Constructive and destructive effects of professional dynasties in medicine

Professional dynasties have become widespread in medicine demonstrating both constructive and destructive potential. In this regard, based on the materials of empirical research, it is necessary to analyze the effects of professional dynasties in medicine. During the first stage (spring – summer 2020) in several cities of Russia (Irkutsk, Moscow, Rostov-on-Don, Ufa, etc.), 20 doctors who are representatives of medical dynasties numbering at least 3 generations were interviewed using an autobiographical narrative method of interviewing. The second stage of the study (winter – spring 2021) included conducting a mass questionnaire survey of representatives of the medical community in Moscow, Rostov-on-Don and Saratov (n = 750). It is shown that the constructive effects of professional dynasties in medicine are primarily associated with their role as an agent of professional socialization and the function of a mechanism for the continuity of professional knowledge and experience. At the same time, dynasties create social monopolies that restrict access to prestigious professional statuses, turning into stable groups of a professional stratification structure, and consolidate social stratification