This article is based on the results of a study analyzing the opinions and perceptions of medical students regarding their future professional activities. The objective of the study was to examine and analyze the attitudes and plans of medical students regarding their chosen profession. The object of the study was the professional attitudes of students in the Faculty of General Medicine. The theoretical methodology of the article is based on a sociological approach to professionalization, taking into account the activity-based and certification approaches. The empirical basis of the study was the results of a sociological survey conducted among 220 medical students in January 2026 (KSMU, Kursk, n = 100; RNRMU, Moscow, n = 75; PSPbSMU, St. Petersburg, n = 45). The study found that young people, typically those who have completed pre-professional school training, consciously choose medical universities. Half of the study participants expressed a willingness to remain in the state healthcare system, with minor regional differences. To create an effective healthcare system capable of adequately responding to the needs of young professionals, it is necessary to develop conditions for retaining young professionals in state healthcare, taking into account the expectations of today's students (unique experience, stability, career advancement, etc.).

medical students, state healthcare system, professionalization, professionally important physician qualities.