🇺🇦. To show them just by my presence that helping them and loving them

Is a lifelong commitment in my life since I was 43 years old. Now I am pulling up on 70. But on this trip I feel energized. 

This is a pivotal time for not only Ukraine. It is an epic moment in world history. Evil and good are dramatically juxtaposed. 

The trips until 2004 were a mixture of orphanage support, Hospital consultations, and attending amazing churches. All of that continues. But in 2004, the American College of Emergency Physicians (“ACEP”) launched their International Ambassador Program. It has been my privilege to serve in this role to Ukraine. A beautiful spiritual and secular mix. Though really, that categorization and separation is often, as it should be, nonexistent. 

Day Two March 5^th Amsterdam to Bucharest 

As I get younger 😬, this overnight across the pond doesn’t get any easier. But all connections went well and bags made it to Bucharest with me. An overnight stay at the Hilton Airport Garden Inn provided essential rest and recovery. In the gate waiting areas awaiting flights in Atlanta and in Amsterdam the hat I wear (at least ten years old) says “Ukraine Kyiv”. It sparks comments and often conversations. Most people at a minimum saying “I love your hat”. It is gratifying, the worldwide support for Ukraine. 

Never in my life, since the Cuban Missile Crisis, has there been such tension. Except for Vietnam. 

A couple on the plane from Amsterdam from Salt Lake City were like my kids age. We had a nice talk. 

At the hotel here in Bucharest and at the airport there are many children with their Moms. FaceTime to Dad back in Ukraine. And crying. Mom and the kids. 

Also many relief workers. Like Samaritans Purse. I am being reaffirmed as to this trip. 

Last night I told my 93 year old Dad what I was up to. I’d been hesitating as I didn’t want him to be alarmed and worried. But we’ve been confidantes since my childhood. Much more than normal for a Dad and son. So we FaceTimed, and my two brothers in Ohio also now aware. Truth is the best policy. Would that Russians knew that!!!

Day Three March 6^th

Archana and the kids have evacuated to northern Romania. See URL RaisingHopeUkraine.com to learn about their ministry and to understand how to help donate to the purchase of humanitarian aid and to support poor evacuees. Plus to see why I love them so. 

I meet a missionary family familiar to friends of theirs later today, after flying into Iasi in northern Romania. At some point, likely in two days, I’ll have to start being cryptic about my whereabouts. Today I am staying in Iasi with Nathan and Roxana Burke and their 10 year old son Samuel who is rapidly becoming my sidekick. As I write this we are sorting through humanitarian items for Ukraine. 

Already I feel many prayers. 

On the surface, this trip might seem reckless. Rest assured, it is not. This is an epic moment in time. 

How could I not be trying to do everything possible for my second home since 1996 and as ACEP Ambassador to Ukraine?

Day Four March 7^th

Staying yesterday upon arrival at the airport in Iasi (pronounced “Yosh”) with the Burkes is so much a treat. Learning of their ministry to eliminate orphans in Romania. To help train parents for adoption and dealing with trauma in adopted children. Their testimonial.  Nathan from York, PA. Roxana from Romania. Their son Samuel born in York, PA. 

If you want to read more about the Burkes, please go to: https://comission.org/our-team/burke

Their work in Romania is precious. And now they are helping with humanitarian aid to Ukraine. 

Soon we meet with Ruslan. And then Ruslan and I leave. Loaded with humanitarian goods. 

Ruslan arrived at around 6 pm. After a time of introductions and sharing and supper and praying, we went into a deep sleep. Ruslan had driven over six hours through the mountains to get to us in Iasi. 

Day Five March 8^th

The ministry of which Nathan Burke is a leader started out as World Without Orphans, inspired by Ukraine Without Orphans. God has a way of bringing things back home. In April of 1996, our church mission trip focus was on orphanage relief and medical consultation. In the Soviet system, children with virtually any disabilities or parents ill equipped to care for them were routinely “thrown” into orphanages. Well less than half were true orphans. 

 Nathan hosting this morning a world wide virtual meeting of those in their organization helping orphans get out of orphanages, and fighting human trafficking. They started their meeting in prayer for Ukraine. 

Today, Ruslan and Nathan and Roxana are inventorying and are packing the van full to begin our trip to western Ukraine through Romania. 

We both feel peace. We are taking in medical supplies, two way radios, binoculars and flashlights and many other donated items. 

Day Six March 9^th

Here in Western Ukraine near a border we got in late at night. Brief sleep and then back to visit the Refugee Center supported by Raising Hope Ukraine.  Up to a hundred sleeping here and having meals and trying to find some form of temporary work during the day. Mostly people from Kyiv area and the east of Ukraine. 

On occasion, there is an Air Raid siren, but it is for the entire Oblast. Not for where I am. 

