With the pandemic of the new coronavirus and the paralysis of Brazil and the world, in an attempt to reduce the so-called curve of number of cases of infected by COVID-19, most medical students had their classes suspended to reinforce social isolation .
Even knowing that these students could be a future workforce to help fight the pandemic, initially it was not known how or when it could be done. Many colleges, Brazil abroad, canceled classes so that these students were only concerned with staying at home.
It turns out that, besides staying at home for several days in a row, with no forecast of returning to social life, many away from their families and their cities, there was also concern about their professional training and the possibility of acting when the curve became more steep, and the situation in the country worsened.
With the colleges stopped, the fear about their education ranges from freshmen, excited for the first classes, eager to acquire all the knowledge that lies ahead, to the students closest to CRM. Freshmen no longer know about vacations, beer, travel at the end of the year.
There is no forecast of what will be in the coming months, as they need to acquire all the theoretical knowledge so important for this profession – their training cannot be shortened. Almost graduates no longer know about the date of graduation, about the rotations of each month, about the date of the residency exams.
The quasi-trainees no longer have any predictions about this scenario which, time seems to be ahead, time seems to be late.
The advance of the training was allowed for those who already had 75% of the necessary workload for the boarding school, but it is up to the faculties to release that workload and position themselves against or in favor of the advance.
And those who have not yet completed this required percentage, will their graduation be delayed? The question remains.
In addition, in the week of March 30th to April 3rd, medical students (from the 1st to the 6th year – giving preference to the 5th and 6th year students) were invited, and many other uncertainties were established.
A scholarship of 522.00 reais is offered to students from the 1st to the 4th year, for 20 hours of work per week per month, and a scholarship of 1045.00 reais to the students from the 5th to the 6th year, for 40 weekly working hours per month, counting as a workload for the boarding school, and an additional 10% score in the public selection process for residency programs promoted by the Ministry of Health.
Whether other residences will also join, and at what stage of the selection process will this bonus enter, no one knows.
Without knowing whether or not they will be summoned after registration, as this will depend on the demand of health units and, without knowing whether or not they will go after the summons, students find themselves lost in the midst of this new dynamic. To what extent is it worth taking risks in the fight against COVID-19? How far can you take no chances if so many people will need it?
What if you always wanted to do historical work like this, but you are part of a risk group? You may also want to go through this process to acquire this baggage.
It may be that you want to help the country take care of people, it may be that you are only interested in the 10% on the proof of residence, and / or the 1045.00 reais per month, or it may be that you think that nothing pays for your security. . Brazil may count on you, but can you count on Brazil? Worth the reflection.
The balance between the pros and cons is a reality in the medical students’ current mind, and the answer to all their doubts lies only in themselves. What they do with it all depends only on them.
But it is undeniable that, participating or not in the program, graduating before, graduating on time, or graduating later, anyway, COVID-19 impacted many people in this context.
This still without mentioning the long days at home, which seem to have no end, and the number of students with anxiety attacks, depression, and without seeing much solution for this condition.
Accepting this situation is the first step on this journey. And, for the other steps to be taken, it is very important that, despite all this scenario, the balance always weighs in your favor, thinking about your health, physical and mental, wishing to nourish yourself with good things amid all the problems .
You cannot predict what will happen or when it will all end, but you can focus on positive attitudes for your life, adopting healthier habits, taking care of yourself, continuing to study, with a focus and purpose on your goal, and not getting caught up all day in news that might be a trigger for you to feel bad.
It is possible, and it is up to you, to hold the reins of your life and make your own decisions, always putting yourself first.
