The 窪蹋厙勛圖 Blog
Visiting Ukrainian Scholar Shares Firsthand Healthcare Insights with 窪蹋厙勛圖 Community
Through the BridgeUSA program, the University of New Haven welcomed Dr. Oleksii Boduliev, an assistant professor and military anesthesiologist from Ukraine, whose visit offered students and faculty an unforgettable perspective on healthcare in times of crisis.
October 29, 2025
As part of the , Dr. Oleksii Boduliev, an assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care at Poltava State Medical University, spent several weeks engaging with the University of New Haven community, visiting hospitals, and sharing insights from his work on the front lines of war.
It has been a wonderful, enriching experience to host a BridgeUSA Ukrainian Scholar again this year, said Betsy Francis-Connolly, Ph.D., dean of the School of Health Sciences. The students and faculty have learned firsthand about the practice of emergency medicine in a war zone from the personal lived experiences of Dr. Boduliev.
During his time on campus, Dr. Boduliev gave guest lectures in several classes, met with students and faculty, and presented a public talk to the wider University community. He also attended the in Uncasville and visited several area hospitals. It truly was an honor to have Dr. Boduliev at the University, said Dr. Francis-Connolly.
For Dr. Boduliev, the opportunity to participate in the BridgeUSA program was an easy decision. I think its a great opportunity to have a new educational experience, new clinical experience, and to create connections with U.S. educators and scientists, he said. There was no reason to hesitate on this opportunity.
Throughout his visit, Dr. Boduliev made a lasting impression on those he met, including Alvin Tran, Sc.D., MPH, chair and associate professor in the Department of Population Health and Leadership. What stood out to me most from Dr. Bodulievs visit was his genuine passion for learning and connecting with others, said Dr. Tran. He spoke with warmth and curiosity, truly interested in hearing from both faculty and students about our work and experiences.
Dr. Tran accompanied Dr. Boduliev on several visits across the state, including a trip to a virtual reality research lab in New Haven. He seemed to genuinely enjoy exploring the technology and asked very thoughtful questions about the behavioral-change interventions being developed, including those designed for healthcare providers, said Dr. Tran.
The two also shared meals and stories that deepened their understanding of one another. It was a deeply meaningful experience to hear his firsthand accounts, Dr. Tran said. He shared powerful, on-the-ground stories from his work as an anesthesiologist and trauma care expert in Ukrainemany of which were heartbreaking and sobering.
Despite the weight of his work, Dr. Bodulievs optimism stood out. I was struck by how hopeful and positive he remains, said Dr. Tran. He is deeply committed to supporting others through his work.
In Ukraine, Dr. Boduliev divides his time between teaching and serving in a military field hospital near the front lines. Before the war, it wasnt possible to gain large expertise in major trauma, he explained. Now, unfortunately, in all of Ukraine we have an outbreak of trauma, and that trauma is mostly penetrating wounds caused by explosions. Its totally different from what we faced before.
Stepping away from that environment to focus on education has been meaningful for him. Its a very good opportunity to switch activities, he said. Its a mental rest, not a physical one. When you care for your brothers-in-arms and citizens injured as a result of strikes, its difficult mentally. Im free from those negative emotions while here.
Dr. Boduliev said he was particularly impressed by the simulations and hands-on learning experiences in the paramedicine program. Its very useful for me because I saw the quality of the simulations, he said. Our medical university also has a paramedical program, and I hope I can take back and use this experience.
When asked what sustains him through the challenges of his work, Dr. Bodulievs answer reflected both resilience and dedication. Probably its a high level of motivation to help people in these conditions, he said. If I cant do this, who will? Many people try to do what they can by serving in the army, by helping in civilian life, and by supporting the armed forces. This is my way.
The conversations he sparked across campus provided students and faculty with a profound sense of global connection. My public health graduate students were deeply engaged and learned a great deal from his insights, said Dr. Tran. They gained a real understanding of the realities of providing care in crisis situations and the resilience required of healthcare professionals.
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The 窪蹋厙勛圖 Blog
Visiting Ukrainian Scholar Shares Firsthand Healthcare Insights with 窪蹋厙勛圖 Community
Through the BridgeUSA program, the University of New Haven welcomed Dr. Oleksii Boduliev, an assistant professor and military anesthesiologist from Ukraine, whose visit offered students and faculty an unforgettable perspective on healthcare in times of crisis.
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