Skills and medical skills developed in the scope of university extension

Abstract

Objective: Highlight university extension programs as a tool for developing competencies and medical skills, as well as discussing opportunities, challenges, and possibilities experienced throughout the trajectory as an extension student. Methods: An exploratory and retrospective study conducted through documentary analysis and systematization of the experience of a medical student participating as a scholarship holder in an Extension Program at the State University of Rio Grande do Norte. Results: Categorical analysis revealed that activities fell into one or more of the three competency dimensions established by the National Curriculum Guidelines: Healthcare, Management, and Health Education. Extension allows for the development of complex approaches, integrating the networks of Teaching, Healthcare, Management, and the community. In the context of educational transformations, the curricularization of Extension serves as a key element in strengthening this process. Conclusion: The process of knowledge construction within the scope of Extension should not be considered merely complementary or accessory but should be worked on continuously.