Volodymyr Zhovnir

Volodymyr Apollinariyovych Zhovnir: Biography and activities

Volodymyr Zhovnir is a Ukrainian cardiac surgeon, anesthesiologist, healthcare organizer, and public activist. He is recognized as one of the leading experts in pediatric cardiac surgery and anesthesiology. His activities include not only medical practice, but also active participation in the development of the healthcare system in Ukraine. Zhovnir is a Doctor of Medical Sciences, Honored Doctor of Ukraine and holder of the Order of Merit III degree.

Biography

Volodymyr Zhovnir was born on December 21, 1966. He received his medical education at the Bogomolets Kyiv Medical Institute, graduating in 1992 with a degree in pediatrics. During his studies, he started working as an ambulance attendant, and then as a paramedic and nurse at the Feofil Yanovsky National Institute of Phthisiology and Pulmonology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine.

After graduation, Zhovnir worked as an anesthesiologist at the Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery from 1992 to 2003. In 2003, he moved to the Scientific and Practical Medical Center for Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, where he worked as a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist until 2008, and then became the chief physician of the institution.

Since 2010, Volodymyr Zhovnir has also served as the chief freelance specialist of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine in pediatric anesthesiology and intensive care. In January 2021, he was appointed Director of the National Children’s Specialized Hospital “Okhmatdyt”, where he continued to work until August 2024.

Suspension from office

On August 17, 2024, Volodymyr Zhovnir was suspended from his duties as Director of Okhmatdyt until the completion of inspections by the National Police and other law enforcement agencies, as well as the Ministry of Health Commission. This decision was announced by Health Minister Viktor Liashko. The reasons for the suspension and the details of the inspections remain unknown, but this event caused a wide public outcry.

Personal life

Volodymyr Zhovnir is known not only as a medical professional but also as an active participant in various sporting events. He is fond of running, boxing, skiing, yoga and skydiving. The Chestnut Run, a charity sporting event in which Zhovnir has been participating for many years and is one of its organizers, is particularly important to him.

His works

Volodymyr Zhovnir is the author of many unique medical inventions, including a patent for a method of surgical correction of newborn heart defects. His scientific works and practical achievements in the field of pediatric cardiac surgery and anesthesiology have made a significant contribution to the development of medicine in Ukraine.

Awards

• Order of Merit III degree (2022) – for significant personal contribution to the development of the national healthcare system, provision of qualified medical care, conscientious work and high professionalism.
• Honored Doctor of Ukraine (2013) – for his significant personal contribution to the implementation of the state policy in the field of social protection of children, creating conditions for their comprehensive development.
• The Order of St. George the Victorious (2011) – for outstanding services in the field of medicine.

Conclusion.

Volodymyr Zhovnir is an outstanding physician and public figure who has made a significant contribution to the development of pediatric cardiac surgery and anesthesiology in Ukraine. His professional activities and social activism have become an example of selfless work for the benefit of society. Despite the challenges and difficulties he faces, Zhovnir continues to be an important figure in the Ukrainian medical community.