We are going to sort out our packed van of supplies today for distribution later today and tomorrow. 

Tomorrow we meet with the Mayor to facilitate future humanitarian aid being effectively delivered and distributed going forward.  Then to the Hospital for collaboration. 

Dr. Tim Nunez, now the Chair of Trauma Residency at Brooke Army Hospital was here twice to collaborate. At the time, he was at Vanderbilt.

His promotion of a Massive Transfusion Protocol for hemorrhagic shock and my daughter Heather’s lecture in Cherkasy almost four years ago have recently been made a part of Ukraine’s Trauma Protocols. Adopted last week. Sadly, very timely for bullet, explosion and shrapnel injuries. 

Day Seven March 10^th

Today it was a day of sorting supplies and then meeting doctors and staff at Mohildiv Podilsky Hospital. 

It encourages them that I am visiting. We are hoping to work with Project CURE back in Nashville to put together a vital container. In the past, from around 1998 to 2008, we sent roughly 20 medical equipment and supply containers to Vinnitsa. 

We are now back to the Refugee Center.  A family just arrived from Chernihiv, after 12 days in the basement and seeing countless corpses on the road. Ruslan is getting them diesel fuel for their van. I brought some funds that couldn’t be better used. They just left their wives and kids to go into Moldova as they get ready to return to fight the Russians. 

Their story is so typical from Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mariopol, Sumy and other cities to the east. 

We (meaning Ukraine and all democracies) must step up and defeat this evil. It is NEVER best to placate and accede to such evil. 

Day Eight March 11th

Today began with a meeting with the Mayor’s office in Mohildiv Podilsky. 

We are working with them and the Regional Hospital and Customs to help expedite

a humanitarian aid portal. 

Then a time at the local Refugee Center. From there, picked up by an old friend and

two new ones…Koen Carlier of Christians for Israel, and Charlotte, who is Danish and serves in Moldova helping stop human trafficking, and Koen’s fellow Belgian Nicholas, who is Koen’s mentor and longtime friend. 

We drove through some military checkpoints to Vinnitsa, my Ukraine “hometown” and am now here for a few days to support the local Nazarene church and to help where I am needed with humanitarian supplies. The church is also a Refugee Center. 

Day Nine March 12^th

Today it was errand day after a video interview of Pastor Roman and his wife Oksana. 

Then to the Pharmacy to get some warfarin for a heart patient (Lyudmila Sinyavskaya) who had her mitral valve replaced in 1997 in Nashville at Centennial Hospital as a humanitarian effort. 

Then off to Dr. Sergei’s. His son Andrej is a neurosurgeon in Kyiv. However, he enlisted in the Army and is helping to protect Kyiv. 

I am praying for Ukraine and for a Western coalition to bring pilots and planes here to seal off Ukraine airspace. No Lone Ranger. A coalition of the free. 

Tomorrow we have a church service in Vinnitsa. 

Day Ten March 13th

Today was a beautiful service here at Vinnitsa Church of Jesus the Nazarene. The music has always pierced my heart, and the voices. 

It was a joy to say a few words of love and encouragement. Joining us were Lyudmila Sinyavskaya (mitral valve replaced in Nashville’s Centennial Hospital in 1997) and her husband and grandson. Plus Olga Matichuk (her husband Grigory was my cardiology consult patient) and her grandaughter Anya, from Lityen. Sergei and Olga Bolyukh as well. Dr. Irina was my steadfast translator.

After service we saw seven patients with various needs and blood pressure issues from the stress and temporary lack of medical care. 

Also today starting to link up Project CURE and other humanitarian efforts such as by Raising Hope Ukraine. Please look at:

ProjectCURE.org  and  RaisingHopeUkraine.com

Now I am catching up with emails and some writing. 

I can only send prose now, as it seems photos are too big as a file. 

I will be in Vinnitsa until Tuesday morning. Then back to Mohildiv Podilsky and Wednesday back to Iasi Romania. Friday I fly all the way home. 

This trip has been one of the most poignant moments in my life. It is such a joy to see their joy and surprise at my being here and serving them in all ways possible. Another reminder of the difference between success and significance. 

Day Eleven March 14th

The day had little agenda other than spending time here at the church encouraging people and then time with Dr. Sergei and his family. 

However, I then learned from a humanitarian group that tomorrow there was now to be a gathering here in Vinnitsa to evaluate the need to evacuate stable injured military patients west from Vinnitsa to make room for more. Even if I cannot stay, my many colleagues here in Vinnitsa will help coordinate this effort. Dr. Irina and Dr. Lyena Bolyukh, Dr. Sergei’s daughter. So I am staying here in Vinnitsa another day. I am staying in Pastor Roman’s office. He may fear how to retake his office!?  He is wonderful as is his church. I greatly look forward to getting back to my church, Southpointe Community Church in Nolensville and to meet with Pastor Matt Ballard to share what has happened and what opportunities will exist and exist already to help here. 

