PEDIATRIC INTERNSHIP AS A KEY STAGE IN THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF A PEDIATRICIAN: UKRAINIAN AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/m.2414-5998.2026.2.16454Keywords:
pediatric internship, postgraduate medical education, competency-based education, entrustable professional activities, clinical thinking, professional competencies, pediatrician trainingAbstract
The article analyzes pediatric internship as a key stage of postgraduate medical education and professional development of a pediatrician. It explores the role of internship in shaping clinical thinking, professional competencies, communication skills, and readiness for independent medical practice in real clinical settings. Particular attention is paid to contemporary approaches in Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) and the concept of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) as effective tools for assessing the progressive development of autonomy among pediatric interns, as well as their contribution to improving the quality of clinical training. Based on a comprehensive review of current scientific literature, the study compares the characteristics of pediatric training in Ukraine and abroad, particularly in the United States and European countries, taking into account the duration of training, curriculum structure, the role of clinical supervision, and approaches to objective assessment of professional progress. The strengths of the Ukrainian pediatric internship model are identified, including early immersion in clinical practice, extensive hands-on experience, and direct interaction with patients of different age groups, which promotes the development of practice-oriented skills. At the same time, several challenges are highlighted, such as the uneven implementation of competency-based approaches, limited use of standardized assessment tools, and insufficient formalization of structured feedback systems between mentors and interns. The article substantiates the need to integrate national experience with best international educational practices, particularly by strengthening mentorship, introducing transparent competency assessment criteria, and fostering a culture of regular constructive feedback. These measures are expected to enhance the quality of pediatric training and improve the safety and effectiveness of pediatric healthcare.
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