Brazil medical course expansion shifts training to interior regions

The number of medical courses in Brazil has increased significantly over the last two decades, rising from 143 in 2004 to 448 in 2024. According to the Demografia Médica 2025 report, available spots grew from 13,820 to 48,491 during the same period, with private institutions driving much of this expansion.

This growth has led to a decentralization of medical training. In 2004, 51.2% of medical spots were concentrated in state capitals, but by 2024, this figure dropped to 34.8%. Currently, municipalities with fewer than 300,000 inhabitants account for 43.6% of available spots.

Educational leaders note that the expansion helps address the needs of an aging population and improves healthcare access in interior regions. For example, at the Faculdade de Medicina de Uberlândia (FAMEU), students in their internship phase are already providing supervised support to public health units in Uberlândia, Monte Carmelo, and Catalão.