As an integral stage of their degree, medical students complete an obligatory clinical clerkship. The Family Health Strategy (ESF) clerkship was implemented in January 2007 as part of the first year of students' internship, during their tenth semester at the Federal University of Alagoas School of Medicine (Famed-Ufal). This study aims to analyze students' development in Primary Health Care during their ESF internships, according to their own perceptions and by means of qualitative research and an explanatory case study. Data collection was conducted through Focus Groups and studied using the content analysis tool proposed by Bardin. Four categories emerged: autonomy as recognition of value; relationship with service users and professionals; medical students' frustration with the reality of the health services; and the acquisition of skills and abilities during the clerkship. Many of the factors analyzed were necessary for the composition of a comprehensive framework for the development of specific skills and abilities, as outlined in the National Curriculum Guidelines. By means of conclusion, we realize that it is medical schools' responsibility to build on the students' reflections on their degree course.
Competency-Based Education; Motor Skills; Clinical Clerkship; Family Health; Medical Education