The full-scale war has resulted in an unprecedented number of complex amputations and combat injuries, dramatically increasing the need for qualified rehabilitation professionals. Meanwhile, pre-war academic curricula do not always keep pace with the challenges of modern military medicine. To give Ukrainian professionals access to leading international practices, the Future for Ukraine foundation has initiated the development of a standardized digital learning platform. It will combine the theoretical foundations taught at higher education institutions with practical clinical expertise in rehabilitation after severe injuries. The project is being implemented within the foundation’s new Education and Science area of work.
The development of the digital platform, preparation of learning materials, and piloting of the platform at universities have been made possible through grant support from ISAR Ednannia.
Olena Nikolaienko, President of Future for Ukraine (USA), the foundation’s strategist and fundraising lead“For Future for Ukraine, this marks a major new stage in our development: from helping individual patients with prosthetic care and rehabilitation to systematically expanding access to international clinical expertise, knowledge, and modern practices for Ukrainian professionals and universities”
The foundation is launching a new area of work focused on the systematic development of medical education in rehabilitation for people with war-related injuries and limb loss.
As part of the project supported by ISAR Ednannia, a kick-off meeting was held to present the model of the new digital learning platform to representatives of leading higher education institutions.
World-Class Expertise for Ukrainian Students
The learning program’s architect and lead expert is Farhad Ostovari, Clinical Director of Prosthetics and Functional Rehabilitation at MCOP International Kyiv and a faculty member in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at George Washington University (USA). He brings more than 17 years of experience and has personally worked with over 200 Ukrainian patients with combat injuries. The course’s academic expert and co-author representing the education community is Professor Olena Dorofieieva, Head of the Department of Physical Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at Bogomolets National Medical University.
Farhad Ostovari“In clinical practice, knowing how to perform exercises is not enough for a physical therapist. A professional must be able to identify a problem, assess risks, make a decision, and adjust their approach in time. This clinical reasoning is precisely what we want to teach through the program”
More Than Theory: How Does the Platform Work?
The learning platform is a comprehensive system comprising 10 modules, with approximately 30 video lessons, 6 instructional manuals, analyses of complex clinical cases, and a multilevel assessment system.
Olena Dorofieieva“This program could become an additional learning resource for universities — one that complements professionals’ foundational training with up-to-date materials, clinical cases, and practical approaches to rehabilitation after limb loss”
The course’s core value lies in developing clinical reasoning based on the principle: “Observe ➔ Decide ➔ Correct.”
The videos teach students to notice the smallest details: skin condition, prosthetic socket fit, or a patient’s level of fatigue.
The learning platform also provides access to knowledge about rehabilitation in complex amputation cases, such as amputation at the hip joint or the loss of multiple limbs, as well as osseointegration. These topics are difficult to demonstrate in standard classroom settings.
All materials follow an interdisciplinary approach, covering the journey from initial assessment to a return to an active life and adaptive sports.
The course will function as an interactive media library: students and faculty will be able to watch videos whenever convenient, which is particularly important during air raid alerts or power outages.
From Practical Training to Scaling Up
The project is being implemented in three stages:
- In-Person Faculty Training (Training of Trainers). During the first stage, faculty members from Bogomolets National Medical University and the Ukrainian Military Medical Academy practiced rehabilitation methods in person with Farhad Ostovari. To date, 8 of the 10 planned modules have been successfully completed.
- Digitalization. Drawing on experience tested in practice, approximately 30 video lessons are being filmed at the MCOP Ukraine center and supplemented with graphics, diagrams, and practical tips.
- Scaling Up and Piloting. The completed platform will be provided to five leading Ukrainian higher education institutions for integration into their curricula: Bogomolets National Medical University, the Ukrainian Military Medical Academy, Dnipro State Medical University, Sumy State University, and Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University.
By bringing together international expertise, Ukraine’s academic tradition, and partner support, we are laying a systematic educational foundation that will ensure high-quality rehabilitation that respects the dignity of every Ukrainian.
This material was created by the Charitable Organization “Charitable Foundation ‘Future for Ukraine’” with the support of the Askold and Dir Fund, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by Norway and Sweden. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Charitable Organization “Charitable Foundation ‘Future for Ukraine’” and can in no way be taken to reflect the views the Government of Norway, the Government of Sweden and ISAR Ednannia.
