Ethical Attitudes of Brazilian Medical Students and Graduates with Active Methodologies

The objective of this study was to conduct a diagnosis of the comprehensive inclusion of ethics in Brazilian medical training with a problem-based learning methodology and to describe students' and graduates' perceptions of ethical attitudes. The methodological design was a descriptive and documental case study with a qualitative and quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 20 students per course year, totaling 120 students and 40 alumni from two graduating classes at the ESCS School of Medicine. The project was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the State Health Secretariat, Federal District, Brazil. ESCS students and graduates showed that they approach ethical conflicts and respect for patients. However, an analysis of ethical sensitivity revealed weak perceptions and inappropriate attitudes by medical students, especially in the early years of medical school, requiring more systematic discussions on ethical and bioethical aspects integrated with practical activities, in order to increase and strengthen ethical reflection by students.