Serra Dos Orgaos Research Articles

Long-term monitoring of the behavior of a talus-colluvium deposit

This article describes the behavior of a talus-colluvium deposit up to 70-m thick located in the Serra dos Orgaos, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil. The monitoring dataset of 13 years contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms of movement associated with talus-colluvium deposits in Southeast Brazil. The study site has had a long history of slow movements, beginning in the 1970s. Field investigations, laboratory tests, monitoring, and theoretical analyses were carried out. In total, 446 groundwater-monitoring campaigns, 120 inclinometer readings, and full-time pluviometric monitoring were completed. Creep movement has been observed with a seasonality that is controlled by variations in the groundwater table (GWT). Due to the large strains, the soil residual shear strength may be mobilized at the failure surface. Analyses indicate that a better slope stability condition may be achieved by reducing the GWT level. The installation of deep horizontal drains (DHDs) led to reductions in the GWT and movement. The displacement rate decreased from 20 mm/month to 2.5 mm/year. Moreover, the monitoring data and analyses evidence the decrease of stability of the talus-colluvium mass with increased GWT and reactivation of movement with blocked drains. Good correlations (r2 up to 0.90) were observed for rainfall, movements, GWT levels, and piezometer readings. Before the installation of the DHDs, there was a direct correlation between displacements and piezometric levels. After that, this correlation was not so evident. The response of the deposit to rainfall is no longer immediate but depends on a significant amount of accumulated rainfall.

CLIMATIC INFLUENCES ON LEAF FALL SEASONALITY IN THE ATLANTIC FOREST (SERRA DOS ÓRGÃOS NATIONAL PARK – RJ- BRAZIL)

We compare temporal variations in leaf fall among three sites of evergreen Atlantic Forest and analyze how climatic variables influence it. Sites were located at Serra dos Orgaos National Park at different altitudes. Litter was collected monthly, from September 1997 to September 2005. Leaves were separated from other litter elements, oven-dried and weighted. Differences in leaf fall mass among grids and how they correlated with temporal variations were analyzed. Climatic variables were obtained from a nearby station and deviations from climatological normals were analyzed. We grouped climatic variables using Principal Component Analyses (PCA) and the highest scores of the two main factors were selected to construct regression models for different time lags. Leaf fall represented 50.5-70 percent of the total litter fall and mean leaf fall differed significantly among grids. However, leaf fall seasonality in the three areas were correlated. Leaf fall increased at the end of dry periods, when temperature and precipitation started to increase. Climatic variables were classified into two groups: seasonal and anomaly. Models constructed with lag variation from 0 and 6 months show that leaf fall was best explained by an anomaly in the maximum mean temperature, with lag 0, and by precipitation, with a six-month lag. We conclude that plant species respond immediately to drastic deviations from climatic factors, while regular climatic conditions are responsible for the seasonality of leaf fall, most likely as a late response to water shortage at the end of the dry season. .

ERODIBILIDADE DE SOLOS DERIVADOS DE ROCHAS DA SUÍTE SERRA DOS ÓRGÃOS: IMPLICAÇÕES PARA A INSTABILIDADE DE TALUDES DE CORTE

Problemas de instabilidade de taludes podem ser deflagrados por processos erosivos nos horizontes de solos saprolítcos. Nesses casos, a identificação das causas e a análise dos processos instabilizadores pode não ser uma tarefa trivial. Embora a associação dos processos de deslizamento e erosão seja relativamente comum, nem sempre as relações entre causa e efeito são bem definidas, podendo impactar significativamente os custos dos projetos e obras de instablização. Portanto, ainda é necessário avançar na identificação prévia das erodibilidades dos solos saprolíticos, os quais em condições críticas podem deflagrar a instabilidade dos horizontes superiores do solo. O principal objetivo desse manuscrito é avaliar índices que auxiliem na previsão da erodibilidade de solos saprolíticos e seu potencial na deflagração de processos de movimentos de massa em encostas ou taludes instáveis. Foram selecionados para análises dois perfis de solo, incluindo o solo saprolítico e os horizontes pedológicos, derivados de rochas da Suíte Serra dos órgãos e com registro de instabilidades e evidencias de feições erosivas observadas em campo, no município de São João de Meriti (RJ). Após a amostragem, os horizontes pedológicos e saprolíticos de cada perfil foram analisados quanto à mineralogia, propriedades físicas e mecânicas. Os resultados obtidos em laboratório confirmam as observações de campo quanto à elevada erodibilidade do solo saprolítico e seu potencial para deflagração de rupturas dos taludes de corte na região. Esse conhecimento fundamental é útil para assistir às autoridades municipais quanto ao uso do solo urbano, em especial, para a necessidade de se evitar cortes profundos e assim manter a preservação dos horizontes saprolíticos e o equilíbrio das encostas.

