The Conjunction of Extension, Teaching and Research: the Experience of the Scientific Journey of Pharmacy and Biochemistry Students

Resumen

The Jornada Científica dos Acadêmicos de Farmácia e Bioquímica (Scientific Journey of Pharmacy and Biochemistry Students, JCAFB), a project from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of University of São Paulo (FCF/USP), is a volunteering, self-managed, extension project. Founded in 1965, it relies on the support of professors, pharmaceutical residents, and undergraduate students. Initially, the goal was to investigate the presence of Biomphalaria snails, an intermediate host of the schistosomiasis transmitter, in Peruíbe-SP. Currently, the project is characterized as a volunteer pharmaceutical assistance service, acting in cities with healthcare and sanitation deficiencies, improving life quality through local solutions. In a 4-year cycle, a team of 50 undergraduate students performs educational activities on environment and healthcare topics, laboratorial tests, water quality analysis, socioeconomic data collection, lectures to community health agents, domiciliary orientations about rational use of medicines and health promotion of domestic animals. More than 1,500 students from FCF/USP have already participated, besides many pharmaceutical and medical veterinary residents, and undergraduate students from other institutions within the University of São Paulo. By preserving the principle of inseparability between university research, teaching, and extension, JCAFB aims to provide an opportunity for scientific, humanitarian and social learning to its participants.