The socialization of medicine in the hinterland of São Paulo: the case of São Carlos (1889-1988)

Abstract

This paper focuses on the development of socialized medicine in the countryside between 1889 and 1988, as well as the economic and political development of the State of São Paulo. It investigates how the centralization of the Brazilian state created new medical services at the state level, and how this influenced the professional autonomy of medical personnel. The study centers on socialized medicine in São Carlos (SP), where these social factors had an impact during this timeframe, creating specific consequences on both the socialization of medicine and the professional autonomy of medical practices. From the point of view of medical autonomy, socialization produced positive as well as negative effects. The reality of São Carlos is a good example of how the socialization of medicine took effect in São Paulo, and also, more generally, in the wider Brazilian countryside. The research used bibliographical research as well as the minutes of the Sociedade Médica de São Carlos and 15 interviews with physicians and local citizens based on oral history.