STUDY OF THE DISCIPLINE “EPIDEMIOLOGY” BY MEDICAL STUDENTS IN THE CONDITIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION REFORM IN UKRAINE: USING SWOT ANALYSIS

Abstract

The article discusses the study of the discipline “Epidemiology” by medical students in the context of higher education reform in Ukraine, particularly in reducing the number of hours for studying this discipline or its possible transfer from compulsory to elective components. Given the importance of epidemiology for training medical professionals, the article emphasizes the need to adapt curricula to new conditions and challenges. The SWOT analysis method is applied to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of these changes, which allows to identification of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with such a transformation. Particular attention is paid to changes in the training of future healthcare professionals who must be prepared for the challenges of global and local epidemics. Strengths are assessed, such as the possibility of a more flexible approach to learning, and the ability of students to focus on other key clinical subjects. At the same time, weaknesses are also analyzed, including the risks of decreasing the depth of knowledge in epidemiology, gaps in the knowledge of disease prevention and control methods, and insufficient training of doctors may negatively affect the effectiveness of the health care system in the face of threats of outbreaks and new pandemics. The use of the SWOT analysis to assess the situation in teaching the discipline of epidemiology can contribute to balanced decision-making at the level of medical university administrations and bodies responsible for medical education standards.