An orthopedic surgeon who previously practiced at New Haven, Conn.-based Yale Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine, to offer his services amid the conflict with Russia.
Olaf Libiermais, MD, brought a collection of medical supplies and instruments from his home in Latvia, according to a March 16 article on the Yale School of Medicine's website. He stayed in Kyiv to apply his expertise in treating war wounds and train other medical providers.
Dr. Libiermais is an alum of the Keggi Orthopaedic Foundation and Keggi-Kimball Visiting Scholars Program within Yale's department of orthopedics. The program addresses the growing need for orthopedic surgeons globally, according to the article.
"Since his arrival in Kyiv, Dr. Libiermais has spoken about ongoing bombardments, managing AK-47 wounds, eating meals in candle-lit rooms and adjusting to not turning on the lights at night amidst air raids," the foundation's leader Kristaps Keggi, MD, said in the article. "His decision to go to Ukraine and help those in need during this terrible time is extremely courageous."