THE ROLE OF ELECTIVE DISCIPLINES IN TRAINING RESIDENT NEONATOLOGISTS

Abstract

Introduction: The organization of elective courses is of current importance in training highly qualified medical
specialists. The courses make it possible to expand, enhance and systematize the knowledge gained in the discipline.
The aim of the current study is to elaborate on the importance and role of elective disciplines of the residency
curriculum in Neonatology.
Material and methods: The research material is the elective disciplines, which are mandatory for the major, the content
of which allows to satisfy the professional interests of resident neonatologists in accordance with their competencies and
learning outcomes. An analysis of the demand for an elective disciplines’ catalogue has been done together with an analysis
of satisfaction with the component from the elective discipline catalogue, the quality of teaching and the assessment of the
knowledge gained in this discipline through an anonymous questionnaire, which was conducted after studying the chosen
discipline within 2019-2021.
Results: Based on the carried-out analysis, five strategies were identified to determine elective disciplines:
enhancement, expansion, addition, diversity, application. 90.3% of respondents recognized the relevance and necessity of
having such an elective component. Most of the students noted the high level of professionalism of the teachers who are
aimed at the practical application of the acquired knowledge by the students and guided them to use the studied material in
their professional activities, losing in using realias in the classroom (during patient’s follow-up, or in the center of practical
skills). 92.6% of respondents noted that all teachers were interested in the success of students, were respectful and at the
same time demanding during the learning process.
Conclusions: A conscious and independent choice of elective components and subsequently, an individual educational
trajectory, allows neonatologists to expand, enhance and systematize the acquired knowledge of the discipline, develop and
improve the professional skills in systematic and purposeful acquisition of knowledge and skills aimed at reducing infant
mortality in the Republic of Kazakhstan.