(In)Visible Populations in medical school: Narratives and shared trajectories?

Abstract

Since the implementation of Affirmative Action Policies in 2012, Brazilian universities have been in a period of transition in the profile of students and faculty members within this context. This change is shifting from a homogeneous profile to a more heterogeneous one, involving the presence of (in)visible populations, defined in this research as black, mixed-race, indigenous, disabled, immigrant (or humanitarian refugee), and LGBTQIAP+ individuals. It is known that historically, there has been significant resistance against this change, which reflects the continuation of prejudiced roots that have been taught, normalized, and transmitted across generations. In this sense, this study is justified by the need to recognize the presence of (in)visible populations in a medical school, as well as their experiences throughout the course. The objective of this research is to describe the profile and analyze the practical experiences lived by Medicine students at the Federal University of São Carlos. It is a mixed-methods study, with a quantitative part, exploratory and descriptive in nature, using questionnaires; qualitative, using narrative interviews. The research will allow for the description of the profile and analysis of the experiences of these students, mainly those who self-identify as belonging to (in)visible population groups, promoting reflections on their presence and permanence in medical school, which can impact the ways of building and evaluating strategies for access and retention of other students from these groups, strengthening public policies and expanding the rights provided by the Brazilian Federal Constitution.