Resilience and professional identity of medical students during wartime: The Ukrainian experience.

Abstract

Objective: Aim: To conduct an empirical analysis of resilience self-assessment and professional intentions among medical students and PhD students in Ukraine under the conditions of full-scale war, and to determine the impact of crisis conditions on the formation of their professional identity.

Patients and methods: Materials and Methods: The study is based on the results of an anonymous cross-sectional survey (2025) conducted among students at Bogomolets National Medical University (N=214). Statistical data processing included the calculation of proportions and the margin of error (MOE) for a 95% confidence interval. Empirical data were supplemented by a content analysis of 39 relevant publications from the PubMed and Scopus databases (2022-2026).

Results: Results: The sample exhibited a distinct gender imbalance (75.2% female). Despite significant psychological pressure, a high level of resilience was recorded: 63.1% of respondents rated their adaptability above average (over 51%). Strong professional loyalty was observed, with 65.4% of participants planning to continue their activities in Ukraine. Conversely, 26.6% of students remain «undecided», indicating the vulnerability of human capital due to the erosion of traditional social support mechanisms. The war has accelerated professional maturation through engagement in volunteering and tactical medicine, signaling processes of post-traumatic growth.

Conclusion: Conclusions: The full-scale war has transformed the professional «ego» of future physicians toward practical readiness and social responsibility. Continuity of education in crisis conditions requires the integration of flexible distance models with enhanced psychosocial mentorship. The results underscore the necessity of institutional support for students to preserve the human capital of the Ukrainian healthcare system.