REFINING METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO ENHANCE TEACHING QUALITY AT THE DEPARTMENT OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES WITH EPIDEMIOLOGY

Abstract

Reforming Ukrainian higher medical education is imperative, not only to address issues related to the recognition of Ukrainian diplomas abroad and to enhance the competitiveness of Ukrainian medical institutions and their graduates on the European and global job markets, but also to elevate the efficiency and quality of education. Furthermore, the recent full-scale invasion has resulted in the loss of a significant potential in medical universities across the southeastern region of Ukraine. Amidst the ongoing reform of the Ukrainian higher education system, all institutions are transitioning towards a competency-based approach. This approach aims to cultivate and foster specific types and subtypes of competencies in students by ensuring comprehensive assimilation of essential knowledge and practical methodologies. The training of highly skilled medical professionals encompasses multidisciplinary education, extending beyond therapy to encompass knowledge spanning over two dozen specialties. Of utmost importance is the ability to diagnose and treat patients with acute and chronic therapeutic and surgical conditions, as well as to provide urgent medical assistance. The epidemiological landscape concerning numerous infectious diseases in various countries remains volatile. Incidences of viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, influenza, SARS, AIDS, Lyme borreliosis, among others, continue to rise in Ukraine and neighboring regions. A completely new challenge for the world community is the outbreak of Ebola fever in West Africa, monkeypox and its spread around the world. The appearance of pathogens of infectious diseases resistant to previously developed effective drugs is a cause for concern. Nowadays, the global crisis precipitated by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, underscores the urgency for education on emerging and re-emerging infections. Given these challenges, the qualification level of future specialists in infectious diseases and epidemiology assumes paramount importance. These professionals must be equipped to organize and deliver medical care under adverse conditions such as war, pandemics, shortages of medical personnel and medications, and a dearth of theoretical and practical knowledge, especially in the face of new infections. To facilitate optimal learning amidst such crises, a phased approach is proposed that includes centralized distance education, methodological support, and practical skill acquisition. By implementing these measures, the assimilation of material and the quality of education can be enhanced for those seeking education during times of crisis.