Contribuições do estágio no Consultório na Rua na formação do médico de família e comunidade: um relato de experiência

Contributions of the Street Clinic Internship to the Training of Family and Community Physicians: An Experience Report

Abstract

This article reports on the internship experience at the Street Clinic (Consultório na Rua, CnR) as a mandatory component of the Family and Community Medicine (FCM) residency in Salvador, Brazil. The internship aims to expand residents’ competencies beyond the minimum curriculum established by the Brazilian Society of Family and Community Medicine (SBMFC), focusing on comprehensive care for the homeless population, including professional-patient bonding, territorial approach, harm reduction, and interdisciplinary teamwork. The methodology involved participation in reception activities at the primary health unit (UBS), field visits, follow-up of users in external services, and weekly multidisciplinary team meetings. The internship allowed immersion in the territory and social reality of the homeless population, understanding their vulnerabilities, stigmas, and support networks. The
experience highlighted the importance of building bonds, active listening, and collaborative care planning, as well as the challenges of addressing violence, deprivation of rights, and social fragility. Field practice demonstrated that territory is not merely geographic but a dynamic resource for therapeutic adherence and health promotion. In conclusion, the CnR strengthens essential skills for family physicians, offering experiences that go beyond traditional clinical settings, fostering comprehensive, longitudinal, and contextualized care. The internship contributes to the training of professionals sensitive to social vulnerabilities, capable of coordinating care networks and developing person- and territory-centered interventions.