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Infectious diseases are a challenge for modern medicine, requiring doctors to be constantly prepared and professional. The work of infectious disease specialists goes beyond treatment — they must also prevent outbreaks, control the spread of dangerous diseases, and combat antimicrobial resistance. Kateryna Lytvyn, an infectious disease specialist from Dnipro, has been dreaming of dedicating herself to medicine since high school, and has been protecting the lives and health of her patients for 30 years.
“Infectious diseases are my passion. I have always admired this specialty. It offers the opportunity to witness the results: the acute course of the disease ends with recovery, and prevention helps prevent outbreaks of dangerous diseases. This inspires and motivates me to continue working in this field,” says Kateryna.
The area of infectious diseases is always at the center of global challenges: pandemics, disease outbreaks, and antimicrobial resistance.
“Today, medicine faces the threat of the so-called post-antibiotic era, when even the simplest infections can become deadly due to antimicrobial resistance. This is a challenge not only for infectious disease specialists, but for all healthcare professionals. We need to implement the latest technologies, improve interdisciplinary cooperation and be prepared for emergencies, such as potential disease X,” explains the doctor.
Kateryna emphasizes that the outcome of treatment depends not only on the doctor but also on the patient.
“Often we face the wrong approach to health: people think that doctors have to do everything themselves. But without a responsible attitude of the patient, it is impossible to achieve a positive result. This is especially true when it comes to prevention — such as vaccinations, following recommendations, and seeking help in a timely manner. Parents who refuse to vaccinate their children are putting their lives at risk. We see diseases that could have been prevented, and it's difficult to accept,” emphasizes the infectious disease doctor.
“Preventive medicine can prevent serious diseases. Vaccination, proper nutrition, and regular medical examinations are the foundation of good health. As doctors, we strive to communicate this to every patient, but society must be ready to cooperate.”
The war has brought new challenges, but the team of infectious disease specialists continues to work at the forefront of the fight against diseases.
“Our work requires constant readiness. The war creates conditions that contribute to the spread of infections due to stress, malnutrition, and poor hygiene. We anticipate an increase in flu, COVID-19 and even new strains of infections. And our goal is to be prepared and respond quickly,” says Kateryna.
An important step in the development of medicine is to build trust between the patient and the doctor.
“Medicine is constantly evolving: digitalization, hospital autonomy, and the availability of medicines are changes that make patients' lives easier. But trust in a doctor remains the foundation. As doctors, we must work in such a way that patients feel confident and know that they will receive the best care.”