FEATURES AND EMPHASIS OF TEACHING FORENSIC MEDICINE FOR STUDENTS OF THE PEP "PAEDIATRICS"
Authors: Kotsyubynska Y.Z. , Kozan N.M. , Voloshynovych V.M. , Chadiuk V.O. , Liampel V.I. 
Published: March 2024

This article addresses current issues in teaching the academic discipline "Forensic Medicine and Medical Law" to students of the professional educational program (PEP) "Pediatrics." With a focus on violence against children, the authors emphasize the necessity of educating pediatric students on forensic principles and practical skills. The article highlights the harmonization with international standards, the importance of awareness among students, and the critical role forensic medicine plays in pediatric training. Forensic medicine, as a discipline encompassing diverse medical fields, plays a crucial role in pediatrics. This article explores the integration of forensic principles into the PEP "Pediatrics," emphasizing the increasing societal issue of violence against children. The importance of training pediatric students to recognize and respond to such incidents while maintaining a solid evidence base is paramount.

The authors emphasize that teaching forensic medicine to pediatric students should prioritize the following directions:

Expert Involvement in Forensic Medical Examinations: Focuses on the significance of forensic medical examinations related to medical errors and offenses. Article 69 of the Criminal Procedure Code allows pediatricians to act as experts, emphasizing equivalence in rights and responsibilities with forensic medical experts.

Physician Participation in Urgent Investigative Actions: Emphasizes the importance of practical skills, such as examining a corpse at the scene. Article 238 of the Criminal Procedure Code permits pediatricians to participate in urgent investigative actions. This includes instructing students on organizational and legal aspects, as well as theoretical and practical principles of examining a corpse at the scene.

Accurate Documentation of Physical Injuries: Stresses the essential skill of accurately describing physical injuries on a child's body. Acknowledges the role of pediatricians in initial injury documentation, considering the potential involvement in criminal investigations.

Accuracy and Completeness of Medical Documentation: Underscores the critical nature of accurate and complete medical documentation, serving as evidence in criminal proceedings. The article discusses potential legal consequences for physicians due to improper maintenance.

Recording Sexual Offenses Against Children: Introduces an elective course focusing on preventing sexual offenses against children and domestic violence. Aims to form theoretical and practical competencies in students, adhering to the "Istanbul Protocol" and emphasizing the role of pediatricians in recognizing and responding to sexual violence against children.

Therefore, educating pediatric students on how to act in such cases, how to work with patients without compromising the evidence base, and simultaneously providing timely medical assistance becomes paramount. This ensures the preparation of a highly qualified specialist in pediatrics whose competencies align with their professional qualification characteristics.

Conclusion.

Harmonizing domestic legislation with EU norms and standards as part of Ukraine's integration into the EU creates priority directions in teaching the discipline "Forensic Medicine and Medical Law."

Insufficient awareness among pediatric students and a casual attitude towards the consequences of unprofessional actions or inaction in future professional activities contribute to a lack of motivation for studying "Forensic Medicine and Medical Law."

Teaching forensic medicine is a crucial part of pediatric training. By providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and respond to cases of violence against children, we can help protect children and ensure they receive the necessary assistance.