GMKA’s Initiative to Support Women in Oncology Received European Cancer Community Foundation Grant

December 5, 2024

≈2 min

The daily challenges of patient care, combined with stress, emotional exhaustion, and workplace gender bias, present significant hurdles for many Ukrainian female physicians. However, initiatives by the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance offer meaningful opportunities to improve their working conditions and professional well-being.

The project “Supporting Women in Oncology in Ukraine: Addressing Burnout and Enhancing Well-being Among Surgeons, Oncologists, and Radiation Oncologists,” led by Inesa Huivaniuk, surgical oncologist and GMKA Ukraine’s Executive Director, recently received a prestigious grant from the European Cancer Community Foundation. Recognized as a standout initiative at the European Cancer Summit 2024, this program aims to address burnout and improve job satisfaction among women in oncology.

What Is This Project?

The “Supporting Women in Oncology in Ukraine” project empowers women healthcare professionals treating cancer patients, including surgeons, oncologists, and radiation oncologists. Its mission is to help these physicians overcome burnout, foster supportive work environments, build psychological resilience, and advance their careers, demonstrating that women can and should lead in their fields.

Why Is It Important?

A preliminary survey conducted by GMKA among 340 female physicians highlighted the significant challenges these professionals face:

80% reported experiencing discouragement and explicit gender discrimination in the workplace.
59% delayed motherhood due to intense workloads and a lack of workplace accommodations.
54% lacked support when choosing surgical specialties.
49% noted the absence of women in administrative roles at their institutions.

These challenges, intensified by work-related stress and the ongoing Russia’s war in Ukraine, contribute to reduced job satisfaction, emotional burnout, and a decline in the quality of patient care.

How Will It Work?

With funding from the European Cancer Community Foundation, GMKA will implement a range of initiatives to support mental health, career development, and leadership among women in oncology:

Burnout Assessment

Surveys and interviews will evaluate burnout levels, job satisfaction, and barriers to professional growth and work-life balance.

Mentorship Program

Early-career professionals will be connected with experienced mentors who will provide regular guidance, career advice, and emotional support to reduce isolation and encourage development.

Mental Health Resources

Workshops and seminars on stress management and psychological resilience will equip participants with practical tools to navigate workplace challenges. Counseling services will also be made available.

Leadership Development

Leadership workshops will focus on negotiation, strategic decision-making, and advocacy for gender equity, empowering women to advance in their careers and secure leadership roles.

Together, these efforts create a comprehensive support system to help Ukrainian women oncologists recharge, thrive professionally, and foster an inclusive healthcare environment.

What Do We Expect?

The GMKA initiative sets ambitious goals: to reduce burnout among women in oncology, enhance job satisfaction, decrease professional isolation, and support career advancement. Additionally, it seeks to transform organizational culture, fostering greater inclusivity within the healthcare sector.

This project is vital in supporting Ukrainian women oncologists, who shoulder immense responsibility in treating civilians during wartime. By helping these professionals unlock their potential and prioritize their well-being, the initiative creates a ripple effect: doctors become more fulfilled, patient care improves, and the overall quality of medical services in Ukraine rises.