NOWEmber 6–7
Katowice / Online
The program
WAR & HEALTH 2025
International Practical Congress
The program features real-world clinical practices from doctors working today across Ukraine, the US, and Europe. Each speaker will share their local expertise — the methods, approaches, and protocols they apply daily with military personnel, veterans, and civilians.
Health Systems: Risk Management, International Collaboration, Neurorehabilitation, and Forensic Medical Expertise
Ukraine’s Strategic Dialogue on Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Global Cooperation
The purpose of the summit
A Landmark Event Shaping the Future of rehabilitation in Europe
The event is shaping the future of neurorehabilitation in Europe. Its purpose is to develop professional healthcare networks and introduce approaches to risk management, international collaboration, neurorehabilitation workflows, and forensic-medical evaluation that are already being implemented in clinics, military hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Participants will discuss comprehensive care pathways and integrated support models.
WAR & HEALTH Summit is designed as an international exchange platform for specialists from Ukraine, the US, and European countries.
In 2025, Poland will host a pivotal event uniting professionals engaged in the rehabilitation of individuals with neuropsychological trauma, PTSD, and combat-related injuries.
Ukrainian professionals operate in exceptionally challenging conditions — war, a rising number of patients with amputations, PTSD, and post-surgical complications.
The protocols, techniques, and innovations they have developed and refined in the field. This is lived knowledge, born of daily clinical work under the pressures of war, in rehabilitation units and military hospitals.
This is a space for professional dialogue:
On effective neurorehabilitation approaches.
On peer support in managing complex cases.
On shaping the shared future of neurorehabilitation in a post-war world.
On effective neurorehabilitation approaches.
On peer support in managing complex cases.
On shaping the shared future of neurorehabilitation in a post-war world.
Speakers will present their hands-on experience
The Summit is held with the support of professionals from NATO countries. Each presentation is grounded in clinical experience and scientific evidence.
Topics are not only practical illustrations of what works — they also offer a potential foundation for developing care standards aligned with NATO requirements.
Topics are not only practical illustrations of what works — they also offer a potential foundation for developing care standards aligned with NATO requirements.
The Congress Will Unite Specialists Working with the Consequences of Neurotrauma and Mental Health Crises
We invite:
After the Summit, you will be able to:
Refresh and enhance the therapeutic approaches in your practice
Expand your professional network across disciplines and borders
Integrate innovative solutions that improve patient support throughout the recovery journey
Refresh and enhance the therapeutic approaches in your practice
Expand your professional network across disciplines and borders
Integrate innovative solutions that improve patient support throughout the recovery journey
This event is for the community shaping a new professional culture in neurorehabilitation—through clinical collaboration, psychiatric support, cutting-edge technologies, and multidisciplinary teamwork with patients affected by war.
Educators and Institutional Leaders
Those responsible for developing systematic training programs in rehabilitation and psychiatry.
Psychotherapists and Psychotherapeutically-Oriented Physicians
Practitioners seeking effective support formats for veterans and patients in crisis.
Representatives of Clinics and Rehabilitation Centers
Decision-makers eager to implement evidence-based, multidisciplinary approaches.
Neurologists, Neurosurgeons, and Psychiatrists
Clinicians treating complex cases of PTSD, combat injuries, and post-traumatic sequelae.
Hospital Teams, Medical- Social and Military Medical Expert Commissions
Professionals involved in determining each patient’s care pathway.
Physicians in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
Specialists managing patients with neurological, traumatic, and psychosomatic disorders.
What Will You Gain from Attending Neuro Rehab Summit International?
Multidisciplinary Neurorehabilitation Expertise
Gain hands-on knowledge from Ukrainian neurosurgeons, rehabilitation physicians, and psychologists working with combat trauma, spinal cord injuries, and PTSD.
New Professional Connections and Networking
Connect with leading neurorehabilitation professionals from Ukraine, the US, and Europe. Build relationships, exchange contacts, and explore opportunities for future collaboration and joint projects.
Deeper Understanding of Personal Recovery after Trauma
Discuss not only the physical, but also the psychological, spiritual, and humanitarian dimensions of rehabilitation—and how to apply these in both individual and group settings.
