“Zika formed me”: professional training in epidemic times

Abstract

Introduction: Between 2015 and 2016, Brazil experienced an epidemic of Zika virus, with severe reproductive consequences, the declaration of national and international health emergency and, given the etiological novelty, intensification of scientific efforts. In Pernambuco, the second most affected Brazilian state, professors, researchers and health professionals quickly recruited undergraduate and postgraduate students to gain scale in welcoming the child population and investigating the viral phenomenon. Objectives: Describe and understand what is specific about health education during an unknown epidemic. This training took place in longer and more frequent consultations, was based on multiple and continuous relationships with affected families and work teams and resulted in polyphonic and reflexive sciences. Methods: Interviews were carried out in Recife/PE, between 2018 and 2023, with 18 students of Nursing, Physiotherapy, Medicine, Nutrition, Public Health, Social Work and Occupational Therapy. Results: During the epidemic time, when science and clinic met intensely, the interlocutors retrospectively analyzed how teaching-research-community left a mark on their training, professional choices and also personal life. The presence of undergraduate and postgraduate students allowed for more consultations, scientific articles, clinical protocols and health policies. Conclusions: Education is an important link between assistance and research. In contact with children, their families, professors and tutors in health services, these students had the chance to review conventional research procedures, learn about the limits of hospital infrastructure and become critical witnesses of an epidemic.