Today we’d like to introduce you to Nataliia Kuchma.
Hi Nataliia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in Sumy, a city in northeastern Ukraine. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, I worked as a physician and taught at a medical institute.
When the war began, my daughter Solomiia and I relocated to western Ukraine, while my husband joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Later, in the summer of 2022, I came to Minnesota through the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program together with my daughter and my sister.
Today, I work as a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. Since arriving in the United States, I have also successfully completed treatment for breast cancer, an experience that further strengthened my resilience and determination.
My journey has been shaped by unexpected challenges, adaptation, and perseverance. Through it all, I have remained committed to medicine, research, and helping others while building a new life in Minnesota and supporting my family.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has definitely not been a smooth road.
Like many Ukrainians, my life changed dramatically when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. I had to leave my home and start over in a new country while being separated from my husband, who remained in Ukraine to serve in the Armed Forces.
Starting over professionally was also challenging. In Ukraine, I was a physician and medical educator. After moving to the United States, I had to adapt to a different healthcare system, improve my English, and find a new path to continue working in medicine and research.
One of the most difficult challenges was being diagnosed with breast cancer after arriving in the United States. Going through treatment while adjusting to a new country and caring for my daughter required a great deal of strength and perseverance.
Despite these challenges, I was never alone. The support of my family, friends, colleagues, and community helped me move forward and reminded me of the incredible kindness and generosity of people. I also found an inspiring community of women who share a commitment to helping others and supporting Ukraine. Together, we work on projects that make a meaningful difference, including humanitarian, educational, and community initiatives that support those affected by the war.
Looking back, these experiences have made me stronger, more resilient, and even more grateful for the opportunities I have today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work with an outstanding team at the University of Minnesota that is advancing the field of intestinal microbiota transplantation (IMT). We have our own donor program and are dedicated to improving patients’ quality of life through innovative research and treatment approaches.
Our work focuses on the gut microbiome and its role in a variety of conditions. We help patients with gastrointestinal diseases and are also exploring the potential of microbiome-based therapies in autoimmune disorders and autism spectrum disorder.
What sets me apart is my unique perspective as both a physician and a researcher. My experiences in Ukraine, my journey as an immigrant, and the challenges I have overcome have strengthened my empathy, resilience, and commitment to improving the lives of others.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that you do not have to succeed on your own. The support, encouragement, and guidance of other people have played an important role in my journey.
After moving to the United States, I was fortunate to meet colleagues, mentors, and friends who believed in me and helped me navigate a new country, a new healthcare system, and a new stage of my career. Their support opened doors and gave me opportunities to continue working in a field that I truly love.
I am also a member of the Ukrainian Women’s League of America (UNWLA), where I have found a community of like-minded people. Together, we work on projects that support Ukraine, including advocacy efforts to help bring home Ukrainian children who were unlawfully deported to Russia during the war.
My advice is to be open to connecting with people, ask questions, and never be afraid to seek help. Meaningful relationships are often built through genuine curiosity, kindness, and a willingness to learn from others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unwla.org/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliia-kuchma-a20901261/
- Other: https://microbiota-therapeutics.umn.edu/
