The notion of clinical mentality is considered from the standpoint of its semantic meaning and significance for efficient medical activity. The main signs and implications of this notion are determined. It is shown, based on pedagogical methods (observations, conversations, solution of clinical problems, testing, etc.), that clinical mentality forms after 10 years of work in a given field. Criteria are proposed for distinguishing between health providers with and without clinical mentality. The free association method demonstrated that 37% of the doctors with a period of clinical work over 10 years have peculiarities of clinical mentality described as "internal medical mentality". Clinicians with the experience of work over 15 years exhibit empathy as a component of clinical mentality. The methods are proposed for the formation of clinical mentality during post-graduate education taking account of the modern differentiation of medical disciplines and the necessity to reconcile standards of medical aid and their application on an individual basis.