Transformation of educational work in medical universities as a factor in the formation of professional values of future doctors

Relevance. The systemic staffing crisis in Russian healthcare, exacerbated by the value gap between generations of doctors, requires a revision of approaches to educational work in medical universities. Less than 60% of medical graduates are employed in their specialty, and up to 40% of young specialists consider leaving the profession within the first years of work. Traditional administrative and financial measures for staff retention demonstrate limited effectiveness, as they do not solve the key problem – the lack of sustainable professional identity and meaningful connection with the healthcare system among modern graduates.

Purpose: to develop and substantiate a model for transforming educational work in medical universities, aimed at forming professional values and sustainable identity of future doctors as a tool for overcoming the staffing shortage.

Materials and Methods. The study included a theoretical analysis of the problem of staffing shortages and value gaps; an empirical study of value orientations of medical students using M. Rokeach's methodology (n=194); an analysis of the pilot implementation of the youth policy transformation project "MEDMOL" in medical universities in Russia (October 2024 – June 2025). Methods of systemic and comparative analysis, design, participant observation, and statistical data processing methods were applied.

Results. A systemic value gap was identified between the traditional values of Soviet-era doctors (service, collectivism, dogmatism) and the value orientations of modern graduates (self-realization, individualism, pragmatism). It was empirically confirmed that students' involvement in extracurricular activities statistically significantly affects the hierarchy of terminal and instrumental values, shifting the focus towards professional self-realization, independence, and responsibility. A three-component model of educational work transformation has been developed and tested, integrating the normative Standard of Youth Policy, the emotional brand "MEDMOL", and a multi-level mentoring system.

Conclusions. The key cause of the staffing crisis is not the quantitative shortage of graduates, but their value disorientation and weak professional identity. The transformation of educational work in medical universities should be carried out through the creation of a holistic educational environment, where the value messages of the standard are reinforced by the emotions of the brand and the living example of mentors. The developed model has received the status of an official Standard of the Ministry of Health of Russia and is recommended for implementation in 48 medical and pharmaceutical universities in the country.

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