Ella Kuchmiy wanted to go out and help people. Now she’s on the front lines of an international crisis.

Dr. Kuchmiy is a former Highline student, serving as a physician in Ukraine amid the Russian invasion. 

“I went to Ukraine on a disaster relief medical mission trip with In His Image International and Heartbeat Mission. Our first team went to aid and to see the need to be able to provide the most needed care for those living through difficult and surreal circumstances currently,” she said.

Dr. Kuchmiy is from the Federal Way/Auburn area and began her college life at the age of 14, attending Highline from spring 2009 until June 2012. 

“I went to Highline as part of the Running Start program and earned some extra credits before starting the program with permission from the dean,” Dr. Kuchmiy said.

She went on to graduate from the University of Washington, and is now currently working with In His Image family medicine, where she is currently finishing up her residency.

“I was motivated to help people and get to do so through medicine. I helped my grandparents navigate health care in my childhood which helped grow my interest,” Dr. Kuchmiy said.

“My goal in becoming a physician was to help those both locally and globally. I have had the opportunity to go on multiple overseas mission trips and have been able to serve locally in Washington and Tulsa as well. I am thankful for these opportunities and they bring me great joy,” she said.

Non-profit, Tulsa-based In His Image International has gone on more than 85 overseas missions to help give medical training and relief to victims of all kinds of disasters through free clinics, disaster response, orphanage outreach, and establishing family medicine residency programs. 

Dr. Kuchmiy said multiple factors compelled her to go to a war zone. 

“I have a personal connection to Ukraine with some extended family who still reside there. I have also been to Russia previously and so from the start of the war it has been emotionally difficult. I am thankful to have been able to put action to a desire to help,” said Dr. Kuchmiy.

The Ukrainian people have suffered much, but in their time of need they come together, unwilling to concede, said Dr. Kuchmiy.

“The resilience of the Ukrainian people was something that is often not emphasized. It was amazing to see many different churches work together to help people although they were going through difficult circumstances as well.

“The language of victory predominated and although they shared their concerns and heartbreak, this did not result in inaction but rather seemed to be motivation to help those needing the most aid,” she said.

“I know that nothing would be possible without God leading my life and to God be all the glory,” Dr. Kuchmiy said. 

“I hope my story motivates others to pursue their dreams and never give up,” she said. “I am thankful for those who encouraged me on my journey and for those who did not as they helped to motivate me to break barriers and pursue the God-given dream that I had.”