Basic Forming Principles of a Conscious Medical Profession Choice by Students

Aim. To determine the basic forming principles of a conscious choice of a medical profession among students. Methodology. The study is based on general scientific and special pedagogical approaches such as axiological, personality-oriented, system-activity-based, and competence-based. The main research methods include studying and analyzing scientific and methodological literature, conducting questionnaires, and analyzing and systematizing the collected data. Results. The basic principles of forming a conscious choice of a medical profession among students have been determined. The study determined the level of awareness of career choice among first-year students who entered the university based on the results of the Unified State Exam (group 1) and after receiving secondary vocational (medical) education (group 2). The average level of awareness prevails among students of group 1 (53.13% of the survey participants). The high level of awareness prevails among students of group 2 (54.55% of the survey participants). Among students who entered after school, the main reason for academic failure is a low level of awareness of the choice of profession and a low level of basic knowledge. Among students with secondary medical education, the main reason for academic failure is frequent absences from classes, and lack of time to assimilate knowledge due to the need to work. Research implications. The theoretical significance of the study consists in defining the basic principles of making an informed choice of a medical profession. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that a questionnaire for surveying students, criteria for determining the level of awareness of choosing a profession, a criteria base for determining the level of awareness of choosing a profession in the field of medicine have been developed. Based on the survey of first-year students, the level of awareness of choosing a profession was determined; the reasons for the withdrawal of students after the first semester were analyzed; and the data indicators were compared in groups of students who entered based on the results of the Unified State Exam and those who had secondary vocational (medical) education. Conclusions. A conscious choice of a medical profession is relevant both for the individual and for society. The formation of a conscious choice of a medical profession should begin at school, during career guidance activities. Based on the study of scientific literature and our own experience, the basic principles of forming an informed choice of profession in the field of medicine among students have been formulated. They are the principle of consistency, the principle of awareness and realism, the principle of practice-oriented approach, the principle of self-knowledge and reflection, the principle of continuity, the principle of developing “soft” skills, and the principle of social responsibility and ethics.