Professional Motivation of Students as a Factor for Integrating Fundamental and Clinical Disciplines in Higher Medical Education

Abstract

This article addresses the pressing issue of medical education: the integration of fundamental and clinical disciplines. Given the rapid pace of scientific and technological advancements, the professionalism of modern doctors largely relies on their natural and scientific training, which begins in the early stages of medical university education. Medical and biological physics play an important role in this training, but integrating them into medical education is challenging due to the complexity of the discipline's content, which students must grasp at the outset of their education, and the lack of understanding among first-year students about the connections between physics, mathematics, and medicine. The article discusses various approaches to teaching medical and biological physics, focusing on creating professional motivation among students to master fundamental sciences. It highlights the example of designing an X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanner as a means of motivating students to excel in their studies. The importance of leveraging students' prior knowledge from school textbooks on physics, biology, and chemistry to solve tasks fundamental to clinical practice is emphasized. Using the practical lesson topic “Physical foundations of X-ray diagnostics and X-ray therapy” as an example, the article demonstrates the need to focus on the properties of X-ray radiation relevant to medical applications, such as rheography, fluorography, and CT scans. Professional motivation is further enhanced through activities like participating in a biophysics scientific circle and visiting university clinics and training centers, where students can witness the practical application of their theoretical knowledge. The article underscores the importance of integrating fundamental and clinical disciplines while adhering to pedagogical principles such as scientific rigor, continuity, and consistency.