My Experience at FMUSP Winter School in Brazil

Application Process

The application process typically opens in mid-February. You must complete a Google form comprising 150-200 words describing your personal profile and achievements in medical school. Be sure to mention what specialties you are passionate about.

Next, you need a motivation statement of 250-300 words. This should include:

• Your reasons for wanting to attend FMUSP Winter School.

• Your expectations for the experience.

• Your career plans and how this course aligns with those plans.

• Your contribution to the program.

  
  

You will also need a letter of recommendation from a tutor or clinician who knows you well. Once accepted, there is a 1000 USD fee for students from North America, Europe, or Asia. Fortunately, this fee came into effect in 2024, meaning I did not have to pay anything for this wonderful experience, apart from my flights and accommodations. FMUSP offered very affordable housing shared with other students.

A Unique Experience

I applied to this program believing it was a chance to immerse myself in a different healthcare system. I wanted to learn about global health, especially in the context of OBGYN. One of the most impactful experiences was learning about contraceptive education in a predominantly Catholic country where abortion remains illegal. Understanding how religious and cultural influences shaped healthcare delivery broadened my cultural awareness and deepened my empathy for the unique challenges faced by women in Brazil.

The program featured mainly hands-on and lecture-based learning. Seminars covered various topics, including the connection between the gut microbiome and menopause, as well as groundbreaking developments like womb transplantation. I attended clinics and observed patient care, primarily conducted in Portuguese but translated into English for us. This provided valuable insights into medical practices and regional differences in managing women’s health, particularly how COVID-19 affected antenatal care, contraception access, and chronic gynecological conditions.

Although lectures were the main focus, there were opportunities to explore other specialties. A highlight was scrubbing into a neurosurgery operation. If you showed initiative, the teams were more than willing to accommodate your interests!

Exploring Brazil

One significant highlight of the FMUSP Winter School 2023 was the opportunity to explore Brazil outside of academic life. We had the freedom to travel on weekends. I made the most of this by visiting Rio de Janeiro with other students. Luckily, I had a friend residing there, which made my stay easy and affordable. We booked a reasonably priced flight to Rio and returned by Flixbus for around £30 each way, making it accessible on a student budget.

In Rio, we experienced some of Brazil’s iconic sights: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the lively atmosphere of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. It was a memorable way to explore a new part of the country. The winter weather was incredible! Meanwhile, in São Paulo, we spent our free time discovering the vibrant and diverse city. São Paulo is filled with hidden gems, from local food markets and historic downtown areas to the colorful street art of Vila Madalena. Overall, Brazil was notably affordable compared to the UK, particularly Ubers, which were inexpensive. Sharing rides made it easy to travel around comfortably and safely.

Improving my Portuguese language skills was another personal goal that I achieved during this trip!

Costs of the Program

At the time, there was no application fee for the program. I only had to cover my flights, which were already over £1000, so I was reluctant to spend more. FMUSP provided very affordable accommodation. I was lucky to secure my university's Broadening Horizons fund, which helped offset a small part of my travel expenses.

However, now there is a participation fee of approximately $1,000 USD. While the experience was enriching, I advise prospective applicants to consider the added cost carefully. The program is predominantly lecture-based with limited hands-on clinical involvement.

Conclusion: A Rewarding Experience

Professionally, taking part in this overseas activity has significantly contributed to the development of my CV as an aspiring OBGYN doctor. Studying Brazil’s public healthcare system, Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), deepened my understanding of cost-effective healthcare delivery. It provided perspectives that I can apply to the UK system. Additionally, I had the chance to connect with esteemed OBGYN doctors and meet international students from around the world—many of whom I still keep in touch with!

Overall, it was a rewarding academic, cultural, and professional experience. However, the added fee would have made it less appealing if I had been accepted this year.