Trained as doctors in their country, the Ukrainian couple is now building a new life for PEI as permanent workers in a long-term care home in Charlottetown.
Olena Evchenko, 29, and Yehor Polusmyak, 28, were on holiday in Africa when the war broke out in Ukraine.
Polusmyak’s parents moved to PEI five years ago, so the couple decided to come to the Island instead of returning to Ukraine.
“We have a very good life in Ukraine. We have a good job. We have a family, we have an apartment. We have cars and everything was fine,” Evchenko said.
“I like our life in Ukraine. But we have another life here. This is a new life.”
Stay in healthcare
The couple started looking for work on the Island, hoping to stay in healthcare, but also knowing that they would not be able to work as doctors.
“We have to confirm our diplomas. This is a long and expensive process, so we need some time to confirm our accreditations and our diplomas, take some exams, then study, “said Polusmyak.
“We decided to try, of course, in healthcare. And there were options in long-term care. So we chose long-term care.”
The couple relaxes at their home in Stratford, PEI, after work. (Ken Linton / CBC)
Polusmyak was trained as an ophthalmologist, Evchenko as an emergency doctor, which in Ukraine is very different from North America.
“In Ukraine, emergency doctors work in an ambulance, and we rescue people elsewhere, at home, on the street, in the car,” Yevchenko said.
“It’s an adventure. I love my job.”
Evchenko has been trained as an emergency doctor, which in Ukraine means traveling by ambulance to help. (Submitted by Olena Evchenko)
Evchenko said the work he does now at the long-term care home is very different.
“But it’s healthcare. We help the people, we help the residents, and the residents of Whisperwood Villa are a lot of fun, very sweet,” Evchenko said.
“We like them, and we like them. It’s great.”
Polusmiak trained to become an ophthalmologist in Ukraine before coming to PEI (Submitted by Yehor Polusmiak)
The care director at Whisperwood Villa said the feeling was mutual.
“It was phenomenal. They both come with rich knowledge,” said Samantha Thorpe.
“They are hard workers, they want to work. They have such a passion for healthcare and we are so happy to have them here.”
Away from family
The transition to PEI was particularly difficult for Yevchenko, as her parents and brothers are still in Ukraine.
She talks to them on video call several times a day.
“They are happy for me because I am safe. But they are worried because this is a new life for me,” Evchenko said.
“But they are happy that I am safe. This is very important to them.”
The transition to PEI was particularly difficult for Yevchenko, as her parents and brothers are still in Ukraine. (Submitted by Olena Evchenko)
Evchenko said he was worried about his family and friends and their country.
“Oh, it’s terrible and it’s very difficult for us. I see so many deaths and so many children die,” Yevchenko said.
“Young people, old people, everyone. I’m very sorry. For my country. My people.”
Evchenko says he is worried about his family and friends and their country. (Submitted by Olena Evchenko)
Evchenko said many residents of Whisperwood Villa asked them about the situation in Ukraine, which she said the couple appreciated.
“This is a very beautiful country because we have very beautiful nature. We have beautiful people … This is our country. This is our homeland. And of course, we love it,” Evchenko said.
“I think all people are asking us about Ukraine and supporting us. It’s good that people know about the situation in Ukraine. “
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