Two things to keep in mind:

1. America has never been closer to Ukraine.  
2. Ukraine has never been closer to God. 

Day Twelve March 15^th

Today I have stayed in Vinnitsa to meet with Head Doctors at their Emergency Dispatch Center and at Vinnitsa City Emergency Hospital. Amazing progress since my last visit here pre CoVID in May 2019. 

Western style ER with CT and ultrasound. A long time coming. The post Soviet Hangover had been disappearing. Now Putin’s invasion and massacre. But Ukrainians are plenty tough. 

The rectal orifice Putin will not ultimately triumph. 

Today it was a joy to meet with Dr. John Quinn of Chicago; now living in Prague with his wife and children. He works in London and with the sponsorship of Christopher Catronboni of New Orleans. 

Also with Tim Mak of NPR and security consultant Cory Igo of Lewisburg West Virginia. 

It has been a tremendous day of new friends and collaboration to come. 

If we but have  good colleagues, good clinical acumen, good logistic and financial support, and maintain a servant heart, and remain in prayer to have God’s guide our efforts, there is no limit to what a blessing we can be to our wonderful colleagues here in Ukraine.

Day Thirteen March 16th

This morning, it was a final breakfast at Vinnitsa Church of Jesus the Nazarene with Pastor Roman and his wife Oxsana and the many loyal members of their church.  Accommodating many in need of a place to stay as they flee eastern Ukrainian cities. 

We visited many hospitals and the EM dispatch center. Many old friends that I’ve not seen since 2019 or earlier. Conversations with the local and regional Military Hospitals which I cannot go into right now, but have visited many times. 

Dr. Douglas Jackson, President and CEO of Project CURE are coordinating with my Needs Assessments of these sites to begin assembling air containers to Ukraine. 

Please look at: ProjectCURE.org

Wonderful organization with 7 warehouses around America to send medical supplies and equipment to, and to help sponsor shipping costs to Ukraine. 

Now I am preparing to go across Moldova to Romania. Overnight as was the case intermittently while in Vinnitsa, there were air raid sirens. Two bombs hit Vinnitsa. But fortunately they exploded before impact on a forest near the TV station. We are all fortunate thus far in Vinnitsa. 

Tomorrow evening flying to Bucharest. Then all the way home on the 18^th after a night’s rest at an Airport Hotel. 

My heart will remain here in Ukraine more than ever. I want to be used by the Lord to pray for and to help Ukraine in all ways possible. I hope to convey this experience to many people in America as is possible. 

Day Fourteen March 17^th

After yesterday’s travel from Mohildiv Poldiskiy through northern Moldova to the Sculeni border into Iasi Romania, it was a joy to travel with two 85 year olds exiting Vinnitsa to Romania, just to show them our love. In typical humility, they were in the rear of the van.  A group who run an assisted living facility were offering them free accommodations in Iasi. One suitcase and her purse. I wanted to cry. But it was inspirational to witness their courage. I speak just enough Russian to allow some communication. Plus when others were available they could translate. Among those accompanying us were Katya and her husband and their kids. Having left Irson, where their suburb of Kyiv was being destroyed. Another family escape microcosm of what is happening in Ukraine.  

Fleeing the city of their lives. I was witness to a massive exodus of women, children and women and the elderly people during this ten days in Ukraine. Over 3 million of 40 million have now left. 

By the way, many Ukrainians speak Russian. Especially older people and those in the center to eastern Ukraine. I found it interesting to witness those speaking Russian outside of Ukraine were making a point of saying that they were not Russian. Nicely done, Putin. You’ve killed with indiscriminate bombing and you’ve ruined Russian lives and reputations for one or two generations at least. 

The men 18-60 with less than three children stay to fight.  Putin will never break their will. He is destroying Russia, however.  The threat of a beautiful country of much common descent that has had 30 years of freedom was no real threat to Russia.  Except for the maniacal ego of a hugely evil dictator. 

Ultimately, provided that the West and all free nations step up adequately, Ukraine will triumph and rebuild. Side note: Finland and Norway should immediately join NATO. Ukraine later. No rush as long as we provide adequate help for them to defeat the totally unprovoked invasion by Russia. 

After a beautiful day in Iasi, I am now on the plane flying to Bucharest. 

Bittersweet. I miss Catherine and all of my family. But my broken heart is still in Ukraine. 

May I be used in all ways possible to love and help this courageous and beautiful people and nation of Ukraine. Plus a new love for Romania. 

We speak during wartime of “collateral damage”.  This trip has caused to occur for me countless 

“collateral blessings”.  May I be used. All out. In my longstanding love for my second home of Ukraine.

