Qualification and provision of physicians in the context of the National Policy on Comprehensive Care of People with Rare Diseases in the Brazilian National Health System (SUS)

This theoretical essay reflects on the qualification and provision of physicians in the context of the National Policy on Comprehensive Care of People with Rare Diseases in the SUS. To carry out this analysis, we introduce the Policy and its guidelines, with a focus on discussion of two integrated strategies: the provision and settlement of geneticist physicians; and training of primary care professionals with regard to genetic diseases and congenital defects. Finally, in view of the Brazilian National Curriculum Guidelines for undergraduate medical courses, we suggest a profile of minimum competencies required in Genetics, developed in order to provide resources to undergraduate courses in Health, in particular, medical courses. We provide a theoretical reference to support the outline of programs of education and training in Health, contributing to including Genetics in the SUS.