Entre a mobilidade e as inovações : a presença de médicos italianos no Rio Grande do Sul (1892-1938)

Abstract

By the end of the XIX century and during the first decades of the XX century, a significant number of Italian doctors have settled in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, in Southern Brazil. By that time, the state law facilitated the exercise of the medical profession in the region. Their presence was characterized by a high geographic mobility, which included several South American countries and the establishment of strong bonds of social networking along the migratory process. In this study, the author evaluated the conditions that caused this flow of foreign doctors to the region, how they were integrated in society and their contribution to development of the region. The way medical profession was structured in both Brazil and Italy is discussed. Legal issues that were related to medical practice, their registration in public institutions and the question of medical diploma revalidation in the State of Rio Grande do Sul are discussed. Italian doctors introduced a series of innovations into medical practice, during a period in which the profession was still gaining formal recognition. They have built hospitals, health care units, maternities and general infirmaries, being instrumental in the development of various specialities. Italian doctors became recognized in several fields, such as surgery, obstetrics, ophthalmology and radiology. They were also experts in the management of very prevalent and challenging diseases at that time, like syphilis and tuberculosis. They also conquered high positions in society, being representatives of their ethnic group in political and social events. During the first two decades of the XX century, Italian doctors comprised about 10% of the total population of doctors in the city of Porto Alegre, the capital of the State of Rio Grande do Sul.