MEDICAL EDUCATION IN MOTION: A NATIONAL OVERVIEW

Introduction: The unequal distribution of medical schools in Brazil has been widely discussed in recent literature, revealing direct implications for health equity and population access to medical services. Public and private institutions have made efforts to align their curricula with the National Curriculum Guidelines and the principles of the Unified Health System (SUS). However, full alignment remains limited, exposing a gap between the population’s actual health needs and the educational programs offered. Objective: This study describes the evolution of the geographical, administrative, and pedagogical characteristics of medical schools in Brazil. Methods: This mixed-methods study analyzed the development of medical schools, highlighting the predominance of quantitative expansion in medical education, driven by the creation of new institutions. Results: The expansion revealed persistent territorial inequalities in access to health services, reinforced by the growth of private institutions that dominated the national scenario. Although fewer in number, public institutions demonstrated a greater commitment to educational quality and social needs. Furthermore, an increase in the adoption of active methodologies and gradual alignment with the National Curriculum Guidelines were bserved. However, traditional methods remained predominant, and many institutions adopted educational practices with limited transparency, suggesting the need for standardization and continuous monitoring. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of aligning medical education with the National Curriculum Guidelines and the actual health needs of the Brazilian population.