The article provides a complex analysis of pressing issues associated with the professional development of medical university teachers in the presence of modern educational challenges. The study is based on surveys of academic staff from the Pirogov University that enabled to obtain up-to-date data regarding the current state of workforce capacity. The level of possessing by teachers the key professional competencies required for effective pedagogical and scientific activity has been reviewed. Special emphasis is given to finding the needs in continuing professional education and defining the basic barriers that hinder the professional growth of medical teachers with the predominance of organizational, psychological and methodological difficulties. The obtained data were analyzed, and a number of support measures aimed at professional development of teachers, evolution of digital skills and prevention of professional burnout of teachers were suggested. The importance of creating a motivating educational environment and implementation of flexible programs of advanced training that consider not only the specifics of work at a medical university, but also individual requests and possibilities of teachers has been stressed. The study results can be useful for heads of educational organizations, experts in teaching methodology and professionals who develop workforce in higher medical education.