The University of EMESCAM is a private university based in the city Vitória, some 4 hours north of Rio de Janiero on the east coast of Brazil. EMESCAM is dedicated to the health sciences. The medical program is a 6 course with the final year being equivalent to the intern year in Australia. There are approximately 120 medical students per year. The course is taught in Portuguese.
The collaboration of EMESCAM came about due to one of their alumni, Dr Anelisa deSouza, who generously assisted our initial students to visit EMESCAM and promoted the collaboration in Brazil. Dr de Souza has been a GP in rural Tasmania for the past 4 years.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Faculty of Health Science, UTAS and the School of Medicine, EMESCAM was signed in 2011. This agreement encourages the exchange of students and staff between the two institutions. There may also be opportunities to collaborate on research and community projects. UTAS medical students first commenced visiting EMESCAM in December 2011 through our elective program. Our students have been particularly welcomed in EMESCAM by their Faculty and community. In turn, EMESCAM students have started to visit UTAS from January 2012. Accommodation and tuition fees have been waived for students from both institutions.
For students planning to undertake an elective in Brazil it is helpful if you can speak Portuguese or at least develop a basic understanding of the language before you travel. While accommodation and tuition is free, travel costs to South Amercia can be considerable.
The key contact at EMESCAM is:
Prof Valmin Ramos da Silva,
Course Coordinator, Medical
valminramos@terra.com.br or coordenacao.medicina@emescam.br
School of Medicine Internationalisation and Electives (SMILE) Program
School of Medicine Internationalisation Committee Wiki (log-in required)