Shevchenko Society and UMANA hold joint conference in Chicago (04/25/04)

Shevchenko Society and UMANA hold joint conference in Chicago

CHICAGO - The Shevchenko Scientific Society (NTSh) Chicago Branch and the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America (UMANA) held a day-long forum on Saturday, March 20, at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, recognizing the 130th anniversary of the founding of the NTSh.

The event was organized by Paul Pundy, M.D., head of the NTSh Chicago Branch, and long-time archivist (retired) of UMANA. The special guest of honor was the president of NTSh-America, Dr. Larissa Zaleska Onyshkevych.

Morning presentations and discussions were devoted to issues surrounding NTSh and the history of Ukrainian immigrants. The afternoon sessions were devoted to an examination of the history of publications by physicians, and an overview of the direction in which UMANA is heading in the new millennium.

Dr. Pundy opened the program with warm greetings to the large group present. He introduced Dr. Onyshkevych, who summarized the plans of NTSh for addressing the future development of the organization. Subsequent speakers included Dr. Dmytro Shtohryn, Dr. Myron Kuropas, Prof. Bohdan Rubchak, Dr. Daria Markus and Oleksiy Konoval.

During the noon break, the conference participants toured the National Office of the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America, headquartered in the same building. Past archivist Dr. Pundy along with current archivist Dr. Maria Hrycelak prepared an extensive display of historical photographs of past editors and authors, pamphlets, books and journals reflecting a century of health care publications printed under the auspices of both organizations.

Of particular interest was a facsimile of the first issue of the Collection of Mathematics - Natural Science - Medicine published by NTSh in Lviv, in 1897, with the original residing in the archives of the University of Chicago. The display included the latest issue of the Likarskyi Visnyk, No. 150, celebrating 50 years of continuous medical publication in the Ukrainian language.

The afternoon sessions were dedicated to institutional medical topics. Dr. Pundy reviewed the vast historical array of medical publications of the Medical Committee of NTSh. Dr. George Hrycelak shared his experience as executive director of UMANA, and explored the possibilities and future directions for the association.

The conference concluded with a spirited question and answer period. Participants remained behind on a warm first day of spring in Chicago to discuss their impressions and share views on the gathering.

For further information about UMANA readers may call (773) 278-6262.

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