Visiting Scholar Bridges Borders in Healthcare

四色AV of New Haven recently welcomed Kateryna Lokes, Ph.D., a visiting scholar and oral and maxillofacial surgeon from Ukraine, for a six-week fellowship that enriched the academic and cultural fabric of the campus. Dr. Lokes's visit was made possible by the generous support of the School of Health Sciences under Dean Betsy Francis-Connolly鈥檚 leadership, as well as the University Provost Nancy Savage.

As a fellow through Dr. Lokes engaged with faculty, students, and community members. She shared her expertise and experiences from her work at Poltava State Medical University, where she leads the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

鈥淭his fellowship was an incredible opportunity to connect with colleagues here in the U.S. and share insights from our healthcare system, which has adapted in extraordinary ways under the circumstances,鈥� she explained. 鈥淎t the same time, I鈥檝e learned so much about the American approach to dentistry and public health.鈥�

Her time on campus included guest lectures, conferences, and cultural exchanges, all of which enriched both her and the University community. 鈥淓very experience was an opportunity to learn and to share,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was a truly collaborative environment.鈥�

鈥楶rograms such as BridgeUSA allow us to engage with global perspectives鈥�

During her stay, Dr. Lokes shared insights about the impact of the war on Ukraine鈥檚 healthcare system. At a University-hosted event, she detailed the resilience and ingenuity required to provide care amid daily drops in electricity and in damaged infrastructure. 鈥淥ur medical professionals have had to innovate in ways we never imagined,鈥� she said.

Dr. Lokes鈥檚 unique perspective offered lessons for students and faculty. Bradley Woodworth, Ph.D., a professor of history, noted the impact of Dr. Lokes鈥檚 visit on his class. 鈥淪he spoke about the role of women during World War I, tying it to contemporary struggles in Ukraine,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was a powerful way to connect history with current events.鈥�

Her time at the University also underscored the importance of international collaboration in academia. 鈥淧rograms such as BridgeUSA allow us to engage with global perspectives,鈥� said Olena Lennon, Ph.D., an adjunct professor of national security. 鈥淒r. Lokes鈥檚 visit exemplifies how these exchanges can deepen our understanding and foster empathy.鈥�

Dr. Lokes shared this sentiment, emphasizing that the exchange was mutually beneficial. 鈥淚 hope to take what I鈥檝e learned here back to Ukraine,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd I hope the connections we鈥檝e built will continue to grow.鈥�

鈥極ur students gained a deeper understanding of global public health鈥�

Dr. Lokes鈥檚 impact extended beyond academic settings. 鈥淭he cultural exchange was transformative,鈥� said Karl E. Minges, Ph.D., associate dean for research for the School of Health Sciences. 鈥淥ur students gained a deeper understanding of global public health, and Dr. Lokes experienced firsthand the warmth and inclusivity of our community.鈥�

Beyond campus, Dr. Lokes participated in national and regional conferences, delivered a guest lecture at the Yale School of Nursing, and explored American culture. Reflecting on her experience, she said, 鈥淚 met so many wonderful people. I hope we can continue to communicate and collaborate because it鈥檚 so important for my country.鈥�

For the University, her visit is a chance for fostering meaningful academic relationships and cultivating a hub for global dialogue. 鈥淒r. Lokes鈥檚 time here was a reflection of our commitment to creating a community that values diversity and global engagement,鈥� said Dr. Minges. 鈥淗er visit reinforced our belief that bringing together different perspectives enhances our ability to address complex challenges.鈥�

By hosting scholars such as Dr. Lokes, the University supports global academic advancement and cultivates a campus environment that thrives on shared learning and mutual respect. As Dr. Lokes put it, 鈥淭he connections we build through programs like this bring us closer to understanding and supporting each other in ways that matter most.鈥