VALUES OF MEDICAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: THEORY AND PRACTICE

Abstract

The article analyzes the theoretical and practical aspects of the values of student youth using the example of medical universities. Attention has been focused on the contradictions within the higher education system, the adaptation of first-year students to new conditions, and the features of the functioning of educational systems during wartime. Values are characterized in the context of comparing their positive and negative meanings, their division into material and spiritual categories, and their significance in axiology.

The practical aspect of the conducted research reflects the experience of applying the «keyword» method in teaching humanities and social disciplines, aimed at developing skills in medical university students for analyzing and prioritizing academic and professional values. Through the «keyword» method, elements of students' self-assessment and their vision of the specifics of their future professional activities were identified. Based on the analysis of student responses, a list of key words in the field of medicine was compiled. It was found that first-year medical students understand the core professional values of future doctors, which ensure the prioritization of patients’ life and health, as well as the professionalism and moral responsibility of medical practitioners; while sixth-year students focus on the social aspects of the medical field (accessibility), its democratic nature (choice), and development prospects in response to unknown challenges (the future). The key words regarding the positive qualities of modern youth (values) were identified: persistence, tolerance, activity, openness, creativity, confidence, adaptability, and progressiveness; and the negative qualities (anti-values): apathy, irresponsibility, physical inactivity, overconfidence, arrogance, carelessness, laziness, insolence, imperfection, inconsistency, and overabundance. It is concluded that the issue of challenges faced by modern students in new conditions requires separate research. Identifying these challenges will allow for adjustments in the organization of the educational process and consideration of student opinions.