Four Ukrainian cancer doctors receive UCSJ travel grants to learn at top-tier U.S. cancer centers
Dr. Yuliia Lozko, a radiation oncologist at the National Cancer Institute of Ukraine, became the first cancer specialist to take part in the UCSJ observership in oncology program.
Altogether, four Ukrainian cancer specialists have been selected to take part in the observership programs at leading cancer centers in the United States. The cancer specialists, who are selected by their peers at the National Cancer Institute of Ukraine, receive a travel grant from UCSJ.
The objective of the program is to improve the quality of cancer care in Ukraine by creating an opportunity for cancer doctors in Ukraine to observe the operations of American cancer centers.
“At a time when Ukrainians of all faiths and nationalities are fighting for their country’s right to exist, UCSJ is joining their struggle by trying to improve the quality of cancer care available throughout Ukraine,” said Paul Goldberg, president of UCSJ. “When I was elected to lead UCSJ two years ago, the UCSJ Board decided to focus on projects where our efforts could yield the greatest impact. I learned that many of America’s top cancer centers were opening their doors to Ukrainian colleagues, but money for their travel was scarce. This was something UCSJ could address.”
UCSJ is grateful to the Kovler Family Foundation and Varian, a Siemens Healthineers company, for funding this initial stage of the project. We plan to grow this project, increasing the number of physicians enrolled and the number of participating cancer centers.
“For UCSJ, this is a wonderful way to honor Ukraine’s Jewish history and help invest in that country’s future,” Goldberg said.
Dr. Lozko is one of two radiation oncologists who will go through an observership program at The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University. There, she will be joined by Dr. Vadym Vasiura, a radiation oncologist at the Clinical Center of Oncology, Hematology, Transplantology, and Palliative Care in Cherkasy.
Two more cancer specialists—both medical oncologists—are scheduled to begin observerships at The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine. They are: Dr. Oleksandra Pryhkodko, a clinical oncologist at the Kyiv City Clinical Oncology Center, where she practices in the Department of Chemotherapy, and Dr. Alina Syrota, department head at Chernihiv Medical Center of Modern Oncology Outpatient Chemotherapy Unit.
For more than five decades, the Union of Councils for Jews in the Former Soviet Union (UCSJ) has worked to defend human dignity and strengthen resilient institutions across the region. While our historic efforts have included monitoring antisemitism, supporting Jewish communities, and advancing civil society, our broader mission has always centered on sustaining the professional and civic infrastructure that allows societies to endure and rebuild.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukrainian medical institutions have continued operating under extraordinary strain. Cancer care in particular faces complex challenges—from infrastructure disruption to urgent modernization needs.
In response, leading U.S. cancer centers opened educational observership opportunities to Ukrainian physicians. These placements—lasting 30 to 45 days—offer exposure to advanced technologies, multidisciplinary treatment models, and durable research and clinical partnerships.
“This program is needed, and UCSJ intends to expand it,” Goldberg said. “I am heartened to see that the ad hoc group of physicians in Kyiv has chosen four stellar physicians representing different regions of their country.”
In another initiative, UCSJ has put together a network of independent researchers and civil society partners to monitor bigotry and hate across former Soviet states, including observing incidents of antisemitism. As part of this effort, UCSJ has issued analytical reports, including “Antisemitism and Attitudes Toward Jews in Russia and Ukraine in the Context of the War” and “Antisemitism in the Post-Soviet Space—2025: Results of the Year.”
By combining field-based monitoring with rigorous analysis, UCSJ provides policymakers, international organizations, and community leaders with reliable information needed to respond to antisemitism and other forms of intolerance. Through this networked approach, the initiative strengthens regional cooperation, elevates local expertise, and contributes to the global effort to protect minority rights and uphold democratic values.
2026 UCSJ Observership Awardees
Dr. Yuliia Lozko
Radiation Oncologist and Oncology Educator
The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University
Dr. Yuliia Lozko is the first UCSJ Observership awardee to begin her U.S. clinical experience in February 2026. She is currently undertaking her observership at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University, one of the leading oncology centers in the United States.
A radiation oncologist with international clinical and academic engagement, Dr. Lozko serves as Head of the Radiation Oncology Direction and is a member of the organizing team of OncoHub, developing educational programs for physicians, nurses, and radiation therapists.
She is also an active project coordinator with Help Ukraine Group and the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance, contributing to patient education and evidence-based medical materials. Her professional interests include advancing oncology education, leadership development for young physicians, and fostering a stronger research culture in Ukraine.
Dr. Vadym Vasiura
Radiation Oncologist
The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University
Dr. Vadym Vasiura will join the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University in March 2026 as part of his UCSJ-supported observership.
Dr. Vasiura is a radiation oncologist at the Clinical Center of Oncology, Hematology, Transplantology, and Palliative Care in Cherkasy, Ukraine. His clinical focus includes modern radiation therapy techniques and comprehensive oncologic patient management.
He is committed to integrating updated radiotherapy standards into Ukrainian practice and strengthening regional oncology services through sustained international collaboration.
Dr. Oleksandra Pryhkodko
Clinical Oncologist
Arrival scheduled: Late March 2026
The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine
Dr. Oleksandra Pryhkodko is a clinical oncologist at the Kyiv City Clinical Oncology Center, where she practices in the Department of Chemotherapy and provides comprehensive care to patients with solid tumors. Her clinical responsibilities include consultation, development of individualized treatment plans, and the administration of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, as well as supportive and palliative care.
Dr. Pryhkodko received her medical degree from Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv and completed her postgraduate specialization in oncology at the Kyiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education.
Her professional interests center on multidisciplinary oncology care, evidence-based systemic therapies, and strengthening coordinated treatment models within Ukraine’s oncology system. She is committed to continuous professional development and to expanding international clinical collaboration to enhance patient outcomes.
Dr. Alina Syrota
Clinical Oncologist
Arrival scheduled: Late March 2026
The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine
Dr. Alina Syrota is a clinical oncologist with broad expertise across multiple tumor sites, including breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, genitourinary cancers, gynecological cancers, lung and chest tumors, melanoma, sarcoma, and GIST. She received her medical degree from Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv and completed her specialization in clinical oncology at the P.L. Shupik National Medical Academy of Post-Graduate Education.
In addition to her clinical training, Dr. Syrota has pursued advanced education in healthcare leadership and public administration. She completed specialization in Organization and Healthcare Management and subsequently earned a Master’s degree in Public Management and Administration.
Her professional focus includes multidisciplinary oncology care, systems-level improvement in cancer services, and strengthening institutional leadership capacity within Ukraine’s evolving healthcare landscape.
