July 26, 2024 a Stratford Times The doctor is in: Grateful Ukrainian neurologist hopes to practice medicine in Canada JULIE ASHLEY Times Contributor Even as a young girl in Ternipol, Ukraine, Halyna Patrilyak dreamed of being a medi- cal doctor, having a family, owning a home and travelling to see the world and meet people from different walks of life — ambi- tious dreams, for sure. Not only did Halyna eventually fulfill these dreams through hard work and ambition, she went on to com- plete several specializations that resulted in her practicing as a neurologist for 15 years -. until the war broke out. She was forced to stop her practice and leave her beautiful community, Halyna reflects, “I put my whole life in a suitcase, looked at it and cried, asking myself every time why? War destroys people's des- tinies. Why am I forced to leave my native home and everything I have acquired during my life? The soul ached, and the heart cried.” Timmediately pause when I hear her words. I, nor most living Canadians, can imagine what war feels like, what it sounds like, what it looks, or even smells like. This, in fact, is one of the factors that brought Halyna and her two sons to Canada. The peacefulness of our country is a main factor for many other Ukrainians whose lives have been con- tinually interrupted by war. They know that war has not been part of our recent history, unlike so many other countries. We some- times forget that fact amidst our privilege. Halyna talks about leaving Ukraine and asking God for wisdom to make the right decisions and encounter good people. She could not know what the future held when she arrived in February 2023. She recounts for me, “The first words I heard were ‘Welcome to Canada!’ These words sustained my every day.” Halyna reflects gratefully that her prayers were an- swered. She comments on the many resi- dents and volunteers who helped her family find housing, work, opportunities to learn English, and other logistics of settling here. There were even additional experiences of- fered to visit cultural events to learn more about Canada or to enjoy some Ukrainian events to enjoy some of what was left be- hind. Even simple words of kindness from others gave encouragement to Halyna. Her sons, Vasyl, 18, and Denys, 17, attend St. Michael Catholic Secondary School in Stratford and are excited for the abundance of opportunities ahead of them, with little fear of war interrupting their futures. Halyna’s preparation for life in Canada began before she knew she would need it. While she studied at medical school with students from different countries, she would help them adjust to Ukraine and recognized how difficult it was to come to a foreign country. “I had no idea that I would, a few years later, face the same challenges.” As was her dream, Halyna travelled ex- tensively, given her higher station in life as a After 88 years of family ownership Tavistock is having a “Retirement Sale” Furniture of 6 on Ss Well known for “The Business Built With Satisfied Customers” QUALITY FURNITURE and CUSTOMER SERVICE 66 Woodstock St. North, Tavistock Monday — Friday 9 — 6 pm, Saturday 9-5 pm (A, FURNITURE TAVISTOCK 519-655-2431 Ss (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO) Halyna Patrilyak was a practicing neurol- ogist in Ukraine for fifteen years ... until the Russian-Ukrainian war broke out and she fled to Canada with her two sons. Now, Patrilyak works as a personal support worker in Stratford. reputable professional and experienced neu- rologist in her country. She reflects on her travels to many coun- tries including Israel. There, she found it startling to see military women with weap- ons on the streets. That memory haunts her as we fast-forward to today. She worries about the men and women in military uni- forms on the streets, everyday for many hours, enduring alarm sirens, rockets over- head, destruction, and for many, death. In Israel and Palestine, the situation is similar. She wants to underline for me how horrific it is and how no one is safe from war, due to the cruel mistakes made by politicians and how the politics funnel down to innocent cit- izens. This could happen to Canada too. I am in awe of Halyna’s humility and pa- tience given that her specialization and skill level is in such demand in Canada, where people wait many months to see a neurolo- gist. She had hoped that she could use her education and skills in Canada in medicine, but this door was closed. She needed to put food on the table here. It is not a well known fact, but Ukrainians are not always able to bring their financial resources with them. With few options, Halyna began work in a factory as a welder, since welders are in demand here, and it is known that this can be a method for improving chances for per- manent residency in Canada. I wince at this thought. How is it possible that we do have the methods in place to fast track someone who brings so much of what we need so des- perately? Halyna left welding as she could not en- dure the physical challenges so has now found work with the elderly as a personal support worker. She is happy to be working in the general field although at a position well below her capabilities. Being so grate- ful to the Stratford community, she decided to volunteer at Stratford General Hospital, and humbly prays for those who have helped her to now. Being the gracious person she is, Halyna seems less concerned about her own situa- tion and wants Canada to know the plight of her people. It is my hope that Canada will soon change their hearts (and policies) to allow Halyna to practice medicine here too. You know someone whose story should be told? Please reach out to me at Jraeashley@gmail.com. Dear compatriots of Canada, Your country has long been a beacon of hope, compassion and opportunity for those seeking refuge from conflict and hardship. Today, you face a crucial mo- ment to once again demonstrate these values as you welcome Ukrainians flee- ing a devastating war in their homeland. These people have experienced in- credible difficulties. We left our homes, our livelihoods, and often our loved ones. We come to Canada not by choice, but by necessity, looking for safety and a chance to rebuild their lives. As Canadians, you have the power to dramatically change our lives. Here's how you can help; Embrace them with open arms. A sim- ple smile, kind word or offer of help can mean everything to someone adjusting to anew country. Provide employment opportunities. Many Ukrainians coming to Canada are skilled professionals eager to contribute to the economy. By offering them jobs, you not only help them achieve financial stability, but also enrich your workplac- es with diverse perspectives and expe- riences. Support their integration. Learning a new language, understanding local customs and navigating unfamiliar sys- tems can be challenging. Offer patience, guidance and resources to help newly arrived Ukrainians easily integrate into your communities. Celebrate their culture. Ukrainian cul- ture is rich and vibrant. By embracing and honoring their traditions, you create a more inclusive society and help them stay connected to their heritage. Protect their rights. Ensure that newly arrived Ukrainians are treated fairly and have access to the supports and services they need to thrive in Canada. Remember, many of our ancestors once came to Canada in search of a bet- ter life. By extending a helping hand to Ukrainians today, you honor this heri- tage and strengthen the diverse struc- ture of our nation. Together, we can turn this difficult time into an opportunity for growth, compassion, and unity. Thank you for your open hearts and minds. Your kindness and support will change the world for the better for those who need it most. ~ Words from Halyna Patrilyak.