TRAILBLAZER
Ulana Suprun
Ukraine ’ s longest-serving Minister of Health , and Founder of Patriot Defence
Ulana Suprun served as Ukraine ’ s longest-serving Minister of Health from 2016 to 2019 and is now a public health advocate and freedom fighter .
Born to a Ukrainian family in Detroit , Michigan , USA , in 1963 , Ulana Suprun ’ s ( maiden name Jurkiw ) grandparents had been involved in underground movements against the Nazis and the Soviets throughout the Second World War . They sought refuge in the USA , but always hoped to return to Ukraine one day . The Jurkiw family became core members of Detroit ’ s Ukrainian community and Ulana later met her husband Marko in a Ukrainian youth event . They married in 1991 , the year the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was officially dissolved and the Berlin Wall came tumbling down .
Mentorship developed empathy As a child , Ulana visited Ukraine with her family and saw how the country had changed under Soviet rule .
“ Ukraine had been crushed by Russia and , during the visit , we were followed ,” she recalled . “ We weren ’ t allowed to
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Internally displaced Ukrainians in need of healthcare visit the villages my parents were from and our family couldn ’ t visit us at the hotel . There was no freedom at all .”
The visit left a firm imprint on Ulana and she was determined to return , but her education came first .
Ulana attended Michigan State University College of Human Medicine , graduating in 1989 .
“ The college not only gave me the knowledge I needed to become a physician , I also received the social and cultural pieces that formulated who I am ,” Suprun said . “ My mentors at MSU helped me develop empathy for my patients , which was especially beneficial later when seeking solutions as Minister of Health .”
After working as a radiologist at Sinai Hospital of Detroit , Suprun moved to New York City where she supported women who felt that they were not being listened to .
Transforming Ukraine ’ s health system After Russia invaded – and subsequently annexed – Crimea in 2014 , Ulana and Marko wanted to help the Ukrainian military .
She and Marko moved across the world to obtain Ukrainian citizenship in 2015 . Together , they founded Patriot Defence , which trained soldiers in combat lifesaver courses and distributed 21,000 first aid kits , catching national attention .
Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman asked Ulana to serve as Minister of Health in 2016 and she immediately got to work , updating the legal status of health care facilities , mobilising
16 November 2022