Now with new dimensions. Sad and tragic circumstances. To help and to love. 

As Dr. Jim Jackson (founder of Project CURE) said to me on our trip together to Ukraine in August of 1996, may I keep learning and help others to learn the difference between success and significance.  

It is a calling for us living in freedom to encourage, assist and to love Ukraine in it’s triumph over evil. 

Brian R. McMurray MD FACEP FACP AAHIVS

ACEP Ambassador to Ukraine

(all opinions expressed in this Journal of this trip are mine, not of ACEP)

Just that. Prayers for the beloved country of Ukraine and its people.

Slava Ukraina❤️‼️🇺🇦🙏

Praying for peace and Ukrainian success at repelling a madman and his witless dupes..

The much anticipated trip to Ukraine, which was scheduled to include an EMS Rally in Poltava, and a 2 day Symposium in Kyiv from later September through early October, has reluctantly been postponed. Likely to 2022 when we hope to be in a post vaccine world with SARS-Cov-2 in Ukraine. As of February 2021, Ukraine remains largely unvaccinated, including health care workers and the elderly.  There is a new purchase of the Indian vaccine, 500,000 doses, imminently….but that is a small fraction of what is ultimately needed.  

The below previous description of the 2020 trip will hopefully be largely replicated for our 2022 ACEP Ambassador Program Ukraine trip next year.

Dr. Vitaliy Krylyuk, ACEP Liaison for Ukraine, and his colleague Dr. Ivan Kuzminsky, also ACEP Liaison for Ukraine, have confirmed the 2020 itinerary.  UNFORTUNATELY, POSTPONED.
In Kyiv, on May 26 and 27, 2020 there will be a 2 day EMS Symposium, with attendees from all over Ukraine as well as from Poland, Lithuania, Romania and other countries of the region.

The Ukraine MOH has asked for our collaboration in their project to build up to 200 Western style ER’s throughout Ukraine….a new endeavour for a country heretofore with EM doctors all riding on the Ambulance….the so-called “Franco-Germanic” model of EM.

Keynote Speaker will be UNC Chapel Hill EM Professor and renowned Editor/Author Dr. Judith Tintinalli. A EM colleague of Dr. Tintinalli, Dr. Rakesh Jalali of Poland will also be a guest speaker.  Other collaborative ACEP International speakers will include Dr. Igor Tkachenko of University of Tennessee EM and Dr. Magnus Simonsson of Sweden, ACEP International member.

The 2 day Symposium will be followed by the Annual International EMS Competition, to be held in beautiful Poltava, Ukraine on May 28, 29 and 30. This will include over 40 ambulance teams competing in roughly 15 mock scenarios, both indoors and outdoors, and with use of moulaged victims and manikins.

ACEP 19 in Denver with ACEP Liaison Dr. Vitaliy Krylyuk of Kyiv went great.
We met with Dr. Igor Tkachenko of The University of Tennessee EM Program and with Dr. Sean Kivlehan of Harvard EM who are hoping to join us in late May in Kyiv and Poltava Ukraine in 2020 for a two day EM Symposium followed by an international EMS competition.

Plus the special treat of meeting with Dr. Judith Tintinalli who will also join us in Kyiv in May 2020.

Photos to follow. After the Denver Conference we went to the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Fresh snow and beautiful.

Dr. Vitaliy Krylyuk, ACEP Liaison for Ukraine, will be joining me at ACEP 2019 (in Denver October 25-November 1) and our annual ACEP Ambassador Meeting. It will be great to collaborate and share again with Vitaliy, as we also begin to plan for the ACEP Ambassador Team and Trip to Ukraine in 2020.
It will also be a joy to share not only Denver, but the Rocky Mountain National Park with Vitaliy.

 

 

 

This Simulation Medicine Conference was the first ever in Ukraine. It was my pleasure to give the keynote address. It was Michelle Sergel’s lecture with a little abridging and editing to fit their itinerary

Accompanying me were Dr. Dan Deckelbaum of McGill University Trauma Team, who is a Trauma Surgeon there. As well he is the Montreal Canadiens Team Physician. He was accompanied by a Trauma Nurse from McGill who is originally from Belarus, Irina.

It was exciting to see the progress made in Ternopil by Drs. Arsen Gudima and Galya Tsimbalyuk since Dr. Sergel, Director  of Chicago’s Cook County Hospital Simulation Medicine spoke to them in 2013.

We were also taken on a tour of an ancient fortress outside Ternopil. Including an amazing very old oil painting of Jesus teaching at the Temple in Jerusalem when he was 12.

 

 

With Dr. Alexander Kotilov and owners Sergei and Olga at their brand new and beautiful Pediatric Clinic in Vinnitsa.  Next year we will lecture there in Vinnitsa on Emergency Pediatrics to them and many colleagues