Academic leagues: a Brazilian way to teach about cancer in medical universities

BMC Medical Education

Research Article

Renata Nunes Aranha¹  Maria Helena Faria Ornellas de Souza²  Diogo Antonio Valente Ferreira³ 

[1] Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medical Sciences, University of State of Rio de Janeiro, Boulevard 28 de setembro, n77, 5 floor. Vila Isabel, CEP: 20550-170, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil;Department of Pathology and Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of State of Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu n 444 – 4 floor. Maracanã, CEP: 20550-170, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil;School of Medical Sciences, University of State of Rio de Janeiro, Rua Almirante Baltazar n 189 apt 513, São Cristovão, CEP: 20941-150, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil;

关键词: Medical education;    Oncology;    Academic leagues;    Cancer education;    Students’ skills;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12909-015-0524-x

 received in 2015-04-27, accepted in 2015-11-16,  发布年份 2015

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundPerformance of qualified professionals committed to cancer care on a global scale is critical. Nevertheless there is a deficit in Cancer Education in Brazilian medical schools (MS). Projects called Academic Leagues (AL) have been gaining attention. However, there are few studies on this subject. AL arise from student initiative, arranged into different areas, on focus in general knowledge, universal to any medical field. They are not obligatory and students are responsible for the organizing and planning processes of AL, so participation highlights the motivation to active pursuit of knowledge. The objective of this study was to explore the relevance of AL, especially on the development of important skills and attitudes for medical students.MethodsA survey was undertaken in order to assess the number of AL Brazilian MS. After nominal list, a grey literature review was conducted to identify those with AL and those with Oncology AL.ResultsOne hundred eighty of the 234 MS were included. Only 4 MS selected held no information about AL and 74.4 % of them had AL in Oncology. The majority had records in digital media. The number of AL was proportional to the distribution of MS across the country, which was related to the number of inhabitants.ConclusionsThe real impact and the potential of these projects can be truly understand by a qualitative analysis. AL are able to develop skills and competencies that are rarely stimulated whilst studying in traditional curriculum. This has positive effects on professional training, community approach through prevention strategies, and development on a personal level permitting a dynamic, versatile and attentive outlook to their social role. Besides stimulating fundamental roles to medical practice, students that participate in AL acquire knowledge and develop important skills such as management and leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, health education, construction of citizenship. Oncology AL encourage more skilled care to patients and more effective policies for cancer control.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Ferreira et al. 2015