BRAZIL: Medical program gains national recognition
UniSalesiano among six programs receiving highest score
BRAZIL
(MissionNewswire) The medical program at the UniSalesiano, the Salesian University in Araçatuba, Brazil, is among only six in the country to receive the highest score in the Preliminary Course Concept, the official evaluation tool of the Ministry of Education. This was the program’s first evaluation with the Preliminary Course Concept, the primary quality indicator for higher education in Brazil.
Out of 305 medical courses assessed in 2023 — the most recent round of evaluations in the health care field — UniSalesiano fell just 0.6 points short of the top score nationwide. This achievement was announced by the National Institute for Educational Studies and Research Anísio Teixeira, the body responsible for higher education assessments in Brazil.
The Preliminary Course Concept considers various factors such as student performance on the National Student Performance Exam, the difference indicator between expected and observed performance, degrees awarded, faculty employment structure, and student feedback on infrastructure and pedagogical design.
UniSalesiano’s achievement is even more significant when compared with other private institutions. Among the 196 private medical programs evaluated, 28% ranked in the lowest performance tiers. UniSalesiano not only earned the highest score in the private sector but also secured a top spot in the national ranking.
“This result is the fruit of hard work, dedication, and investment. The Ministry of Education’s top rating is a symbol of who we are and what we strive to continue being: a national reference in medical education,” said Professor André Ornellas, vice-rector for teaching, research, and postgraduate studies. “We want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey — our entire academic community. This is a collective achievement.”
Father Paulo Fernando Vendrame, rector, noted, “This recognition confirms that UniSalesiano is transforming lives, forming professionals prepared to face major health care challenges and making a meaningful contribution to building a better Brazil.”
Just over 15% of Brazilians live in poverty, with the majority living in the rural northeast of the country, according to the World Bank. While Brazil is making positive changes, there are still large gaps between the poor and the rich, and issues of income inequality and social exclusion remain at the root of poverty.
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Sources:
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Salesian Missions – Brazil
World Bank – Brazil
