Department of Medical Psychology, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Responsible employee: Associate Professor of the Department, Associate Professor Kateryna Ihorivna Kleban.
Contact number: +38 (050) 67-29-701
The Department of Medical Psychology, Psychosomatic Medicine, and Psychotherapy at the Bohomolets National Medical University engages in a variety of educational activities aimed at training highly qualified specialists capable of working effectively in the fields of medical psychology, psychotherapy, and psychosomatics. The department’s educational work covers numerous aspects, including professional training, the development of moral values, the formation of research skills, and the implementation of modern approaches to integrating psychology into medicine.
Training and Professional Education of Students
The department provides educational services at the bachelor’s and master’s levels for students studying in the specialties of “Medicine” and “Psychology.” The educational role of the department is not only the transmission of knowledge but also the development of practical skills necessary for working in modern medical practice. The following disciplines are taught:
- Medical Psychology: Helps students understand the psychological aspects of treating patients with various illnesses.
- Fundamentals of Clinical Practice in Mental Health: Developing skills to work with mental disorders using various therapeutic methods.
- Psychosomatic Medicine: Studying the relationship between psychological and physical states, which is particularly important for treating patients with psychosomatic illnesses.
These disciplines enable students to understand how to work with patients on both a physical and emotional level and to master important clinical skills for effective medical care.
Formation of Ethical and Professional Values
One of the key aspects of the department’s educational work is the formation of ethical standards and professional responsibility in students. A significant focus is placed on ethical principles in interactions with patients, particularly in the context of psychosomatic diseases, where mutual understanding and patient support are critical for successful treatment.
The department’s faculty actively develops in students the ability to adhere to ethical standards in practical work, teaching them important communication skills with patients, such as attentiveness, listening, and empathy. Furthermore, the department fosters the development of critical thinking and the ability to make responsible decisions in complex medical situations.
Cultivating Research Culture and Research Activity
The department also actively engages students in scientific activities, helping them develop skills in scientific inquiry, data analysis, and interpretation. Students have the opportunity to participate in scientific research covering various aspects of medical psychology, psychosomatics, and psychotherapy. This not only deepens their understanding of the theoretical foundations of their future professions but also provides them with the chance to actively contribute to the development of medical science.
The department organizes scientific conferences, seminars, and round tables, where students can present their research and discuss results with scientists and practitioners. This contributes to the development of scientific thinking and the aspiration to achieve new heights in their professional activities.
Integrating Psychology into Medical Practice
The department places particular emphasis on integrating psychological knowledge into medical practice. Given current trends in medicine, the department highlights the importance of psychological support for patients suffering from psychosomatic diseases, stress disorders, and depression. Psychological treatment methods are increasingly included in comprehensive treatment programs to improve medical outcomes.
Additionally, the department collaborates with medical institutions and organizes internships and practical training for students, allowing them to gain hands-on experience working with real patients in medical settings.
Social and Civic Responsibility
In its educational work, the department also emphasizes the development of students’ social and civic responsibility. It promotes ethical norms that help students understand the importance of supporting mental health not only in their professional practice but also within society. The department encourages students to participate in social programs and projects aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with mental disorders.
The educational work of the Department of Medical Psychology, Psychosomatic Medicine, and Psychotherapy is comprehensive and multifaceted. It helps shape students into highly qualified specialists who are capable of working effectively in rapidly changing medical practices while fostering professional knowledge, ethical values, scientific thinking, and civic responsibility.
