Mar Sachi Medina, a medical student from the University of Barcelona, completed an internship at the Public Health and Internal Medicine Departments of the School of Medical Sciences (SMS) at Unicamp in August 2024. The internship was sponsored by the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA), the Local Coordination of Internships and Experiences (CLEV), and SMS Unicamp.

“I had the immense pleasure of meeting Professor Rubens Bedrikow, under whose guidance I gained valuable insights into the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Through this experience, I participated in home visits and visited local Basic Health Units (UBS) and Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS). Thanks to him, I also learned about the university extension project and had the opportunity to visit one of the Landless Rural Workers’ Movement (MST) settlements, where I gained a deeper understanding of the community and the challenging realities they face.

During my time at Unicamp, I also completed a rotation in the Infectious Diseases area and the Emergency Room, which provided further hands-on experience. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my host, Natasha, and her family, as well as my ‘madrinhas’, the national and international students, and all the locals who made this month truly unforgettable.

I am confident that these experiences have significantly contributed to my growth, both as a future professional and as an individual. Thank you, Brazil, for being home to such warm, compassionate, and amazing people”, said Medina in her international report.