At a time when war poses challenges not only to the healthcare system but also to medical education, it is especially important to support the professional development of those who teach others. With this goal in mind, Ukraine is implementing the "Leonardo" course — an innovative educational program developed by the European Academy of Teachers in General Practice and Family Medicine (EURACT)”.
Named after Leonardo da Vinci — a symbol of comprehensive knowledge and creative thinking — the course brings together medical educators, general practice, and family medicine teachers from various European countries. It serves as a unique platform for sharing experiences, offering mutual support, and fostering professional growth — all of which gain particular significance in times of war. The program consists of six thematic modules delivered over the course of three intensive days. Each participant receives access to learning materials in advance, allowing for effective preparation and deeper engagement with the content.The "Leonardo" course is not only an opportunity to gain new knowledge and teaching methods, but also a source of inspiration, renewed professional motivation, and the cultivation of a European educational space in which Ukrainian educators are an integral part of the community.These days, Uzhhorod has once again found itself in the center of professional attention of the medical community. For the second time in the history of teaching family medicine in Ukraine under the auspices of EURACT the international interactive course "Leonardo-2 Uzhhorod" was conducted by the “Interfamily Clinic” and the Department of Family Medicine and Outpatient Care of Medical Faculty #2, Uzhhorod National University - an event that brought together the best family medicine teachers from all over Ukraine.
About EURACT
The European Academy of Teachers in General Practice/Family Medicine (EURACT) is the leading European body supporting excellence in primary care education. The Leonardo course is one of its flagship faculty development programs, promoting international collaboration, innovation, and quality in teaching.
About InterFamily Clinic
Located in Uzhhorod (Ukraine) , “InterFamily Clinic” is a unique example of community-based, evidence-informed healthcare. It offers patient care, preventive services, and clinical teaching with a deep commitment to empathy, quality, and lifelong learning.About the Department of Family Medicine and Outpatient Care of Medical Faculty #2, Uzhhorod National University. The newest department at Uzhgorod National University has an average teachers’ of the faculty age of under 35 years. It offers training in outpatient general practice and communication skills for both the Ukrainian Medical Faculty and Medical Faculty #2, which educates international students.
The Leonardo course was thoughtfully organized and successfully implemented by the dedicated team at “InterFamily”, under the leadership of Pavlo Kolesnyk — an Associate Professor and PhD. He currently serves as the Head of the Department of Family Medicine and Outpatient Care at the Faculty of Medicine No. 2 of Uzhhorod National University. In addition to his academic role, Dr. Kolesnyk is also the Director of the “InterFamily Clinic”, where he actively integrates innovative educational initiatives into clinical practice. His expertise and commitment played a key role in ensuring the course’s relevance, quality, and impact on medical education during a time of national challenges.
The course was conducted by a team of experienced trainers: EGPRN council member from the UK Professor Michael Harris, EURACT council member from Switzerland Ass. Professor Arabelle Rieder and Ass.Professor Johanna Sommer, EURACT ex-council member Portugal, Director of PrimaryCare Department Denise Alexandra Cunha Velho, as well as Ukrainian specialists who gained experience abroad and returned from the European EURACT Leonardo course to share their knowledge at home in Ukraine: EURACT and EGPRN council member Ass. Professor Kolesnyk Pavlo, and EURACT/EGPRN members from Ukraine: Ass.Professor Ponzel Natalya, Ass.Professor Semyaniv Marianna, Ass. Professor Kolesnyk Andriy.
The course brought together educators from 13 regions of Ukraine alongside esteemed faculty from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Portugal.
Course participants did not just listen to lectures, but immersed themselves in an active learning environment: they worked in groups, discussed teaching challenges, and tried modern methods of interacting with students and planning educational events, outdoor and indoor activities, role plays and brainstorming, bid and small group learning etc.
Why Uzhhorod?
