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An anesthesiologist should be with the patient in the most difficult moments — from the moment he or she prepares for the procedure to the time when he or she wakes up after surgery. This is the main rule of Hanna Vlasenko, an anesthesiologist from Kyiv, who helps children every day, relieves their pain and returns them to the joy of life. Her story is about a profession that has become a true calling.
“I was always looking for a specialty that would interest me and give me a sense of inner fulfillment. When I got the opportunity to work in anesthesiology, I decided to try it. And then I realized that this is where I can help people go through the most difficult moments of their lives without pain. This is extremely important for children. We can make sure that they do not suffer during manipulations and surgeries, that their experience is protected — both physically and emotionally,” says Hanna Vlasenko.
For many patients, pain relief is perceived as something familiar, but it is the doctor's responsibility for the patient's comfort and safety. Especially when it comes to children.
“Some procedures are incredibly traumatic, and if a child undergoes them without sedation or anesthesia, it can even be dangerous. In such cases, the body can react to pain with sudden pressure surges and changes in heart rate. Sometimes this even leads to serious heart rhythm disorders. My task is to protect the child from these risks.”
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The doctor's work is full of challenges, but it is the result that gives strength and inspiration to work further.
“I am most inspired when I can see the results. For example, a child was in critical condition, decompensated, and needed intensive care. A few days later, she was walking, smiling, and playing. Her saturation rose from 70 to 95, and you realize that now she will have a chance for a normal life. She is no longer at risk of hypoxia, which could cause developmental delays or other complications,” adds Hanna.
The medical profession is not only about knowledge and practice, but also about moments that touch the soul and remain in your memory for a long time.
“Once we had a very difficult patient. When he was being discharged, the boy's sister tied little hearts from thread and gave them to us as a gift. It was the moment when you just stood there with goosebumps and tears in your eyes, realizing that your work is not in vain.”
Every child is a separate world, and you need to find your own key of trust for each one. Especially if fear and pain become an obstacle to treatment. And without parents’ understanding and support, successful treatment of a child becomes much more difficult.
“The hardest part is explaining to parents. They want the best for their child, but sometimes they hide important things, such as fever or other symptoms, so that the surgery can't be postponed. They do not always realize that this can worsen the child's condition. Working with parents is very important: their support and preparation of the child affects the outcome. If the mother cries, the child also becomes anxious, which complicates the process,” explains the doctor.
Today, medicine has become much more open and accessible, but many people are still afraid to seek help.
“Parents are afraid that they will be asked for money because they do not understand how affordable it is. Now we are trying to open up more information. Doctors run social networks and show that they can consult for free. People see that no one is hiding anything, that everything can be discussed openly. This gives people hope,” says Hanna.
“My profession constantly teaches me new things. Each child requires an individual approach, and each case becomes the basis for future work. This is what makes my job both challenging and incredibly important.”