For a number of years Primary Health Care (PHC) training of physicians, which aims to promote learning in line with the real health needs of the community, has been the subject of studies in Brazil. In 1975, the UFMG School of Medicine (FM/UFMG) began placing its students in PHC settings and is currently attempting to increase the number of such placements. The objective of this research, therefore, was to investigate the perception of eighth-semester medicine students regarding the activities performed at the health centres in relation to the SUS proposals for PHC. Qualitative study methods were employed for data collection, including observation and focus groups with student doctors. The PHC placement experience was considered valid and important for medical training, helping shape a new vision of the health-disease process and the organization of the SUS. The conclusion is drawn that PHC work experience is an important part of medical student training.
Primary Health Care; Medical Education; Medical Schools; Students, Medical