Tools for Legal Advocacy and Veteran Support
Explore how to safeguard the rights of volunteer soldiers, integrate them into healthcare systems, and shape legislative frameworks for veteran rehabilitation.
Practical Approaches to TBI, PTSD, and Post-Amputation Rehabilitation
Receive clinical care models, treatment protocols, and recommendations on multisensory interventions and reintegration into daily life.
Clinical Insights into Combat-Related Neurotrauma
Discover how care pathways are built—from neurosurgical intervention to full rehabilitation—using multidisciplinary models aligned with international standards, even under wartime conditions.
The Impact of Your Participation
You will return to your practice with an updated perspective on how to work with combat-related trauma, PTSD, and the consequences of deep psychological crises. You’ll know how to collaborate across specialties, what clinical markers to watch for, which tools to apply—and who to consult in complex cases.
Focus: adapting rehabilitation hubs to current challenges through Ayurveda, somatic therapy, poetic expression, and spiritual resources.
The talk includes comparative analysis of models from Australia, Canada, Poland, Austria, and Ukraine.
A multi-level recovery system that integrates clinical medicine, cultural traditions, and humanitarian support.
09
A Harmonized Rehabilitation Model: Merging Evidence-Based Medicine, Traditional Practices, and Humanitarian Therapies in Response to War Trauma
Speaker: Lidiia Butska
Emphasis on improving the quality of neurosurgical services in crisis settings.
Based on forensic medical data, the presentation compares the challenges of providing emergency care and patient transport in urban areas.
Expert analysis of diagnostic and treatment issues in traumatic brain injuries before and during wartime.
08
Neurosurgical Care in Ukraine Today: Organization, Challenges, and Forensic Evaluation of Quality
Speaker: Alina Pletenetska
Proposed amendments to legal frameworks and strategies for integrating volunteers into the veteran rehabilitation system.
Focus: access to medical care, compensation, and social support.
An overview of the legal context surrounding volunteer soldiers without formal combatant status.
07
Legal Status of Volunteer Combatants: Challenges in Rehabilitation and Integration
Speaker: Oksana Strelchenko-Rudenko
A new model of rehabilitation with a multidisciplinary foundation is presented.
The talk shows how injury patterns have shifted over the years and how rehabilitation approaches have adapted to support reintegration into civilian life.
An in-depth analysis of the evolution of combat-related injuries and the development of individualized rehabilitation trajectories.
06
Combat Trauma: Dynamics, Continuity, and Building Individualized Recovery Pathways — A Comparative Analysis Over Years of War
Speaker: Nataliia Kondratiuk
Focus: clinical effectiveness as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy, with real-world examples from top Ukrainian neurosurgical practices.
Presentation of an interventional approach to treating post-traumatic stress disorder using stellate ganglion blocks.
05
Stellate Ganglion Block as an Interventional Therapy for PTSD: Clinical Experience with Military and Civilian Patients
Speaker: Pavlo Makovetskyi
The speaker compares international protocols (WFNS, EFNR) with Ukrainian clinical practices during wartime and the COVID-19 period, offering adaptive solutions for integrating neurosurgery into rehabilitation pathways.
An exploration of neurosurgery’s role within a multidisciplinary rehabilitation model for patients with vascular, traumatic, oncological, and degenerative brain lesions.
04
Neurosurgery as a Component of the Rehabilitation Paradigm in Cerebral Injury: Interdisciplinary Challenges and Implementation of International Protocols (WFNS, EFNR)
Speaker: Svitlana Lytvak
This talk covers both surgical and rehabilitative support for patients with spinal cord injuries, highlighting the role of neurorehabilitation in functional recovery and return to active life.
A neurosurgeon’s perspective on spinal rehabilitation in today’s realities.
03
Spinal Neurosurgery and Recovery: Opportunities in Neurorehabilitation
Speaker: Vadym Verbov
Focus: structure, logistics, and real-life experience from Ukrainian hospitals.
The presentation outlines key challenges faced by specialists and the solutions enabling continued high-quality neurosurgical care.
A systems-level view of organizing neurosurgical services under martial law.
