SOFT SKILLS IN THE TRAINING OF PEDIATRIC INTERNS: PEDAGOGICAL STRATEGIES FOR FORMATION AND PROSPECTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN UKRAINIAN MEDICAL EDUCATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/m.2414-5998.2025.4.15863Keywords:
soft skills; communication; empathy; pediatric interns; medical education; stress management; simulation learning.Abstract
Abstract. This article presents an in-depth theoretical analysis of soft skills as a fundamental component of professional competence among pediatric medical interns and as a determinant of their effective clinical and interpersonal performance. The study conceptualizes soft skills as a multidimensional construct encompassing communication, empathy, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, ethical awareness, and emotional intelligence – competencies that define the humanistic core of medical professionalism. It explores the conceptual framework, structure, and classification of soft skills, emphasizing their pedagogical formation within the paradigm of competency-based and practice-oriented postgraduate education. Drawing upon a synthesis of international and Ukrainian research, the article highlights the growing importance of emotional and social intelligence, self-regulation, and cultural sensitivity for pediatric interns who must communicate effectively with children of varying developmental stages, their parents, and members of interprofessional healthcare teams. Particular attention is given to the development of empathy, stress management, reflective thinking, and ethical behavior as critical elements of professional maturity. The article outlines key educational strategies for enhancing soft skills, such as integrating communication and teamwork modules into the curriculum, employing simulation-based and scenario-driven learning, and utilizing reflective feedback and mentoring techniques. It also identifies the main challenges in implementing these approaches within the Ukrainian internship system – curriculum overload with clinical subjects, insufficient pedagogical training of supervisors, lack of standardized assessment criteria, and the psychological burden of wartime conditions. The conclusion stresses that fostering soft skills is essential for building the professional identity, resilience, and patient-centered orientation of future pediatricians. Their systematic integration into internship curricula will contribute to improving the quality of pediatric care, strengthening humanistic values, and promoting a culture of empathy and collaboration in healthcare.
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