Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offers heartfelt thanks: A peek inside surprise visit to SIUH

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — What happens in Ukraine is critical to democracy and the western way of life, Michael Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health, told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the leader’s recent visit to Staten Island University Hospital.

Zelenskyy visited the Ocean Breeze hospital Monday evening to thank staff for its ongoing support and care for 18 wounded Ukrainian soldiers. Zelenskyy also presented Dowling with the Ukrainian Order of Merit, a special distinction awarded to individuals for outstanding achievements, to honor his exceptional leadership in providing vital medical care to Ukraine.

SIUH team members Dr. Eugene Holuka, vice president of physician development and outreach, and Rebecca Gonzalez and Peter Leone, both senior physical therapists, also received the order for their efforts in helping wounded Ukrainian soldiers.

Zelenskyy was escorted by a large motorcade of law enforcement vehicles that closed streets in the neighborhood around the medical facility.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russian forces have targeted Ukrainian hospitals, clinics, maternity wards and other health-care facilities. Since the beginning of the conflict, approximately 200 medical facilities in Ukraine have been attacked, leaving the country struggling to care for wounded soldiers, as well as civilians, and impacting the heath needs of the nation.

“It’s our privilege to help in any way we possibly can,’’ Dowling told the Ukrainian leader, who was in the United States for the 78th session of the United National General Assembly. “What you’re doing, Mr. President, is absolutely extraordinary. What happens in Ukraine is important to all of us.”

Zelenskyy also met with wounded…