Marina Kalabina MD pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist killed in Ukraine
From Randy Clark ASA president
Sadness. Anger. Bewilderment. These are some of my reactions when I read and watch the tragedy currently unfolding in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. The stories about loss of life, particularly among innocent civilians, are heartbreaking. Yesterday, the fighting hit altogether too close to home – we learned from the Ukrainian Minister of Health that pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist Marina Kalabina was among a number of civilians recently killed in the violence. Dr. Kalabina was reportedly shot near Kyiv as she drove her injured nephew to the hospital. On behalf of all of ASA, we send our deepest condolences to Dr. Kalabina’s family, friends, and colleagues. We have reached out to the Ukrainian Society of Anaesthesiologists and its nearly 7,000 members to offer our support in their time of need.
More broadly, ASA stands with the Ukrainian people and all in the medical community who are working to ease the pain and suffering of those caught in the violence of this conflict. To all those committed to healing and saving lives – remain steadfast, stay strong, and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Ukrainian people need our help. I ask that you act now to consider supporting relief efforts. The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care has recommended the International Committee of the Red Cross. Additional well-vetted suggestions for helping in Ukraine can be found at the Charity Navigator website. Finally, we have learned that the respected medical assistance organization Medecins Sans Frontieres is mobilizing to assist in Ukraine and surrounding countries.
I wish I could say how this terrible situation will end, but I cannot. All I can say is that the size and scope of this aggression against a country and population larger than that found in California is among the worst the world has seen since the Second World War. The events thus far have been horrific and may get worse. I am heartened by the solidarity of the international community in the actions taken to date to stop the aggression, especially from among those previously reluctant to engage in this type of conflict. Hopefully these collective actions will soon produce a halt to the bloodshed.
The people of Ukraine are in my thoughts and prayers. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me to share your views on other actions ASA might and should take in response to these terrible events.
From Myron: If any of you knew Marina and would like to comment or if you simply want to share your thoughts on this unfolding catastrophe send to my email directly myasterster@gmail.com and I’ll post in a reader response PAAD next week.