Identification of National Medical School Curricular Guidelines by University of São Paulo Undergraduate Students

Abstract: The Brazilian National Curriculum for Medical Education emphasizes the interaction between the fields of health and education. Based on a review of its medical education program in 1998, the University of São Paulo Medical School (FMUSP) defined principles that are similar to those of the National Curriculum: a generalist humanitarian, judicious and reflexive education, fostering the capacity to work under ethical principles in the health-disease process at its different levels, acting to prevent disease and promote and rehabilitate health, considering the comprehensive nature of health care with social responsibility and a commitment to citizens' rights as factors for integral human health. This report discusses opinions by undergraduate medical students from FMUSP concerning key innovations in the 1998 reform that share the orientation of the National Curriculum. FMUSP has a relatively greater focus on hospital-based activities. This hospital-centered contact generally leaves students unaware of the underlying principles in the Unified National Health System (SUS). The teaching methodology is traditional: teacher-centered, with lectures and laboratory activities. There is limited integration among courses. Students participation in ongoing science projects and as tutors for beginning students could help stimulate greater integration among courses.