Partnerships

Problem: Why Polpharma Academy was created Every day, doctors make dozens of decisions that directly impact people’s health and, often, their lives. Medical practice evolves rapidly: new international guidelines, increasing number of patients with complex diagnoses, emerging therapeutic approaches.

At the same time, postgraduate education opportunities in Ukraine are often limited in both format and accessibility, especially for regional doctors. This makes it difficult to exchange clinical cases, new approaches, and practical experience quickly and effectively. Doctors in the regions have few opportunities for regular interaction with peers, engaging with thought leaders, and discussing cases in a professional community.

Pharmaceutical companies that possess modern, evidence-based knowledge strive to build open and respectful communication with healthcare professionals – one based on expertise, clinical value, and a shared responsibility for patient care.

Polpharma, a pharmaceutical company with a 90-year international history, recognized this gap not as a weakness of the system but as an opportunity to create a valuable educational product. This is how Polpharma Academy was born – a series of regional professional events that bring together doctors, experts, and the Polpharma team around the one thing that matters most: the health of patients.

With the beginning of the full-scale war, the need for such a format has significantly increased. Ukrainian doctors are under enormous pressure: constant staff shortages, a growing number of patients, complicated cases, limited access to resources, and fewer opportunities for development. According to a study by NGO “Zdorovi Komunikatsii” and the International Rescue Committee (IRC, 2023), 78% of Ukrainian healthcare workers show signs of burnout, and more than half lack access to educational events or professional communities.

In this context, Polpharma Academy became not only a response to an educational need but also to an emotional one: to provide doctors with a space for dialogue, support, and inspiration. Because we understand: to take care of others, a doctor must first have strength and support. And if we can offer that support – this is our contribution as a pharmaceutical company.

Solution: Polpharma Academy as a response to need That is why we created Polpharma Academy – a series of expert events for doctors in four key areas: cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, and women’s health/vitamin D/immunity. In 2025, Academies were held in dozens of cities across Ukraine. These are not one-off lectures, but vibrant spaces for learning, discussion, and professional inspiration.

In each direction, we invited lecturers whose reputation speaks for itself – and we asked doctors themselves: who do you trust, and whose experience would be most valuable? Each Academy was designed based on actual demand, and that’s why they generated such high interest.

“We understand the conditions doctors work in. That’s why the Academy is not just a training course but a space where you can gain not only knowledge but also human connection, relief, and empathy. And Polpharma is there with you” – this message is not just a slogan. It is implemented in every event and every interaction with the medical community,” says Iryna But, Marketing Director, Polpharma Ukraine.

Polpharma set an ambitious goal: to create a platform that doesn’t resemble a typical pharma-sponsored event. We aimed to go beyond “sponsor lectures” and offer something truly valuable:

• Lively discussion;
• Latest clinical guidelines;
• Leading Ukrainian speakers;
• An atmosphere of peer-to-peer dialogue.

We developed four academic branches:

1. Cardio Academy Polpharma – focused on modern approaches to managing hypertension, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.
2. Neuro Academy Polpharma – in-depth look at chronic pain, post-stroke rehabilitation, anxiety disorders, and vestibular dysfunction.
3. Ophta Academy Polpharma – case-based discussions on glaucoma, vision preservation, and patient compliance.
4. OTC Academy Polpharma – women’s health, vitamin support, and rational daily health solutions.

Speakers included:

• Cardio Academy: Prof. Dmytro Lashkula, Prof. Oleh Zharinov, PhD Yaroslav Skybchyk, Prof. Ulyana Cherniaga-Royko
• Neuro Academy: Prof. Viktoriya Hryb, Prof. Tetiana Nasonova, Prof. Mykhailo Oros, PhD Dmytro Fiks
• Ophta Academy: Prof. Oksana Vitovska, Dr. Vadym Pecherii
• Academy: MD Nataliya Zherdiova, MD Liudmyla Kaluhina, PhD Oleksandr Kaminskyi

Every event was carefully designed:

• Interactive lectures and expert discussions
• Q&A sessions with real clinical questions
• Informal networking parts to encourage exchange
• The core message: “We’re here because you’re with patients”

Each Academy was held offline in a welcoming, professional space (usually modern hotels) that fostered respect, learning, and trust.

“We don’t teach doctors. We create the environment for the best among them to share their knowledge. We stand beside them because we believe: only together can we achieve what matters most – better health,” says Serhii Korobko, Head of RX Group, Polpharma.

Results: Partnership that builds trust and knowledge In 2025 alone, around 25 events were held (since May), with 75 to 150 doctors at each. Many traveled from other cities not just to attend, but to participate: ask questions, share experience, and build horizontal connections.

Doctors’ feedback:

• 94% said the format was “significantly better than typical conferences”
• 89% stated the Academy influenced their daily practice
• 91% expressed interest in joining future events

Participant quotes: “You come to an event and feel: they’re not lecturing you from above, but talking to you as an equal. That’s real respect.” – Cardiologist, Cardio Academy

“Sessions with Vitovska and Pecherii weren’t just lectures – they were brainstorms. We discussed real-life cases, not just theory.” – Ophthalmologist, Poltava

“We feel that this pharma company truly cares about our professional development. They give us tools that really help.” – Neurologist, Lviv

What if we hadn’t launched the Academy? Polpharma would not have built such deep partnership with the medical community. In today’s competitive pharma market, trust and respect are the strongest bonds with stakeholders. Without the Academy, we would have missed the chance to become part of the professional dialogue.

Now, we’re not just present – we’re part of the conversation.

Key lessons we’ve learned:

1. Education is the longest-term investment – and the one that builds real trust.
2. Doctors don’t want promotion – they want honest conversation. And we’re ready to offer it.
3. Partnership starts where there is a sincere desire to be useful – to share knowledge, support the professional community, and solve real clinical challenges together.
4. Patients benefit where doctors have knowledge, confidence, and support.

At Polpharma, we believe: People help people. If the doctor is the patient’s shield, we are their solid ground. Polpharma Academy is about a shared mission that begins with knowledge and leads to better health.