Introduction

The Flexner report is considered the starting point for the discussion on the teaching of medicine in the 20th century. Following broad debate in 2001, the Ministry of Education approved the National Curricular Guidelines (DCNs) for the Undergraduate Course in Medicine. These guidelines are aimed at forming general, humanistic, reflective and critical physicians, to act as promoters of comprehensive human health. Pediatrics is a medical area where the promotion of comprehensive health is extremely important, since a child is a future adult.

Objective

Discuss issues like ‘What is expected from a pediatric general practitioner, in the 21st century?’ And the follow-on question: ‘Is it necessary to make changes in pediatric training through the National Curricular Guidelines?’

Methods

Reflexive study based on two documents: the National Curricular Guidelines for the Undergraduate Course in Medicine and the Guidelines for Teaching Pediatrics proposed by Eduardo Marcondes.

Discussion

This article presents Marcondes’ views on the teaching of pediatrics in relation to the DCNs. It also discusses important aspects of the doctor´s training, such as health promotion, prevention, protection and rehabilitation and pediatric medical training.

Final considerations

The Guidelines for Teaching Pediatrics suggested by Marcondes in 1993 remain highly relevant to 21st century Brazil, with exception only to differences in infant mortality and morbidity rates.