Biomedical engineering: professional choice and teaching trajectories

Abstract

Biomedical Engineering (EB) is a recent field in Brazil, a field of possibilities for professionals in Exact Sciences and Health. Undergraduate courses in EB started in the country in the 2000s and many teachers are still from different areas of knowledge. The aim was to get to know the profile and choice process of EB teaching professional. Qualitative study with a biographical-narrative approach. Eleven teachers of the EB course participated in the study, three women and eight men, from a university in the São Paulo. Sociodemographic and training data were obtained on the Lattes platform and confirmed during an interview based on the guiding question about choice and professional trajectory. Interview conducted in two moments, the report being free and feedback of the content produced. Recorded reports, transcribed and organized in biograms, allowing identification of moments that influenced the professional choice. Teachers were given pseudonyms, for their anonymity, had diversified academic backgrounds, were doctors, mostly male, average age of 43 years and teaching career time 9.3 years. Several teachers paths led to EB, career choice and possibilities for professional performance.  Some people and events promoted proximity to the area. Despite not being the group's first career choice, EB proved to be an option and opportunity for professional performance. It is important to expand reflection on professional choice and training in EB, in order to promote, stimulate and share alternatives that contribute to the promotion and expansion of knowledge and favor the training of new professionals.