THE ELECTIVE COURSE “HUMAN MICROBIAL ECOLOGY” AS A MODERN EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT IN THE TRAINING OF FUTURE PHYSICIANS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/m.2414-5998.2025.4.15847Keywords:
human microbiome; microbial ecology; medical education; professional competencies; interdisciplinary approach.Abstract
Abstract. The article highlights the relevance of introducing the elective course «Human Microbial Ecology» into the system of medical education, driven by the rapid development of human microbiome science and the growing evidence base regarding its regulatory role in maintaining homeostasis. The importance of incorporating up-to-date scientific findings on the human microbiome into the training of future physicians is substantiated, and the educational potential of this course in developing professional, research, and clinical competencies among medical students is analysed. The course content has been developed in accordance with the results of the latest studies, including major international projects such as MetaHIT (Metagenomics of the Human Intestinal Tract), and the American Gut Project, which ensures its scientific novelty and relevance. The findings show that studying this discipline enables students to acquire evidence-based knowledge about the microbiome, develop interdisciplinary thinking, and enhance their ability to critically analyse scientific information and apply it to justify clinical decision-making. The positive impact of the course on deepening students’ understanding of the microbiome’s role in maintaining health, the development of pathological conditions, and the possibilities of its modulation using modern therapeutic approaches is emphasised, demonstrating the practical value of the discipline for the future professional activity of physicians. The conclusion highlights the need for further improvement and expansion of teaching the course «Human Microbial Ecology» in medical universities, as its implementation contributes to strengthening the competitiveness of future healthcare professionals, promoting their professional growth, and developing the competencies required to work effectively in the context of modern healthcare challenges.
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