At the OMI in Salzburg, young doctors connect with leading U.S. faculty and soon many embark on transformative placements at top American institutions. From Romania to Mexico, OMI fellows gain life-changing experiences and build global networks that propel their careers forward. Read on to discover some inspiring journeys of OMI alumni who recently made it to Weill Cornell Medicine, the Hospital for Special Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Above all, they leave to learn, not to leave, and bring knowledge and expertise back to their home countries.
“Cancer is a universal challenge. People everywhere share the same emotions of hope, loss, and resilience. Knowledge and experience remain our strongest weapons, and I am grateful to have gained both in such an exceptional environment,” states Dr. Mariam Abuladze from Georgia, who just returned from a one-month placement at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC).
„Attending the OMI Bone and Soft Tissue Malignancies seminar was a turning point in my professional journey. Through this program, I had the privilege of connecting with Dr. Mark A. Dickson, who kindly supported my placement at MSKCC’s Sarcoma Department. Spending a month at MSKCC was one of the most valuable and inspiring experiences of my career. I had the honor of learning directly from leading experts, such as Dr. William D. Tap and Dr. Robert Maki, witnessing how they approach complex decision-making, and understanding the importance of collaboration and humanity in oncology practice. Thanks to the OMI, I not only expanded my expertise but also found a new professional “family”. I carry this responsibility forward in my own institution, Todua Clinic, where I strive to integrate the innovations I learned into daily practice. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity. Truly, no man is an island, no place like home.”
Another course participant, Dr. Ana Lilia Ruelas Villavicencio from Mexico, grasped the opportunity to invite faculty member Dr. Michael A. Postow, Chief of the Melanoma Service at MSKCC, to her institution, the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, this August during a scientific congress to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the dermatology specialty at INCMNSZ. Dr. Postow delivered two cutting-edge lectures on novelties in immunotherapy toxicities in cancer, and current developments in advanced melanoma management. The first lecture was presented as the institutional plenary session to a multidisciplinary audience of professionals from diverse specialties such as internal medicine, oncology, hematology, rheumatology, and dermatology. The second lecture was given to more than 250 dermatologists from Mexico City and beyond.
“This professional interchange was particularly meaningful to me and my dermatology colleagues, as we continue to take on new roles and redefine our leadership styles. Dr. Postow provided invaluable insights and support, inspiring our residents, fellows, and faculty by professionally sharing his expertise and the latest advances in cancer immunotherapy and patient care. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Postow for his contribution and to the OMI for fostering the international network and academic exchange through the OMI seminars.”
Pediatrician Dr. Gulnoza Azizova from Uzbekistan recently made it to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for a one-month placement! “I deepened my understanding in motility disorders, nutritional support, and celiac disease. I truly enjoyed the meaningful conversations with the motility team. Their openness and willingness to share their expertise reinforced my interest in pediatric gastroenterology and motivated me to explore future academic and clinical opportunities in this field.” Under the guidance of Dr. Hayat Mousa, she took part in daily inpatient rounds, outpatient clinics, multidisciplinary meetings, and specialized procedures related to GI motility disorders.
 “The most memorable moments for me were observing infant spinal anesthesia with Dr. Shona Lee and participating in acute pain rounds with Dr. Neil Borad. I also greatly valued the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Hugh Hemmings, the department chair, to discuss clinical practice and academic work in anesthesiology.” Following a seminar in Salzburg, OMI fellow Dr. Michał Fedorczak from Poland was invited to a placement at Weill Cornell Medicine focused on regional anesthesia and critical care. During his two-week stay, he observed a range of procedures, including ultrasound-guided blocks and infant spinal anesthesia, and gained valuable insights into postoperative pain management and the perioperative care of patients undergoing major cardiac and thoracic surgery. “This placement not only deepened my knowledge, but also inspired me to pursue quality improvement projects at my home institution. In particular, I aim to apply the organizational practices I observed at Weill Cornell, such as structured morning discussions and the high level of coordination in the ICU. These experiences will influence both my clinical work and how I collaborate with colleagues and residents.”
OMI alumni Dr. Beatrice Balaceanu Gurau and Dr. Christian Dorin Gurau from Romania visited Weill Cornell Medicine and the Hospital for Special Surgery, where they gained invaluable experiences in dermatology and orthopedic surgery, respectively. Their journey is another powerful example of how participating in the OMI seminars can spark extraordinary career growth and foster meaningful international collaboration.
„This experience was exceptionally enriching and offered invaluable exposure to both the academic and clinical aspects of dermatology at a world-renowned institution. What impressed me most was the collaborative and supportive environment fostered by Dr. Richard Granstein and his team. The faculty, residents, fellows, and staff at Weill Cornell were always welcoming, approachable, and generous with their time, creating an ideal setting for observation and learning,” said Dr. Balaceanu Gurau.
And Dr. Gurau echoed, “The placement at HSS was an extraordinary experience that deepened my surgical knowledge, sharpened my clinical judgment, and strengthened my academic interests. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Mathias Bostrom for his mentorship, guidance, and for the opportunity to continue our academic collaboration. I am confident that the skills and insights gained during this month will have a lasting impact on my future career in orthopedics.”
Thanks to our faculty members and their institutions for hosting our fellows, and congratulations to the fellows for their eagerness to learn and grow!
