Career guidance activities are an important component of modern education, aimed at helping school and university students make informed decisions about their future professions. The primary goal of these activities is to develop a clear understanding of students’ abilities, interests, and career prospects in the labor market.
The Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology with a course in Medical Biology has summarized the results of its career guidance activities for the academic year, which demonstrated a high level of student engagement and interest. The department’s efforts were focused on supporting students in their professional self-determination, familiarizing them with the activities of the Educational and Scientific Medical Institute, and encouraging them to make conscious educational and career choices.
Particular attention was devoted to informing young people about modern trends in medicine and biology, career opportunities, and the advantages of obtaining a high-quality education at the Educational and Scientific Medical Institute. At the beginning of the year, Associate Professor Antonina Biesiedina introduced these opportunities during the meeting “SumDU: Making the Most of Opportunities” for 11th-grade students, their parents, and class teachers of Sumy Lyceum No. 33.
Throughout the year, numerous meetings were organized with students from the Sumy Professional Medical College. During visits to the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology with a course in Medical Biology, participants became acquainted with the Parasitology Museum, observed physiological experiments, and learned about the department’s educational programs, research activities, and scientific clubs. Associate Professor Antonina Besedina and Assistant Zoya Levchenko also conducted interactive activities, including blood group determination experiments, quizzes on human blood, microscopic specimen observations, and guided tours of the Medical Biology Museum.
In support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal “Good Health and Well-Being,” the department actively promoted mental health awareness not only among university students but also among school students in Sumy. Educational events focused on psychological well-being, healthy lifestyles, and disease prevention were regularly conducted.
Assistant Zoya Levchenko also played an active role in Open Day activities, which helped motivate prospective applicants and stimulate their interest in medical education. These events provided valuable information about studying at SumDU and future career opportunities in healthcare.
Students of the Medicine program actively participated in educational outreach activities under the supervision of Professor Viktoriia Harbuzova and Associate Professor Antonina Besedina. Among the most active participants were Iryna Kusovnyk, Olha Chernysh, Viktoriia Shuhaiova, Liliia Nedaikhlib, Dmytro Bohomaz, and Yelyzaveta Snizhko. They organized thematic lectures and interactive events for school students on topics related to neuroscience, sleep, brain function, and the influence of music on the brain.
Associate Professor Antonina Besedina also conducted an engaging biology event at Secondary School No. 24, where students explored the fascinating world of fingerprint research and learned about dermatoglyphics and its applications in science and medicine.
One of the most significant initiatives was the “Biology Quiz,” which brought together students from Secondary School No. 24 and Lyceum No. 33. The event aimed to deepen biological knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, encourage teamwork, and enhance students’ scientific curiosity. Participants demonstrated a strong understanding of biological concepts and an ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical tasks.
Students actively participated in various educational initiatives, including meetings, workshops, career guidance discussions, and research-oriented activities. Particularly notable was their involvement in the student-school association “Workshop of Young Biologists” and in the annual student conference “First Step into Science” organized by Sumy State University. Students of the Sumy Professional Medical College also actively participated in the intellectual competition “Brain Ring–2026.”
At the conclusion of the academic year, the most active participants were recognized for their initiative, responsibility, and engagement in career guidance activities:
- Yeva Khablenko(Grade 11-B, Lyceum No. 33)
- Nikita Shamrai(Grade 11-B, Lyceum No. 33)
- Polina Horlach(Grade 10-A, Secondary School No. 24)
- Anastasiia Kydymenko(Grade 10-A, Secondary School No. 24)
- Volodymyr Pryhar(Sumy Professional Medical College)
These students were awarded honorary certificates in recognition of their achievements, dedication, and active participation in educational and scientific initiatives.
The analysis of the department’s activities demonstrates their effectiveness and value. Career guidance initiatives have helped students better understand their abilities, interests, and opportunities while identifying promising directions for future professional development. The department plans to continue strengthening cooperation with educational institutions, improving career guidance practices, and expanding activities aimed at supporting young people in making informed career choices and achieving professional success.
