Student science club — an important link in the structure of higher medical education

Abstract

Aim. Studying the motivation of students to participate in the work of student science clubs (SSCs) and determining the most attractive modes of work for students.Material and methods. The study involved 28 postgraduate students and 129 thirdand fourth-year students of the pediatric faculty of the Pirogov National Research Medical University. A snapshot survey was conducted with subsequent analysis and statistical processing of the data obtained.Results. The results showed that 45% of the students surveyed are active SSC participants. The most interesting for students are clinical disciplines (pediatrics, therapy, surgery). The main reasons for participation in the club are the desire to expand their knowledge in the specialty, acquire practical skills, to take part in research work. In addition, 95% of the surveyed postgraduate students were active participants in the SSCs according to the profile chosen in the specialty. The most attractive modes of work are clinical examinations, joint duty with the head of the SSCs in the clinic and participation in research work.Conclusion. Active participation in SSCs provides an in-depth study of the area of interest in medicine and science, motivates students to continue research work upon graduation, admission to graduate school and develops a candidate’s pool of the teaching staff of the institution. The results revealed high demand among medical students for the experience of research work, the expansion and deepening of knowledge in the specialty, as well as the positive impact of participation in SSCs on the further formation of future clinicians.

Keywords

• student science club
• motivation
• specialization
• research work
• conferences
• staff capacity