CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Russia’s war continues in Ukraine.

One North Carolina doctor is trying to help by traveling to the front lines to train trauma surgeons.

Dr. Michael Samotowka, a Charlotte-based trauma surgeon, grew up in a Ukrainian community in Buffalo, New York. His parents are originally from the eastern European country.

What You Need To Know

  • As Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, a Charlotte-based doctor is trying to help

  • Dr. Michael Samotowka continues to travel to the country to train trauma surgeons on the front lines

  • He says he’s seen the toll of the war firsthand

This personal tie to Ukraine is why he now travels there with a charitable nongovernmental organization called MedGlobal.

He and others are training doctors on the front lines.

"Ukraine is a relatively small country, certainly do not have a lot of trauma surgeons prior to this. And now, unfortunately, they've had to recruit general surgeons, urologists,” he said. "Everybody who has surgical skills is, you know, participating and doing their share to help with the care of the trauma patients.”

He says he’s seen firsthand the toll on Ukraine.

"I've had the opportunity to go to several of the close frontline war zones and just see the devastation, and it's terrible,” Samotowka said.

Samotowka says he does this because it’s one way he can help.

"I have a skill, and I speak the language, so I think, I feel obligated to do what I can to help,” he said.

Since last March, MedGlobal has continued to provide on-the-ground medical relief teams, trainings and resources in Ukraine.