Risks of targeted training for medical personnel: a sociological analysis based on target-admission students of Astrakhan State Medical University

The system of targeted education in medical universities is a strategic tool for providing regions with personnel; however, it is associated with a set of risks that reduce its effectiveness and contribute to the outflow of young specialists. Objective. To analyze and assess the significance of risks associated with the admission and training of medical students under targeted admission programs. Materials and methods. A single-stage cross-sectional online study was conducted in October–November 2025 using a questionnaire on the Yandex Forms platform. The sample included 200 first- and sixth-year students of Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Astrakhan State Medical University” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, enrolled in targeted admission programs in the specialty “General Medicine”. A specially designed questionnaire consisting of 27 questions grouped into thematic blocks was used. Results. Three key risk groups were identified: organizational and managerial risks, including formal interaction with the employer (53.0 % of respondents), irregular stipend payments (48.5 %), and lack of internship at the target institution (58.0 %); motivational and psychological risks, characterized by the dominance of preferential incentives (guaranteed employment – 36.0 %) and a high level of contractual pressure (40.0 %); professional and adaptive risks associated with expectations of low wages (67.0 %), outdated equipment (61.0 %), and limited career growth (30.0 %). Significant differences in risk perception between first- and sixth-year students were established. Conclusion: The risks of targeted programs are systemic and interrelated. To improve the system's effectiveness, comprehensive measures from universities, healthcare authorities, and employers are required, including enhanced student support, psychological assistance, and practical training.

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