Place of cultural studies in higher medical education

This paper deals with the education status of cultural studies in the context of higher medical education. The authors define the interdisciplinary nature of cultural studies and the subject of the study. The research focuses on the misinterpretation of the term ‘culture' in the academic environment of medical universities, shows the relationship between culture and medicine. Combining culture and medicine, the authors reveal the concept of medical culture which includes the features of human activity influencing the health status and the quality of life of the society and individual. Cultural studies is relevant as a subject in the context of the competency-based approach to modern education. Considering the integrative nature of cultural studies, the authors show its unique capabilities in the field of cultural and professional competence development. Based on the results of the analysis, the research identifies that cultural studies knowledge is necessary for medical education.