A Profile of Medical Students at the University of São Paulo. Is the Admissions Test Biased?

Abstract: The course entitled Na Introduction to Medicine and Medical Specialties at the University of São Paulo seeks to simulate ethical principles and humanitarianism. Students’ perspectives may help foster this process. This study analyzes the profile of first-year medical students from 1999 to 2001 as compared to applicants for admissions. Students answered a questionnaire. Male students ranging from 17 to 21 years of age made up the majority. Most students were from São Paulo State, half from families with physicians. There was an apparent tendency to shun formal religion, although they expressed faith in God. The most frequently cited essential attributes for doctors were dedication, humanitarianism, responsibility, solidarity, and patience. Students had chosen the field of medicine to “help others” or out of a feeling of calling, and reported fearing the heavy schedule and load of information in medical school. Although 60% of applicants were female, women represented 35% of first-year students, thus displaying a reversal in this gender ratio. University of São Paulo medical students are thus primarily from São Paulo itself, non worshippers but spiritually inclined, humanitarian, and fearsome of lack of time and information overload in medical school.