AMBIVALENCE OF A DOCTOR’S ACTIVITY: IN SEARCH OF MASTERY AND PROFESSIONALISM

Abstract. This article comprehensively analyses ambivalence as an essential psychological phenomenon in a physician’s professional activity. Based on an interdisciplinary approach, the essence and specific manifestations of ambivalence in medical practice are revealed, particularly its emotional, cognitive, and organisational aspects. It is proven that ambivalence has a dual impact on a physician’s professional activity. On one hand, it can cause professional stress, emotional burnout, and decreased quality of medical care. On the other hand, it stimulates the development of professional reflection, increases adaptability to complex clinical situations, and contributes to ethical maturity. Special attention is paid to analysing pedagogical strategies for overcoming ambivalence in the medical education system. Innovative approaches are proposed, including integrating narrative medicine, using simulation technologies, implementing emotional intelligence training, creating reflective practices, and forming a safe educational space for working with internal contradictions. It was found that ambivalence, with proper pedagogical support, can be transformed from a source of distress into a resource for personal and professional growth. New types of ambivalence related to the challenges of globalisation, digitalisation, and moral uncertainty in modern clinical practice are described. The importance of developing emotional maturity, ethical sensitivity, clinical flexibility, and reflective competence of future doctors is emphasised as a response to the growing complexity of the professional environment. The study’s results indicate that awareness of ambivalence as an integral component of a physician’s professional experience allows it to transform from a potential source of stress into a resource for skilled improvement. This opens new perspectives for developing the professional competence of healthcare workers in modern conditions.