This article underlines student learning and the flexibilization of the generally teacher-centered educational process. It proposes the development and online provision of self-instructional modules on the physiology and physiopathology of the various organic systems, emphasizing their relationship with clinical practice, discussing the public’s main health problems and man’s interaction with his physical, biologic and social environment. It also proposes the adoption of a hybrid pedagogy in which the students would have access to medical knowledge through the internet, but would have the opportunity to apply this knowledge by working in health services and tackling the health problems of a population. Recognizing the limits of medical training obtained only in teaching hospitals, the author proposes active and committed student participation, under continuous guidance, atthe several levels of health care, from residencies and community work to family health clinics, integrated health centers, secondary and regional hospitals.This proposalis especially timelywith the current consideration being given to the creation of new medical schools in Brazil.
Active Learning; Flexibilization; Self-Learning; Internet Access; Active Participation in Services; Health Care; Medical Education