02
Organizing Neurosurgical Care During Wartime: The Ukrainian Experience
Speaker: Andrii Huk
Attendees will learn how effective and scalable rehabilitation models can be implemented even under limited resource conditions.
Key focus areas include a multidisciplinary approach, international standards (ICF), principles of neuroplasticity, and post-hospital integration.
A presentation on building functional clinical pathways for patients with ischemic brain injuries.
01
Integrating Stroke Rehabilitation Pathways: Multidisciplinarity, Neuroplasticity, Standards
The Congress Program Brings Together Leading Experts, Modern Clinical Models, and Multidisciplinary Solutions for Recovery After Neurotrauma, Combat Injuries, and Crisis Events
Speaker: Marianna Brovchenko
Member of the Ukrainian Neurosurgical Association
Member of the Ukrainian Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Member of the European Association of Neurosurgeons
Participant in numerous national and international conferences
Professional Activities:
Management of combat-related spinal and CNS injuries
Vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, percutaneous stabilization
Stabilization and minimally invasive techniques
Spine microsurgery, spinal cord tumors
Expertise:
Specialized in pain management and spinal neurosurgery under Prof. Peter Durny and Prof. J.H. Wisoff
Beth Israel Medical Center, NYU (USA); Taranto & Termoli Medical Centers (Italy); University of Graz (Austria); Augsburg Medical Center (Germany)
Fellowships in top clinics across the USA, Austria, Germany, Italy, and Slovakia
PhD on spinal neuro-oncology (2008)
Author of over 89 scientific publications
23 years of clinical neurosurgery experience
Institute of Neurosurgery named after A.P. Romodanov, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine
Neurosurgeon (Highest Category), Candidate of Medical Sciences
International training:
Vadym Verbov
The Congress Speakers Are Leading Specialists Who Understand the Practice of Rehabilitation Professionals, Trainers, and Physiotherapists
Marianna Brovchenko
Career Highlights:
Neurologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences, PhD. Head of the Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Kyiv City Clinical Hospital No. 18
Highest qualification in neurology
Specialist in Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine (2020)
Author of 24 scientific articles and 2 patents
Leading the City Neurorehabilitation Center since 2001—first multidisciplinary rehab facility in Ukraine
PhD on post-stroke rehabilitation (2007)
Fellowship in Liverpool under Prof. McArthur focused on post-stroke spasticity
Speaker at major conferences (Spain, Austria, WCNR 2014); member of the European PRM Board since 2016
Certified trainer in neurorehabilitation by European PRM Board
Community Engagement:
Founder and Chair of the NGO “Neurorehabilitation Association” since 2017 (150+ professionals)
National speaker on ICF-based practice
Expertise:
Post-stroke rehabilitation, spasticity, neuroplasticity
Multidisciplinary rehabilitation management
Engaged in research on neurosurgery’s impact on patients’ psycho-emotional state;
Author of publications on pain, interventional neurosurgery, and post-traumatic outcomes;
Research:
Active participant and speaker at neurosurgery conferences;
Fellowships in Poland, Germany, and Czech Republic;
Graduate of Bogomolets National Medical University;
Education & Training:
Micro-neurosurgery for spinal and nerve root injuries;
Neuromodulation technologies;
Interventional pain procedures;
Peripheral ganglion blocks (incl. stellate ganglion);
A.P. Romodanov Institute of Neurosurgery
Dept. of Neurosurgery No. 2, Kyiv City Emergency Clinical Hospital
Neurosurgeon (Highest Category) with 16 years’ experience, specializing in interventional neurosurgery and pain syndromes
Clinical Focus:
Pavlo Makovetskyi
Andrii Huk
Information:
Candidate of Medical Sciences, Neurosurgeon, Head of Endoscopic & Craniofacial Neurosurgery Dept.
