Em busca de propósito: minha jornada da engenharia para a medicina

Abstract

This undergraduate thesis presents a reflective narrative of the author's academic and personal journey, detailing his transition from Aeronautical Engineering to the medical degree program at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar). The introduction explores the crisis of purpose he experienced while working in the aeronautical industry, which prompted him to change careers in pursuit of work focused on caring for others. The reflection is structured around the three major phases of medical school. The first phase describes his adaptation to the Constructivist Spiral active learning methodology, based on Problem-Based Learning (PBL), and his initial exposure to Primary Health Care within Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS), highlighting his practical understanding of the social determinants of health. The second phase emphasizes the development of outpatient clinical reasoning, the challenges of translating theoretical knowledge into the unpredictable realities of physical examination, and a practical understanding of longitudinal care. The third phase describes his immersion in clinical clerkships, during which he experienced increasing autonomy, confronted dilemmas and uncertainties at the bedside, recognized the essential role of teamwork, and solidified his decision to pursue a specialization in Pediatrics. Finally, the thesis highlights the profound impact of extracurricular activities on medical education, particularly participation in sports teams and management boards of the Moacir Peixoto Júnior Academic Athletic Association (AAAMPJ). It concludes that engagement in experiences beyond the formal curriculum was essential to developing skills such as resilience, leadership, and interpersonal sensitivity. These experiences enabled the author to combine excellence and technical rigor with the empathy required to provide comprehensive care to his future patients.