Struggle of the principles of universalism and specialization in the Soviet higher medical education of the post-war period (on the example of the Kuibyshev Medical Institute in 1945–1955)

Abstract

The article attempts to characterize the results of the struggle between the supporters of universalism and specialization in the field of higher medical education in the post-war period, based on the analysis of sources and literature. It is concluded that in 19451955 the trend towards specialization was more influential. The main forms of specialization characteristic of this period are singled out subordination, for the passage of which the sixth year of medical and preventive faculties was assigned, and specialized faculties. The most important factors that influenced both the process of strengthening specialization as a whole and its individual forms are identified. In particular, the relationship between the reform of E.I. Smirnov and the introduction of subordination, as well as strengthening the advisory and medical work of employees of medical universities. It is concluded that the formation of military medical and sanitary-prophylactic faculties in the post-war decade was the result of a correspondingly tense international situation and government changes in the field of control over compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards. In addition, the article touches upon issues related to the curtailment of the course towards specialization in the mid-1950-ies. The problem of the relationship between the discussion about the industrial and territorial organization of health care, on the one hand, and the opposition of tendencies towards universalism and specialization, on the other hand, is analyzed. A hypothesis has been put forward, according to which the reorganization of the public health system in accordance with the ideas of the supporters of the industrial approach contributed to the strengthening of specialization in the field of medical education. The changes that have taken place in this period in the higher medical school are considered on the example of the development of the Kuibyshev State Medical Institute.