The event discussed solutions to enhance medical education and strengthen public health in Brazil

Supreme Court Justice Luís Roberto Barroso, vice president of the Brazilian Supreme Court (STF), made an institutional visit to the Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP) on June 13, 2023. The magistrate participated in discussions that addressed the challenges faced in the pursuit of excellence in medical education and in the field of public health, contributing to enrich the debate and promote relevant reflections.

Initially, a meeting took place in the FMUSP Directorate's office, where the Minister, along with other judiciary authorities and representatives from FMUSP, Hospital das Clínicas, and the Faculdade de Medicina Foundation (FFM), discussed the obstacles faced by public universities in retaining talents. During the meeting, the importance of partnerships with the private sector to address this situation was emphasized. Afterwards, the participants proceeded to the Congregation Room, where an audience composed of various healthcare and education professionals awaited them.

Present at the central table in the hall were Prof. Eloisa Silva Dutra de Oliveira Bonfá, Director of FMUSP and President of the Deliberative Council of Hospital das Clínicas; Justice Luís Roberto Barroso, Vice President of the Brazilian Supreme Court; Dr. Arnaldo Hossepian Junior, President Director of FFM; Prof. Giovanni Guido Cerri, Chair of the Department of Radiology at FMUSP and President of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Radiology of HCFMUSP; Eng. Antonio José Rodrigues Pereira, Superintendent of HCFMUSP; Dr. Inês Maria dos Santos Coimbra de Almeida Prado, Attorney General of the State; Dr. Florisvaldo Antonio Fiorentino Junior, Public Defender General of the State of São Paulo; Dr. Paulo Rebello Filho, President Director of the National Supplementary Health Agency (ANS); and Dr. Vanessa Ribeiro Mateus, President of the São Paulo Association of Magistrates (Apamagis). Each of them had the opportunity to speak and present their perspectives on the topic.

Prof. Eloisa Bonfá addressed the need to ensure the qualification of physicians trained in Brazil, emphasizing that simply increasing the number of professionals in the field is not enough to adequately serve the regions most in need of these services. She also highlighted the importance of private partnerships to complement public investments, as well as the appreciation of physicians working in the public sector, including salary improvements, infrastructure enhancements, and general support.

"We have numerous problems in the healthcare field that concern us, and we can complement, discuss, and debate health and education issues related to our activity. We make this institution available so that we can collectively think about causes that benefit Brazil," stated the Director of FMUSP.

Justice Luís Roberto Barroso emphasized the ambition of universalizing public health in Brazil, as envisioned in the Federal Constitution. Agreeing with Prof. Bonfá's remarks, he stressed the importance of evaluating the qualification of physicians in the country, mentioning the Brazilian Bar Examination as an example of a similar process in the Law field. He also pointed out that transforming part of public medicine into a state career can make it more attractive and promote a more equitable distribution of physicians throughout the national territory.

"It is an honor to be here, surrounded by the best medical professionals that the country has to offer," said Justice Barroso. "We must preserve our talents and make an effort to truly universalize access to quality healthcare. And I believe that there is no better place to reflect on these ideas than in this remarkable environment."