---
title: "Second wave of 'Medical Education for Heroes': how 'Dobrobut' is returning frontline doctors to the profession"
description: "🇺🇦 'Dobrobut' has launched the second wave of free training for veteran medical professionals. 20 specialists were selected from 46 applications. 📉 Main problem: veterans fear falling behind civilian practice. 🔥 Top field: Ultrasound diagnostics. 🤝 Support from the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and Veteran Hub."
date: 2026-08-18T13:20:05.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/dobrobut-medical-education-for-heroes-2026-en
tags: [ukraine-war, veterans, healthcare, dobrobut, education, medical-training]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Second wave of 'Medical Education for Heroes': how 'Dobrobut' is returning frontline doctors to the profession

![Ukrainian military doctor in camouflage with 'Dobrobut' patch giving a presentation showing statistics on screen — part of the 'MedEducation for Heroes' program](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/18/dobrobut-medobrazovanie-dlya-geroev-2026/dobrobut-medobrazovanie-dlya-geroev-2026-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- The second intake of the 'Medical Education for Heroes' project selected 20 veterans from 46 applicants.
- The most in-demand field of study is ultrasound diagnostics.
- Organizers note a high level of anxiety among veterans regarding their return to civilian medicine.
- The project is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine.

At the end of July 2026, the 'Dobrobut' network announced the start of the second intake for free training for veteran medical professionals as part of the 'Medical Education for Heroes' project. The initiative, implemented with the support of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine and Veteran Hub, is aimed at the professional rehabilitation of specialists whose careers were interrupted or transformed by the war. After a thorough review of applications, the expert commission selected 20 participants who will begin their training at the 'Dobrobut Academy'.

### Tough selection: 46 applications for 20 spots

This year, interest in the program has grown: 46 veterans submitted applications. Among them are doctors, paramedics, nurses, and orderlies who worked at stabilization points, in mobile hospitals, and in medical evacuation brigades. The Rector of the 'Dobrobut Academy', Nana Voytenko, noted that the choice was not easy: each candidate has a unique story and potential. Special priority during the selection was given to veterans who had been through captivity and serious injuries.

### Ultrasound — the main demand of frontline medicine

An analysis of motivation letters revealed a clear trend: the most popular field of study became ultrasound diagnostics. Veterans explain this by the specifics of frontline work, where a doctor often has to combine several functions. Ultrasound skills allow for quick decision-making directly at the site of assistance, which is critical in combat conditions. The second most popular fields were 'Organization and Management of Healthcare' and 'Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine'.

### Psychological barrier and fear of falling behind

In their letters, participants frankly admit to professional burnout and anxiety about returning to civilian practice. The Chief Medical Director of the 'Dobrobut' network, Alexandra Mashkevych, notes that many are afraid to 'catch up' with colleagues who remained in the profession. According to survey data, every fifth participant has no opportunity to practice in their specialty, and the longest break in civilian medicine was 5 years. 'We simply cannot afford to lose such specialists,' Mashkevych emphasized.

### Strategy for retaining staff

The project is viewed as a strategic necessity. The full-scale war has reformatted Ukrainian medicine, and veterans have become carriers of unique experience that civilian colleagues do not have. However, as organizers note, without support, this experience may be lost. 'Dobrobut' takes responsibility for helping to overcome the barrier, restore confidence, and provide development opportunities for those who have devoted years to defending the country.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: How many veterans were selected for training this year?
**A:** The expert commission selected 20 participants from 46 submitted applications.

### Q: Which field of study is the most popular?
**A:** The most in-demand field became ultrasound diagnostics.

### Q: Who supports the 'Medical Education for Heroes' project?
**A:** The project is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine and Veteran Hub.