The westernmost city of Ukraine, Uzhhorod, stands not only as a peaceful and picturesque destination, safely distant from active missile threats, but also as a beacon of resilience, innovation, and patriotism. It is in this unique setting that the Leonardo Course was conceived and brought to life. Organized by dedicated Uzhhorod residents, the course reflects a strong commitment to showcasing the city as a platform for European-level educational initiatives. The local team believes that even during wartime, quality education must not be halted—it must evolve and adapt. Uzhhorod’s geographical safety and cultural openness make it an ideal ground for such transformation.The Leonardo Course brought together the key pillars of the city—its leading university, the progressive “InterFamily” Clinic, and the supportive municipal community. United by a shared vision, they worked in synergy to advance the standard of medical education in Ukraine. By investing in the development of medical educators and healthcare professionals, the course aimed not only to sustain the healthcare system under pressure but to elevate it to new heights.
Through the Leonardo Course, Uzhhorod demonstrated that even a small, borderland city can serve as a catalyst for meaningful academic reform and international collaboration. It is a testament to what can be achieved when local patriotism meets global standards.
Who supported the course?
The success of the Leonardo Course was made possible thanks to the collaboration and support of several key institutions and individuals, each contributing their unique expertise, resources, and vision to the initiative.At the core of the initiative was the Department of Family Medicine and Outpatient Care of Medical Faculty No. 2, operating under the auspices of Uzhhorod National University. As an academic cornerstone of the region, the department played a crucial role in shaping the curriculum and ensuring academic excellence.The “InterFamily” Clinic, a progressive medical institution known for its dedication to primary care and innovation in healthcare delivery, provided clinical expertise and logistical support. It also served as a real-world setting for practical components of the training.Crucial international support came from EURACT (the European Academy of Teachers in General Practice/Family Medicine), a leading European organization promoting excellence in family medicine education. Their involvement brought not only credibility but also a valuable link to European standards and methodologies.The course was also supported by the ShowUp4Health project - an EU-funded initiative that fosters transnational collaboration in public health education, particularly in response to crisis conditions like war and displacement.Importantly, the participants themselves played a vital role in the realization of the course. Their personal contributions - both financial and through active engagement—highlighted the deep commitment of Ukrainian medical professionals to their continued education and to the future of healthcare in the country.
Innovations are born here
The Leonardo course, a part of EURACT’s faculty development program, delivered much more than academic content. It sparked professional dialogue, inspired collaboration across borders, and helped participants rediscover their shared identity as educators and change makers in primary careA special place in the course program was occupied by the “Teaching Innovation Market”, where each participant could present their own educational projects - something they were truly proud of. It was a space for inspiration, exchange of ideas and creation of the future of family medicine teaching in Ukraine.3 days of intensive work, new master classes, networking, plans for joint projects and, of course, getting to know Uzhhorod and its hospitable residents.
As part of the EURACT Leonardo Course, Uzhhorod welcomed a vibrant community of family medicine teachers.
We learned.
We connected.
We grew.
We visited the inspiring “InterFamily” Clinic — where medicine meets compassion and innovation.
We explored evidence-based care, volunteerism, and the power of local-global collaboration. We walked through colourful Uzhhorod, discovering the city through creativity and symbolism.
The experience culminated in an interactive gala dinner — an evening of learning through celebration. Through games, music, and storytelling, participants explored Ukraine’s rich regional diversity and cultural traditions. They shared folk songs, dances, and local customs, creating a tapestry of voices that celebrated both uniqueness and unity. Guests enjoyed authentic Zakarpatia cuisine, joined in traditional dances, and sang together with heartfelt joy. A special performance by the Dancing Corporation of Friends featured dances of Zakarpatia’s region and many national communities — a powerful expression of the region’s multicultural identity and hospitality.
Leonardo Uzhhorod is more than just education. It is a community that is changing medical education in Ukraine. What we take home is more than new methods — it's a renewed sense of purpose. We are a strong community: creative, talented, and unstoppable. The participants of Leonardo Uzhgorod #2 are gathered near the flourishing EURACT Tree located in the yard of the Family Medicine and Outpatient Care Department. The practice of planting the EURACT tree has received backing from council members across major European nations. The plaque on the tree reads: “I touch the future - I teach,” which reflects the philosophy embraced by the entire EURACT community.