Iryna Humenna had recently graduated and was working as a general practitioner when war broke out in Ukraine earlier this year.
The 26-year-old, from the western city of Ternopil, was treating pregnant women and working in two hospitals.
But it all ended when Russia invaded in February.
Dr. Iryna Humenna at her graduation before the war broke out. (Supplied)
Humenna recalled discovering the deadly invasion before going to work.
“When I was going to my hospital, I called my parents to find out if they knew about everything that was going on,” he told 9News.com.au, via a translator.
“I was traveling to my clinic on public transportation: everyone was overwhelmed, scared, panicking.”
Her parents live in the countryside, so she had planned to go there.
But then the family decided it was safer to leave the country altogether.
Dr. Iryna Humenna is from the city of Ternopil, Ukraine. (Getty Images / iStockphoto)
A distant relative in Australia helped and the family, including his mother, sister-in-law, aunt and a cousin, arrived in Poland during the early days of the war.
Humenna only carried a bag containing clothes and medication, as she feared it would be difficult to access any medication they might need.
After eight days in a hotel near the border, as they needed to sort out paperwork, the group headed to Berlin, to fly to Sydney.
Dr Iryna Humenna said Australians have been very kind. (Supplied)
And although she now lives safely in Strathfield, in the interior of the west, she is still treating patients in Ukraine.
She is unable to work as a doctor in Australia until she goes through the lengthy process of converting her qualifications.
“I’m still working with some of my patients. I’m in touch with three all the time, I try to help them online,” he said.
It also answers help calls to the Telegram instant messaging service.
Dr. Iryna Humenna has even done some exams from Australia. (Supplied)
“It’s called Medicine for Everyone, the goal is to help people who need medical help,” he said.
“We’re trying to help people and I usually get requests for help from this channel as well.”
He said it “hurts” to see the news from home.
Her father and brother are still there, but for now they are safe.
Ukrainian firefighter in an apartment building after an attack in Kyiv. (AP)
However, she said she has been “overwhelmed” by the kindness of Australians.
“They are sensitive when I talk about my country,” he said.
“I am surprised by the people who did not suffer the war, who understand us and offer help.
Dr. Iryna Humenna with her family. His father and brother remain in Ukraine. (Supplied)
“That’s the most amazing thing.”
Humenna hopes to continue his career as a general practitioner or as a gastroenterologist.
He has even taken his exams online from Australia.
But he admits the future is hard to think about.
“It’s not easy to dream about your life when your country is in a terrible situation,” he said.
“For now, the main dream for me is for the war to stop and I will start plans on my own life.
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“I felt like I was safe. My family is safe, that was the most important thing.”
The Interior Ministry says that since February 23, 2022 has granted more than 8,000 visas to Ukrainian nationals in Ukraine and hundreds more to Ukrainians elsewhere.
More than 3,000 Ukrainians have already arrived in Australia.
The Department of Health told 9News.com.au that there are several avenues that international medical graduates, including Ukrainian doctors, can work on to register in Australia.
“The Medical Board of Australia is responsible for all matters related to the regulation of the medical profession in Australia,” a spokesperson said.
Settlement Services International (SSI) in Sydney is also helping refugees and asylum seekers gain recognition for their qualifications.
Ola Alhana, an overseas SSI qualification recognition facilitator, said it could take up to five years for professionals like Humenna to work as a GP in Australia.
“Any customer who is prepared and willing to start the process can feel overwhelmed by how long, difficult and costly the process is, in addition to all the changes in their new life,” he said.
“But usually, after a while, they adapt to the idea of changing their career path over the next few years as they get recognition for their qualification.”