My name is Zinai, and I am excited to share that I am very close to achieving my lifelong dream of becoming a pediatrician. 

In 2015, I moved to Ukraine to study medicine. After the Russian invasion in February 2022, I was forced to flee the war and abandon everything I had. Nevertheless, I managed to complete the remainder of my studies and obtain my Ukrainian medical degree in July 2022. I have resided in the Netherlands ever since, until very recently under the general protection program for refugees from Ukraine.

Unfortunately, as I am not a Ukrainian national, my status under this program has changed (read the article Medisch Contact wrote about my situation) and the only option for me here is to apply for an asylum, a process that will probably take several years and with an uncertain outcome. Even if I were to obtain a permanent residency status, I would still have to learn Dutch and probably redo parts of my medical training in order to obtain a BIG-registratie.

During the past 2 years, I have earned a living doing manual labor and have successfully completed the necessary USMLE exams. Currently, I am preparing to apply for medical residency in the United States for the upcoming MATCH 2025. 

However, to navigate this critical phase of my career, I need your support. Now that I have passed the USMLE exames, the residency application process awaits. This comes with substantial financial demands.

Here is how your contributions can make a tangible difference:

-       Application Fees: each residency program has an associated application fee, and to maximize my chances of securing a match, I need to apply to multiple programs across the country.

-       Travel and Accommodation: getting US clinical experience is a crucial part of the residency application process.

Your generosity will not only help alleviate the financial burden of these expenses but will also allow me to focus on what truly matters, demonstrating my commitment and capability as a future resident physician. Every contribution, no matter the amount, will bring me closer to this goal. With your support, I am hopeful that I can achieve my dream of matching into a pediatric residency program and ultimately making a meaningful impact in the field of medicine. 

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and belief in my dreams,

Zinai