This study aimed to analyze the determining factors for the choice of the Family Health Strategy as a field of professional practice in order to check for the influence of academic education and its implications. From October 2006 to February 2007, 22 higher level professionals (dentists, nurses and physicians) working in Family Health teams in a municipality of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (Brasil) were interviewed individually. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed pursuant to the theoretical and methodological framework of socio-historical psychology. It was observed that the professional choice of the Family Health Strategy was not reflective and critical, rather influenced mainly by the expansion of the area and job offers, a fact that may compromise their professional activities. We suggest investing in educational processes as a way to encourage and promote the work and the commitment of professionals with the Health System and, especially,Family Health.
Family Health; psychology; vocational guidance