Participation of TNMU Faculty in a Scientific and Practical Meeting Dedicated to Teaching the Academic Discipline “Medical Law” in Ukrainian Higher Education Institutions

On June 20, 2025, under the auspices of the Committee on Medical and Pharmaceutical Law and Bioethics of the National Academy of Advocates of Ukraine and the Ukrainian National Bar Association, a scientific and practical round table entitled “The Development of Medical Law as an Academic Discipline: Innovations, Challenges, and Prospects” was held. The event was dedicated to the memory of the Honored Doctor of Ukraine, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Zinaida Lashkul, who made a significant contribution to the development of medical law and introduction of its teaching in Ukrainian medical universities.

The round table was initiated and organized by Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University and moderated by the Head of the Department of Medical Law, Doctor of Law, Professor Iryna Seniuta.

The event gathered over 50 prominent Ukrainian scholars in the field of medical and pharmaceutical law, representing both leading classical and law universities (Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv; National University “Ostroh Academy”; Uzhhorod National University; National University “Odesa Law Academy”, among others), and institutions of higher medical education, including: P. Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine; Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University; M. Pyrohov Vinnytsia National Medical University; Odesa National Medical University; Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University; and Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University.

A welcoming speech was delivered by Professor Serhii Ubohov, Head of the Department of Medical Personnel, Education, and Science of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of medical law in the training system of future healthcare professionals.

In their presentations, the participants highlighted the significant societal importance of medical law as an academic discipline in the training of healthcare professionals. Particular attention was paid to the experience of introducing modern interactive teaching methods into the curricula of Ukrainian medical and law institutions. The speakers substantiated the need to closely link theoretical material with forensic and investigative practice.

Ternopil National Medical University was represented by lecturers from the Department of Higher Education Pedagogy and Social Sciences – Associate Professors Natalia Kalyniuk and Nadiia Humenna, as well as by the Head of the Forensic Medicine Course, Professor Valentyn Franchuk. Associate Professor N. Kalyniuk presented a report on the state of teaching legal disciplines at TNMU, noting the multidisciplinary approach to planning classes and preparing the necessary educational and methodological support. She also spoke about the use of modern interactive teaching methods in lectures and practical sessions on medical law.

Professor V. Franchuk shared the experience of teaching a new elective course at TNMU titled “Deficiencies in Medical Care: Types, Causes, Consequences,” highlighting the importance for future physicians to be aware of their legal status and of the regulations of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine governing the provision of medical care. This knowledge helps prevent shortcomings in diagnostic and treatment processes and protects physicians from potential legal claims.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the event was held at a high organizational level. The participants’ presentations were informative and useful, and the best methodological approaches presented by colleagues can be implemented in TNMU’s educational process, both in teaching legal disciplines and in mastering forensic medicine.