ABSTRACT Introduction: Podcasts are a way of publishing digital media files in audio and/or video format on the internet, through a feed on a social network or media platform, where users can find available publications, start debates on common topics, leave opinions and criticisms, and share accessed content with other listeners. Objective: To evaluate podcasts as a teaching tool. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 144 healthcare professionals who answered questionnaires at the end of a podcast between August 2024 and February 2025. The sociodemographic characteristics of the listeners, their views on the level of learning gained from the content, and their opinions about podcasts as a teaching tool were evaluated. Results: Regarding the profile of the podcast listeners, 56.25% of the participants were residents in Gynecology and Obstetrics, most of whom study at public institutions in the state of São Paulo and are between 20-29 years old. The most accessed episode topics were isthmocele, care for the transgender and gender-diverse population, and intrauterine growth restriction. When evaluated according to the level of training of the physicians, residents more strongly recommend the use of this tool than medical students and gynecologists (p=0.046). Similarly, residents considered these topics highly relevant when compared to other groups (p= 0.026). Conclusions: According to gynecologists, podcasts are a valuable digital tool for medical education.
ABSTRACT Introduction: Internal medicine (IM) is essential for managing chronic and complex adult conditions. While international studies report fluctuating interest in IM, longitudinal evidence regarding the antecedents and outcomes of IM career choice in Brazil-where the Unified Health System relies heavily on internists-remains limited. Methods: This retrospective longitudinal study analyzed 1,223 graduates from 33 consecutive semiannual cohorts at a public medical school in Brazil. Data sources included a second-year educational inventory, undergraduate administrative records, and public postgraduate training databases. Motivational orientations were derived from open-ended responses using grounded theory. Multivariable logistic regression models identified associations between early motivational, educational, and demographic factors and two primary outcomes: applying to an IM residency and completing IM training. Results: Overall, 19.4% of graduates completed IM training. Relational motivations (patient-centered values), a preference for IM after the first year, participation in elective peer tutoring, and completion of a selective IM traineeship were independently associated with both applying to and completing IM residency. Pre-admission specialty preferences were not predictive. A significant decline in IM selection was observed across successive cohorts. Notably, among those who completed IM training, 88.6% pursued subspecialty certification. Subspecialization was strongly associated with elective peer tutoring, selective IM traineeships, and residency training in university hospitals. Conclusion: IM career trajectories are shaped by a constructive interaction of early relational orientations and structured educational participation. However, the high subspecialization rate highlights the difficulty of sustaining general IM within the current healthcare framework. Addressing this trend requires aligning educational strategies with systemic policy incentives that support long-term generalist career development.
ABSTRACT Introduction: Skin cancer is the most prevalent malignancy in Brazil, particularly non-melanoma types, which have a high cure rate when detected early. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main risk factor, inducing burns, photoaging, and mutations that may lead to neoplasms. Photoprotection, through sunscreen use, appropriate clothing, and preventive behaviors, is crucial to reduce risk, especially in regions with high sun exposure, such as Northeastern Brazil. Objective: To assess medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding skin cancer and photoprotection, identifying gaps in malignant lesion recognition, correct sunscreen application, and awareness of artificial tanning risks, with the goal of informing educational strategies to enhance dermatological prevention and care. Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study evaluated 105 medical students from two institutions in Parnaíba, Piauí, between March 2024 and July 2025. Data were collected via a structured online questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, theoretical knowledge, preventive practices, risk perception, and ability to identify malignant lesions using the ABCDE criteria. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee, CAAE: 77412724800000014. Results: Academic courses were the primary source of information on skin cancer, followed by scientific literature and awareness campaigns. While students recognized the importance of dermatological examinations and preventive measures, most demonstrated only partial ability to distinguish melanoma from other malignant lesions and to apply sunscreen correctly. Regarding artificial tanning, students were aware of the associated risks and largely supported prohibiting tanning beds, although more than half had not received detailed information on their harmful effects. Preventive behaviors differed significantly by sex, with women reporting more frequent sunscreen use. Conclusions: Although theoretical knowledge among medical students is adequate, practical skills and risk awareness require reinforcement. Targeted educational interventions are needed to prepare future physicians to reduce skin cancer incidence in regions with high UV exposure.
ABSTRACT Introduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been progressively incorporated into medical education, modifying how knowledge is accessed and utilized. Objective: To analyze medical students’ perceptions regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence in the learning process. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study with a mixed-methods approach was conducted with 108 medical students. Data were collected through an online structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. Results: Most participants (97.2%) reported using AI tools, with ChatGPT being the most frequently used (95.4%). The main applications included tutoring (84.3%), academic activities (65.7%), and basic disciplines, particularly anatomy/morphofunctional sciences (50.9%) and physiology (41.7%). Reported benefits included improved understanding of complex content (85.2%), time optimization (78.7%), and rapid access to information (63%). Concerns were identified regarding information reliability, algorithmic bias, and technological dependence. Most students (79.6%) showed a preference for hybrid learning methods. Conclusion: Artificial Intelligence is widely integrated into students’ academic routines and is perceived as a complementary tool whose use requires a critical approach.
ABSTRACT Introduction: Prejudice is a social phenomenon that, when manifested in different contexts, can negatively impact medical education by affecting students’ academic experiences and the quality of healthcare delivery. Objective: To analyze the perception of medical students from public and private institutions in Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil, regarding experiences and situations of prejudice during medical training. Method: This is a descriptive, exploratory study with a quantitative approach, conducted with 588 students from four higher education institutions. Data collection was carried out through a structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms, encompassing sociodemographic information and experiences of prejudice. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis through Pearson’s Chi-square test, with a 5% significance level. Results: The results indicated that 50.9% of participants observed episodes of prejudice in the academic environment, and 16.8% reported being direct victims. A significant association was found between the experience of prejudice and variables such as sexual orientation (p<0.001), age over 26 years (p<0.001), and marital status (married/stable union) (p<0.001). The most frequently reported types of prejudice were related to sexual orientation, gender, and ageism. It was concluded that prejudice is significantly present in medical education among the analyzed population, leading to the normalization of discriminatory practices in the academic environment. LGBTQIAPN+ students, older students, and those who were married or in a stable union reported higher experiences of prejudice in medical education. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for consistent institutional strategies, including the transversal and continuous inclusion of diversity-related topics throughout medical training, the ongoing qualification of faculty members, and the implementation of mechanisms for support and confrontation. Such actions aim to promote more inclusive, humanized, and socially just medical education.
