The history of medicine as an academic discipline: traditions n clinical medical education and modern teaching methods

Abstract

The authors examine current methodological issues, concerning the historical and contemporary significance of the history of medicine in the system of higher medical education and the development of doctors’ professional competency. The fact that courses on the history of medicine traditionally have had a dual nature in the framework of the educational process is demonstrated.
At present, methodically it is part of a general theoretical block of fundamental disciplines, methodologically continuing to solve issues as a propaedeutic discipline, ensuring continuity not only between curriculum subjects in one specialization but also between different levels of medical higher education. As an educational course, the history of medicine aims to provide future specialists with an integrated understanding of the complex structure of medicine as a science and the theoretical and methodological foundations of its research activities. This course is based on a comprehensive study of the mutual interaction of the natural sciences, humanities and clinical knowledge in all historical stages of scientific development. The propaedeutic nature of the history of medicine prepares students for a deeper study of specialized disciplines, provides for the development of professional competencies, and gives them a holistic picture of doctors’ activities, their skills and responsibilities. The authors identify  current  approaches  to  the  teaching  of  the  history  of  medicine,  aiding  the  fullest  development  of  students’  critical thinking and the professional development of their personal qualities. It has been concluded that the history of medicine, as a part of the history of science since the 19th century, is a unique course in the system of national medical education, forming an understanding of the importance of logic and ontology in the professional thinking of the doctor of the future.