A.P. Romodanov Institute of Neurosurgery
28+ years in neurosurgery, with expertise in endoscopic/minimally invasive brain tumor and skull base surgeries;
One of Ukraine’s leading neurosurgeons; served as a military physician in the First Presidential Brigade;
Co-author of clinical protocols, manuals; 130+ publications and 7 monographs;
Head of the institute’s adjuvant therapy unit; actively implementing modern surgical techniques
Clinical Focus:
Minimally invasive surgery for brain tumors;
Endoscopic ventricular and sellar interventions;
Surgical management of traumatic brain injury sequelae;
Craniofacial surgery and neuro-oncology;
Fujita Hospital, Nagano (Prof. Yoko Kato) – acute aneurysm management
Shinshu University, Matsumoto (Prof. K. Hongo) – brain aneurysm surgery
International Training:
Author of MOH guidelines on ischemic & hemorrhagic stroke; expert at NHSU in Medical Guarantee Program
Member of EANS; co-chair of WFNS Women in Neurosurgery Committee (2019–2021)
Senior researcher in vascular neurosurgery; leading Ukrainian stroke neurosurgeon
Head of the Stroke Neurosurgery Center, A.P. Romodanov Institute
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Senior Neurosurgeon
Information:
Svitlana Lytvak
Lidiia Butska
Information:
PhD in Naturopathic Medicine, Associate Professor, Advisor to the MOH
Head of Department at Academy of Ecology and Medicine
Specialist in rehabilitation & sports medicine, physiotherapy, crisis psychology, TCM, sanology, naturopathy
28 years in medical practice, 25 years in research, 23 years teaching
Author of 165 papers, 8 monographs (4 in English), 8 patents
Founder of NGO “Ecology and Health”; organizer of 500+ events
MOH expert; speaker on bioethics in Belgium, South Africa, Brazil
International Training:
260 hours in TCM in China
Programs in USA, Canada, EU on physiotherapy, rehabilitation, NLP, PTSD
Master’s in Public Administration, National Academy of Public Administration
Active in professional councils, lectures to doctors, lawyers, medical students on medicine-law interface
Academics & Education:
Specializes in legal-medical expertise of injuries and clinical documentation
Expert in medico-legal clinical cases; author in forensic expertise, medical law & ethics
Department of Forensic Medicine & Medical Law, Bogomolets NMU
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor, Forensic Medical Expert
Information:
Alina Pletenetska
State Scientific Institution “Center for Innovative Healthcare Technologies,” State Affairs Department of Ukraine
Nataliia Kondratiuk
Key Areas of Activity:
Candidate of Medical Sciences
Head of the Scientific Department for the Organization of Medical Care
Organization and development of effective healthcare systems – creation of multidisciplinary structures, development of preventive care algorithms, and implementation of IT solutions.
Preventive medicine and health monitoring – scientific justification of models for non‑communicable diseases and organization of preventive medical check‑ups
Rehabilitation and public health – improvement of patient rehabilitation systems after injuries and formalization of patient routing in rehabilitation departments.
• Case Management in Social Work
• Coordinated Rehabilitation in Organisation
• Health and Social Care System
• Intervention Models in Social Work
• Coordinated Rehabilitation in Organisation
• Health and Social Care System
• Intervention Models in Social Work
Courses taught at the University of South Bohemia include:
Teaching Activities:
Co-author of studies on the integration of migrants into the Czech healthcare system
Literature Review on coordinated rehabilitation for patients with neurological impairments — published in Clinical and Preventive Medicine, 2024
GAJU 066/2022/S – “Coordinated Post-Stroke Rehabilitation and Its Continuation After Discharge”
Practiced plastic and reconstructive surgery within NHS Scotland, Sheffield, and Bristol (2015–2024)
Research Projects & Publications:
Holder of a Continuing Medical Education diploma (ČLK)
Member of the Czech Society for Neurorehabilitation
Member of the Czech Medical Chamber (ČLK)
Member of the European Stroke Organisation (ESO)
Memberships & Affiliations:
Senior Lecturer at the Department of Social and Special-Pedagogical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice
MD – completed General Medical Education; practiced as a physician in the Rehabilitation Department at the Regional Hospital in Příbram until 2020
MBA with a specialization in Healthcare Management
Ph.D. (awarded post-2020) — Dissertation topic: “Coordinated Rehabilitation of Post-Stroke Patients and Its Continuation After Discharge”
Senior Lecturer, Institute of Social and Special-Pedagogical Sciences University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic
Academic and Professional Background:
Dr Lesia Shuranova, Ph.D., MBA
Long-term implants for wireless prosthetic control
Selective nerve stimulation and Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR)
Motor and sensory neurointerfaces
Core Research Themes
Author of over 30 publications, including in The Lancet, Trials, and Journal of Hand Surgery. h-index ~20, over 1,800 citations.
