Dear colleagues, we are happy to share the news that on May 20, 2026, at the Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine, a doctoral dissertation defense was successfully held by Serhiy Zlobenets, a graduate student of the Department of Oncology, on the topic: "Treatment of Patients with Rectal Cancer Localized in The Distal Parts Using Advanced Techniques".

The work was carried out under the scientific supervision of Professor Bogdan Sorokin, MD, PhD, of the Department of Oncology.

The Chair of the Specialized Academic Council, Professor Prokip Gordiychuk, gave the floor to the candidate, and then to the reviewers and opponents. In his report, the candidate presented the main results of his dissertation, aimed at improving of the functional outcomes of surgical treatment for patients with distal rectal cancer.

An academic discussion was held, featuring the following reviewers: Andriy Kebkalo, MD, PhD, Professor; Oleg Shcherbyna, MD, PhD, Professor; and official opponents: Yuriy Zakharash, MD, PhD, Professor, and Vitaliy Zvirych, MD. The reviewers and opponents emphasized that the study, which aims to improve the quality of life in patients following low anterior resections of the rectum, is highly relevant, practically significant, and has an important social dimension. Based on the results of the academic discussion, S. Zlobenets’ dissertation, “Treatment of Patients with Rectal Cancer Localized in The Distal Parts Using Advanced Techniques”, was recognized as meeting the requirements of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine for dissertations for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. All members of the specialized academic council voted “in favor” and approved the results of the vote. The vote to award S. Zlobenets the degree of Doctor of Philosophy was unanimous.

The participants in the defense and colleagues congratulated Serhii Zlobenets and his academic advisor Bohdan Sorokin on the successful defense and wished them further creative success.