Würzburg Workshop 2026

Birds for Sofia announces its first international medical workshop in Würzburg, Germany, held within the framework of its Rehabilitation Wing Program—a long-term initiative aimed at strengthening access to high-quality rehabilitation for children with rare genetic neuromuscular diseases in Ukraine.

A central pillar of the Program is the development of local medical expertise. The workshop in Würzburg brings together 8 Ukrainian doctors from partner institutions — the Clinical Center of Children’s Healthcare and St. Nicholas Children’s Hospital (Lviv, Ukraine)— for an intensive, hands-on training with leading international specialists in pediatric rehabilitation.

Over four days at the Center for Rare Diseases at the University Hospital Würzburg (UKW), 3 Ukrainian physicians and 5 physiotherapists will gain practical knowledge designed to be directly implemented in Ukrainian clinical settings, improving long-term outcomes for children who depend on continuous, multidisciplinary care. 

International Faculty & Knowledge Exchange

The workshop features physiotherapist Rick Reigle and respiratory therapist Lindsey Reigle, global experts affiliated with Shriners Children’s Hospital (Salt Lake City, USA), a leading institution in pediatric orthopedics.

In addition, Birds for Sofia’s partner, Michael Fleck from Börgel GmbH, a Limburg-based medical equipment and technology supplier, will conduct a dedicated session on breathing and life-support equipment, focusing on practical application and device management. 

Training modules will include:

• General Pediatric Physical Rehabilitation 
• Proper Wheelchair Fitting for Children 
• Pediatric Respiratory Therapy 
• Ventilators & Cough Assist Devices: Technical Training

As Professor Dr. Helge Hebestreit, the Director of the Center for Rare Diseases (ZESE), explains, “respiratory complications are a key factor influencing disease progression, prognosis, and quality of life in many rare conditions. Specialized care in this area is therefore critical”.

The training combines both theoretical and practical components. During the practical sessions, participants will work directly with seven Ukrainian children affected by neuromuscular conditions. Three of these children are currently receiving treatment at the University Hospital Würzburg.

“We are deeply grateful to the children and their families for supporting this initiative, which is ultimately aimed at strengthening the future of their home country,” Hebestreit adds.

The program also includes a visit to a Rehabilitation Center for Children with Physical Disabilities in the Heuchelhof district of Würzburg.

Strategic Impact for Ukraine

Children with rare neuromuscular conditions often require complex, lifelong rehabilitation. Due to the ongoing challenges within Ukraine’s healthcare system, access to specialized knowledge and equipment remains limited.

By investing in education and skill transfer, Birds for Sofia ensures that Ukrainian doctors can deliver sustainable, high-quality care locally, reducing the need for treatment abroad and strengthening national capacity.

“Alongside providing infrastructure and technical equipment, the training of healthcare professionals is an essential prerequisite for the success of the future Birds for Sofia Rehabilitation Wing in Lviv,” emphasizes Sage Hancock, BfS Executive Director.

Würzburg–Lviv Partnership

The choice of Würzburg as the host city is not coincidental. Since 2023, Würzburg has been an official partner city of Lviv, and more importantly, the workshop builds on an already established medical collaboration.

One of the participating physicians, Marta Sheremet, has previously attended multiple training programs in Würzburg, where she benefited from Prof. Hebestreit’s expertise in treating cystic fibrosis, a rare genetic metabolic disorder. The two other Ukrainian physicians are extending their stay in Würzburg for an additional two weeks, during which they will continue clinical observerships at the Center for Rare Diseases and the University Hospital Würzburg.

With the institutional support of the Würzburg city authorities, the initiative reflects a strong commitment to international medical collaboration and humanitarian partnership.