NEU as a resource connecting medicine students and the community

Abstract

It is part of the training of the medical professional the strengthening of citizenship and the capacitation in health promotion and disease prevention in different sociocultural realities. Thus, the Extension Nucleus of Unifenas - BH (NEU) was planned as a resource that will provide an exchange of knowledge among medical academics, teachers and community. Objective: NEU proposes to bring medical students closer to the Brazilian reality, as well as to work in needy communities through varied projects. Method: In July of 2016, the NEU made its first expedition in Urucânia - MG, with a duration of seven days. For children and teenagers, music workshops were developed, sanitation in the APAE and topics such as violence and sex education were discussed. With the adult population other topics were discussed: violence against women, affective bond, human health and breastfeeding. Coming from the town’s solicitation, a project for drug user rehabilitation center was developed. With the elderly population: hypertension and diabetes workshop, walking groups and asylum visits were conducted. The applied workshops included several target groups: educators, municipal health agents and community leaders. Results: The actions promoted by the NEU were positive for the population of Urucânia, as well as for the members of the group. Thereafter, several reflections were generated that provided a set for an academic and personal formation of the members. In relation to the difficulties, the group faced, in some moments, lack of infrastructure; lack of interest in some institutions and unpredictability of the public. Conclusion: The actions carried out by NEU, in this expedition, contributed not only to the development of the town, but also to strengthen the concept of social responsibility between the academic program and community.