Support and Employment of Veterans and Their Families

“Medical Education for Heroes” – a free training program for veteran healthcare professionals by Dobrobut, supported by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine and Veteran Hub.

After the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion, thousands of Ukrainian medical professionals swapped their white coats for military uniforms and joined the ranks of defenders. They left their civilian careers to save lives under fire. Now, as they return from military service, many face the challenge of rebuilding their professional paths almost from scratch.

Why this project matters

• According to the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, as of July 2024, more than 1.3 million people in Ukraine hold veteran status – a number expected to grow to 5–6 million after the war ends.
• A 2023 study by the Ukrainian Veterans Fund found that over 42% of veterans face employment challenges. Education and professional development rank among their top ten needs. Yet, many who wish to study report limited access to quality educational opportunities.
• Research by IREX confirms that veterans often need to either update their professional skills or fully retrain. Unfortunately, not all employers are ready to hire veterans – military experience still triggers fear, bias, or misunderstanding.
• Today, Dobrobut alone employs 57 veterans.

Key challenges

Professional gap. As the full-scale war enters its fourth year, many mobilized doctors and nurses have been out of medical practice for over three years. To return to the profession, they must refresh their specialization and complete retraining.

Lack of reintegration mechanisms. Until now, Ukraine had no free educational programs supporting veteran healthcare professionals. Most were left to navigate their return to the profession on their own.

Psycho-emotional barriers. Many veterans struggle with self-doubt or fear of “not being able to keep up.” Post-traumatic experiences make reintegration into the fast-paced rhythm of civilian healthcare more difficult.

Systemic loss. Without support, many skilled medical workers may never return to healthcare – causing Ukraine to lose valuable human capital: experienced professionals with unique expertise.

Our response

Dobrobut decided to provide access to high-quality professional education and create an opportunity for veterans to renew or expand their qualifications. Participants could choose a medical specialization aligned with their background and career goals.

To join the program, applicants submitted their forms, which were reviewed by an expert committee that selected 20 participants based on clear criteria: medical education, verified veteran status, motivation, plans for civilian medical practice, and pre-service professional achievements.

Objectives

1. Help veteran healthcare professionals return to their profession

2. Provide access to quality education and skill renewal through the Dobrobut Academy

3. Reinstate veterans as valued members of the professional community

4. Transfer military medical experience into civilian healthcare, strengthening the system

5. Support veterans’ adaptation to civilian life

“Medics who have gone through war are not just professionals – they are people who know how to act under extreme conditions, remain steadfast for others, and preserve dignity under pressure. We are grateful that Dobrobut created an opportunity for such specialists to return to the profession, regain their qualifications, and reclaim their place in Ukraine’s healthcare system,” – said Ruslan Prykhodko, veteran and Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine.

Implementation

• Secured partnership with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine and Veteran Hub

• Conducted a survey among Dobrobut veterans to identify the most in-demand medical specializations

• Formed an expert selection committee including representatives from Dobrobut, the Ministry, and Veteran Hub – ensuring transparency and independence

• Developed clear participant selection criteria: education, veteran status, motivation, professional plans, and achievements

• Created a dedicated project landing page for information and applications

• Launched a communication campaign across social media and media outlets to raise awareness and attract participants

• Selected the 20 finalists and held an introductory meeting

“The selection process was incredibly difficult – every candidate deserved this opportunity. Behind each application was a person with a unique story and experience of service. We are confident that these twenty veteran medics will use their new knowledge to make a real difference in civilian healthcare. It is an honor to support them,” – said Nana Voitenko, Rector of Dobrobut Academy.

Results

In just 10 days, the project received 69 applications from veterans – doctors, paramedics, and nurses who had served as combat medics in stabilization points, mobile hospitals, and evacuation teams. Many continue to serve in the military. In their applications, veterans shared the barriers they face when returning to medicine – knowledge gaps, professional burnout related to war, and long breaks from civilian practice (some up to 10 years).

Media and public reach.
The project generated 42 media publications, including coverage by Holos Ukrainy, the Verkhovna Rada website, and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs. The estimated media reach exceeded 18.9 million.
Dobrobut’s social media posts about the initiative reached over 40,000 views in total.

Social impact.
Veterans gained access to professional development opportunities in civilian life.

Government relations impact.
The project became a model of effective cooperation between the private and public sectors. Currently, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the Ministry of Health are working on launching similar state-level educational programs for veteran healthcare professionals.

“Meaningful employment, where veterans can apply the skills and experience gained during service, is key to successful reintegration. We are glad that Dobrobut is creating space and opportunities for this journey,” – said Iryna Haluzynska, Senior Project Manager at Veteran Hub.

“For us, this project is a way to express gratitude and provide real support to those who defended Ukraine. We want every veteran to know: here at home, they are awaited. As the country’s leading medical network, we are ready to stand by our colleagues – to help them return to their profession, gain new knowledge, and once again feel part of a strong, respectful professional community,” – said Oleksandra Mashkevych, Chief Medical Officer of Dobrobut.