A modern view on the study of medical genetics for the professional competence of masters of physical therapy, occupational therapy

Abstract

The experience of foreign scientists on the need to master knowledge of medical genetics for the professional competence of physical therapists is considered. The features of teaching the selective educational component "Medical genetics" for applicants for the second (master's) level of higher education in the field of knowledge 22 "Health" specialty 227 "Physical therapy, occupational therapy" are presented. Today, it is relevant to improve the quality of professional training of future specialists in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, in accordance with world and European standards in order to enhance the competitiveness of domestic education, optimize conditions for international student mobility and expand the capabilities of Ukrainian specialists in the domestic and international labor markets. According to the position of modern medicine, any human pathology is often associated with heredity. Since heredity and variability are integral parts of life, medical genetics should be included in the theoretical and practical training of specialists in physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The need for genetic knowledge for specialists in physiotherapy, occupational therapy is also determined by the constant increase in the proportion of hereditary pathology in the structure of morbidity, mortality and disability of the population. We believe that physical therapists need to be prepared for new developments in healthcare, including personalized rehabilitation. The physical therapist profession must embrace medical genetics in order to fulfill its operational role and help shape the future of personalized healthcare delivery. Competence in medical genetics provides additional opportunities for working with peers to integrate such information into a healthcare perspective. By developing and demonstrating this competence, physical therapists continue to enjoy a position of respect among the general health community. We consider it important to include in the training program for applicants for the second (master's) level of higher education the area of knowledge 22 "Health", specialty 227 "Physical therapy, occupational therapy" of an educational component such as "Medical genetics". In this way, the physical therapy profession can collaborate with other medical professions to further strengthen and define its role in patient-centered health care.