Develops clinical methods for restoring movement and sensation using implanted electrodes.
Neuroprosthetics, sensory neurointerfaces, and biomechanical integration for amputees.
Research Focus
MRCS — Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (2016)
FRCSEd(Plast) — Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (2023)
Training & Honors
Practiced plastic and reconstructive surgery within NHS Scotland, Sheffield, and Bristol (2015–2024)
Clinical Practice
Research Fellow, Newcastle University (2012–2014)
Postdoctoral Researcher, Medical University of Vienna (2014–2015)
Clinical Lecturer, University of Edinburgh (2019–2024)
Senior Lecturer, Imperial College London (since June 2024)
Academic Career
BEng in Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering – University of Surrey, completed 2005
MBBS in Medicine – Imperial College London, completed 2012
PhD in Bioengineering (Computational & Systems Medicine) – Imperial College London, completed 2009
Education
Supervises PhD students in the fields of biomechanics, biomechatronics, and neurointerfaces.
Founder of the Bionic Integration Lab at Imperial College London (established June 2024), where he integrates surgery and engineering to address challenges related to amputation and nerve injury.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Bioengineer
Founder of the Bionic Integration Lab (since 2024)
Senior Lecturer, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London
Multifaceted Profile
Aidan D. Roche
More speakers will be announced soon!
Honorary Guests and Expert Delegates of the Congress
Mykhailo Radutskyi
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Health, Medical Care and Health Insurance
Vadym Verbov
Neurosurgeon (Highest Category), Candidate of Medical Sciences. Institute of Neurosurgery named after A.P. Romodanov, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine.
Paul Warrington
Labour Party Representative, United Kingdom (Warrington)
Academician of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Honored Doctor of Ukraine, Director of the State Scientific Institution “Scientific and Practical Center for Preventive and Clinical Medicine” of the State Affairs Department.
Dmytro Dyachuk
Mykola Granovskyi
First Secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Poland
Vasyl Lazoryshynets
Academician of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine. Director of the M.M. Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery.
Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Northern Ireland. Former British Army Medical Reservist.
Alan Moore
Viktor Liashko
Minister of Health of Ukraine
Former Chief Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine and former Deputy Director of the Public Health Center under the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
Former Chief Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine and former Deputy Director of the Public Health Center under the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
Congress Organizers
International Charity Organization “Kindness of Hearts” — a community of professionals, volunteers, partners, and benefactors working together.
Kyiv Medical University (KMU) – carries out educational activities in the territory of Poland through its EU representation – the KMU Polish Campus.
Górnośląskie Centrum Rehabilitacji “Repty” im. gen. Jerzego Ziętka – one of the largest specialized adult rehabilitation hospitals in Poland.
Kyiv Medical University (KMU) – carries out educational activities in the territory of Poland through its EU representation – the KMU Polish Campus.
Górnośląskie Centrum Rehabilitacji “Repty” im. gen. Jerzego Ziętka – one of the largest specialized adult rehabilitation hospitals in Poland.
Aurum Fitness Clinic – a flagship of innovative rehabilitation in Ukraine, organizer of MASTERS SCHOOL and leading hands-on training programs for professionals.
Certificate for Every Participant
The event is officially registered with the Testing Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine
Each attendee of the Summit will receive a personalized certificate of participation in the WAR & HEALTH International Summit.
To reserve your spot, please fill in your details below.
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INDIVIDUAL ENTREPRENEUR POLINA ANDRIIVNA SAMSIY
Tax ID (IPN): 3499606564
8/1 Kharkiv Highway
Individual Entrepreneur: Polina Andriivna Samsiy
Tax ID (IPN): 3499606564
Address: 8/1 Kharkiv Highway, Kyiv, Ukraine
Tax ID (IPN): 3499606564
8/1 Kharkiv Highway
Individual Entrepreneur: Polina Andriivna Samsiy
Tax ID (IPN): 3499606564
Address: 8/1 Kharkiv Highway, Kyiv, Ukraine
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