Medical residencies and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in Brazil: an analysis of scientific production

Abstract

Objective: To map and analyze Brazilian scientific production at the intersection between medical residency programs and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular attention to the recently proposed SDGs (18, 19, and 20). Method: A scoping review was conducted through a systematic search in October 2024 across the BVS, SciELO, and CAPES Journal Portal databases. Results: The search identified five studies addressing specialties such as Psychiatry, Family and Community Medicine, Neurosurgery, Primary Care, and Occupational Medicine. The analysis revealed an emerging body of scientific work, with convergences around traditional SDGs, such as Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10). However, a critical gap was observed in the explicit discussion of the recently proposed SDGs (18, 19, and 20). A deeper contextual examination demonstrated that indirect links with Racial Equality (SDG 18) and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (SDG 20) are present in the territories where the residency programs operate, even if not explicitly acknowledged. SDG 19 (Art, Culture, and Communication), however, was entirely absent from the analysed literature. Conclusions: Medical residency programs in Brazil hold significant potential to contribute to the SDG agenda, yet they function in a fragmented way. An intentional and theoretically grounded incorporation of the expanded SDGs is needed—transforming existing contextual connections into deliberate educational strategies—in order to strengthen their role in promoting a more equitable and sustainable health system.