Experience of Medical Students in Family and Community Health Program at Bogotá University

Abstract

Introduction: This study was developed in accordance to the family and community health program at Bogotá University. The objective of this study was to understand the experiences of students in family and community health practice in the El Codito sector of northeast Bogotá (Colombia) in the town of Usaquen. Materials and methods: Medical students of the university participated in this qualitative phenomenological study. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with the students who participated in the family and community health program at Bogotá University (Colombia). Results: Four categories emerged from the analysis process: reality and territory, institutionality and family and community health, agency and professional projection, and communication; listening; and recognition of other. Embedded narratives of significant experiences, difficulties, and multidimensional challenges were evident. The student’s role in the interaction and communication with families was highlighted. Self-recognition, recognition of other realities, and the student’s projection as a future professional emerged from this process. Conclusions: The participation of students was a dynamic process from which experiences that confront students emerged. This experience reflected multidimensional learning and challenges due to the vulnerability of this sector. This process resulted in the recognition of other realities, self-recognition, and the student’s projection as a social agent and future professional in medicine.