Gilson Batista Sousa Júnior becomes first deaf medical student at UFG

Gilson Batista Sousa Júnior, a 22-year-old student, has become the first deaf individual to study medicine at the Federal University of Goiás (UFG) in Brazil. Having lost his hearing at age two due to meningitis, Sousa Júnior aims to increase autonomy for deaf patients who currently rely on hearing companions or interpreters to navigate medical appointments.

He expressed a goal to provide more inclusive care and hopes for a future where more medical professionals are fluent in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). According to IBGE census data, approximately 9.8 million Brazilians are deaf, representing over 5% of the population. His journey coincides with 'Setembro Azul' (Blue September), a movement dedicated to promoting inclusion and reducing prejudice against the deaf community.