This essay discusses possible contributions of Paulo Frere's thinkingtoward the transformation of medical schools in Brazil, based on the reference of the professional profile advocated by the national curriculum guidelines for the undergraduate course in medicine. Considering that merely methodological changes are insufficient to achieve the intended humanistic skills, education is presented as Paulo Freire'spractice of freedom as a basis for the development of strategies and practices geared to the trainingof a critical, reflexiveprofessional with sense of social responsibility and citizenship. Supported by Freire's thinking, insertion in the community, a democratized teacher-student relationship and the use of the portfolio could improve medical training.
Medical Education; Staff Development; HigherEducation