Between two worlds: the story of Violina Volkova, a doctor without borders

The medical profession is one of the most challenging and important professions globally. The question here is not about what country you are from or where you are now but about your vocation to help and save wherever you are. Violina Volkova is a gynecologist, endocrinologist, wellness specialist, and member of the international organizations ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology), ESAG (European Society of Aesthetic Gynecology), A4M (American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine). She specializes in women’s health, infertility treatment, pregnancy management, and essential patient management. 

The young doctor from Ukraine is now helping women like those in Spain to be healthy. We talked about what it’s like to start from scratch in a European country, the fundamental differences between Ukrainian and Spanish medicine, and the moral obstacles a migrant doctor has to overcome on his or her life path. 

• Violina, please tell us how your professional development in Ukraine influenced your career in Spain? What skills and knowledge have been most helpful?

My studies and work experience in Ukraine gave me a strong impetus to continue my activities in Spain. In Ukraine, the learning process is organized so that you are a universal soldier. I was brought up by professors and doctors as a highly multifunctional specialist who should be able to do and know everything. Even though I am a gynecologist, I understand how the whole body works; I have experience in surgery in emergency care, I can cut out appendicitis, perform an abortion, and carry out basic manipulations, and I also have experience in the oncology department. I can do any kind of ultrasound. The first thing that impressed the Spaniards was that I knew more than I should at a young age (I’m 28), making them sincerely want to support and help me. 

• What are the main differences in the approach to medicine and treatment that you have noticed between Ukraine and Spain?

First and foremost, Spain has insurance-based medicine, while Ukraine does not. Everything here depends on it — doctors’ salaries, the roadmap of work with patients, the cost of treatment, and the speed of medical services. Spain has a more standardized, protocol-based approach, but in Ukraine, it is more personalized, but again, not always correct. The Spaniards are also actively involved in disease prevention, which is normal here. 

• What inspires you about working as a gynecologist and endocrinologist in Barcelona? Is Europe indeed providing more opportunities for doctors to develop and realize themselves?

Absolutely, there are more resources for networking and professional collaborations, and all events are generally more accessible. Several times since moving, I have participated in various conferences in Europe absolutely free of charge at the expense of my employers, who always support me in my professional development. 

• What were the difficulties on the way to adaptation after the full-scale adaptation?

The first, of course, was the language. I actively studied it, but making mistakes in my speech was scary. I am very grateful for the support of my colleagues, who believed in me and helped me. The moral aspect is a separate story; I still don’t have any close Spanish friends. I miss my home very much, my close people, and the Odesa vibe.

• What is the place where Ukrainian patients are in your practice? Are there any particular aspects of working with them?

They are special. It is about 65%. I am a very empathetic person, and it is difficult for me to react calmly to the story of a patient who has no documents because her house was destroyed. Or girls who were actively preparing for pregnancy and had reproductive material in Ukraine… I live through each case and try to help as sincerely as possible. And, thankfully, we succeed! There are more and more Ukrainian women, and we continue to cooperate. I want to reach even more people who need help uniting different specialists, so I am creating my own multidisciplinary online medical platform for consultations. My plans include a network of clinics in Spain, a UAE hub, and a United States conquest. It will be high-quality medicine, operative, as we are used to in Ukraine, but as evidence-based as in Europe. I also dream of opening my own maternity hospital in Spain because of how they give birth here; they don’t give birth anywhere else, and I want as many women as possible to have this first-class experience. And secondly, Ukrainian doctors have the opportunity to practice and learn local standards in cool conditions. 

• What changes and trends in gynecology and endocrinology are the most important and exciting today?

There has been a huge breakthrough in the treatment of endometriosis. Also, infertility treatments are essential and super relevant at the moment. Another interesting thing is the active study of the relationship between mental illness and gynecological problems, as well as how it affects metabolism and the production of sex hormones.  

• How do you maintain a work-life balance? What are your hobbies and interests?

It’s hard, but I’m trying! (laughs) I recently discovered Latin American dancing — I dance and feel really alive! Sports and running are also regular parts of my life. I’ve also been playing the piano and singing since childhood, and reading is very calming for me. 

• Your place of inspiration/strength is in Spain and in Ukraine.

By the way, I am very inspired by traveling. Speaking of Spain, it’s definitely the north of the Basque country, the city of San Sebastian; it’s the island of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, very retreat-like. In Barcelona, I adore green areas and gardens – fortunately, the whole city inspires me. In Ukraine, of course, it was the sea station in Odesa and Primorsky Boulevard, and in Kyiv, I adore Volodymyrska Descent and the park near the Kyiv National University; I used to go there a lot. Everything else that was close to my heart is now destroyed. 

Social media: 

• Instagram: @dr.violina_volkova
• Website: www.violina.es 

The interview was conducted by Iryna Kistruha.