Family and Community Medicine Group from Santos: Experience report

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to discuss a wide spectrum of themes related to Family and Community Medicine (FCM) and the experiences within the “Associação Acadêmica Grupo de Medicina de Família e Comunidade de Santos” (GMFC) - a family and community medicine group of the “Centro Universitário Lusíada” (UNILUS), linked to the “Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Santos”, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The GMFC seeks academic reflection on the role of Family and Community Medicine as a medical specialty in order to demystify wrong ideas about the area in question. Through theoretical meetings, travels and scientific researches, we try to consolidate a concrete and thorough view of theoretical concepts and apply them to the community from the “Baixada Santista” region. The experience of the GMFC improves the theoretical and practical knowledge on FCM, promoting the qualification of academicians to operate in the provision of health services with applicability on Primary Heath Care. Moreover, the knowledge about the principles of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and the relevance of person-centered medicine are consolidated emphasizing the holistic view of medical practice. Conclusion: The effective dissemination of knowledge in FCM in our university and the recognition of its importance to the academic generalist education are obstacles constantly faced by the group. Therefore, the existence of such academic group is relevant because, in addition to integrating people who are concerned about a differentiated medicine approach, it increasingly spreads the real meaning of Family and Community Medicine in the university.