Introduction

The Chilean process of constitutional change brought forth an opportunity for discussion and deliberation from a professional and citizen perspective amongst residents of the Training Program for Medical Specialists in Public Health (PFMESP) of the University of Chile.

Seminar

A seminar was held on this process, devised by the residents and guided by the head of the PFMESP academic committee, given the close relationship between regulatory frameworks and the work of public health physicians (MESP). The selected topics sought to progressively cover conceptual aspects on constitutional norms, their relationship with health, specific content of the new constitution (NC) proposal and future perspectives. Special relevance was given to the establishment of constructive dialogue, avoiding inorganic confrontation.

Medical training and socio-political contingency

The seminar can be considered as an exercise in integration of elements of social relevance in medical training, an aspect valued in the processes of training programs accreditation and the role of the University. As part of this experience, it is expected that desirable competencies such as social responsibility, professional citizenship and leadership will emerge. The training in the exercise of these, involves stimulating critical thinking, which reflexively approaches the socio-political contingency to the individual and public dimensions of the practice of the profession.

Learning and discussion

Aspects of the contingent social and political scenario were brought into contact with the specific knowledge of public health physicians. Leadership skills, teamwork and professional peer dialogue were put into practice. Finally, issues and queries were raised that questioned the development models of nations, the valuation of life and health of their communities and the translation into different normative bodies.