Abstract

Until the present day the majority of medical schools continue to train students to make great diagnoses and save lives. But the reality remains that we must take care, much more than heal. Improve as much as possible the quality of life for patients until they die, instead of trying to save them at any cost. On January 14 last year, the Institute of Medicine Professor Fernando Figueira began its activities in the palliative care ward. In little over a month, we received 16 medical students of the Faculty of Health Pernambuco. They remain on the ward for 2 weeks. During this period, they have contact with patients with advanced cancer and learn how to treat pain and other symptoms, in addition to communication skills in situations of risk.

Working in interdisciplinary teams is also experienced. Upon being asked to give feedback to the end of this stage mandatory, the majority reported that despite feeling anxious at dealing with the proximity of death, they thought they had learned important skills to alleviate the suffering of people and especially the real meaning of care palliative are. That cannot heal; it is not the same thing cannot do anything. And that having an incurable disease that does not mean you will die soon after knowing this. Therefore, realized the importance of caring for these patients throughout the time they need.