Nova ocorrência de Manihot jolyana Cruz (Euphorbiaceae) para o estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Manihot jolyana is referred for the first time for Rio de Janeiro state. The species was registered in the municipality of Petropolis during the study of Euphorbiaceae s.s. in the Serra dos Orgaos National Park, conducted between 2015 and 2017. Description, taxonomic comments, data on the habitat and geographical distribution, map of distribution, flowering and fruiting and images of the species are provided.

HELMINTH COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF TWO SIGMODONTINE RODENTS IN SERRA DOS ÓRGÃOS NATIONAL PARK, STATE OF RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

The fauna and community structure of the helminths of two sympatric sigmodontine rodent hosts, Akodon montensis (Thomas, 1913) and Oligoryzomys nigripes (Olfers, 1818) (Rodentia, Cricetidae) were studied in two areas of an Atlantic Forest reserve, the Serra dos Orgaos National Park in Petropolis and Teresopolis municipalities, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. During the study, 127 rodents were collected, among which 63 were parasitized (approximately 50%). The helminths recovered from A. montensis were the nematodes Protospirura numidica criceticola , Stilestrongylus aculeata , Stilestrongylus eta , Stilestrongylus lanfrediae and Trichofreitasia lenti ; the trematode Canaania obesa and the cestode Rodentolepis akodontis . Oligoryzomys nigripes was infected by Avellaria sp., Guerrerostrongylus zetta, T. lenti and S. lanfrediae . Complete host specificity was observed in all helminth species only in Petropolis; although T. lenti and S. lanfrediae were shared between host species in Teresopolis. Stilestrongylus aculeata, S. eta and S. lanfrediae had the greatest abundance, i.e. considering all hosts, and intensity, i.e. considering only infected hosts, in the study. Stilestrongylus lanfrediae and G. zett a were the most prevalent species. Guerrerostrongylus zetta and S. lanfrediae had higher abundance and prevalence in adult hosts. The latter species also had higher abundance and prevalence in male hosts. Stilestrongylus aculeata and S. eta had higher prevalence in young female hosts, and T. lenti, higher abundance in males and higher prevalence in adult females of A. montensis. Only the helminth community of O. nigripes in Teresopolis followed a nested pattern of species distribution. All the other helminth communities in A. montensis and O. nigripes had random patterns of species distribution. The results suggest the existence of intrinsic characteristics between hosts and parasites as well as different patterns of associations in those interactions with the environment.

Taxa de Dissolução do Plagioclásio em uma Bacia de Drenagem Granito-Gnáissica de uma Floresta Ombrófila Densa Montana

A 180 ha area in the headwater of Paquequer watershed, a drainage system located at the Teresopolis municipality, was selected for the evaluation of chemical weathering from collected river water samples in February and August 2013 in a granitic-gnaissic substrate free of direct anthropogenic influence for being located in a conservation unit (Serra dos Orgaos National Park). The study area has a native forest cover, an altitude range of 1100-1900 m and an average annual rainfall of 2800 mm. The dissolved elements (Na, Mg, Ca, K, Si, Al) were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma spectrometries and the anions Cl - and SO 4 2- , by ion chromatography. These results, combined with the concentration data of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds (Alvim, 2016), the atmospheric deposition (Rodrigues, 2006), and the litogeochemistry (Zorita, 1979; Tupinamba, 1999; Tupinamba et al., 2012) were used to generate the dissolution model of mineral, employing the PHREEQC software. The mass balance indicate Na as the main chemical specie due to weathering. Mineralogical data show plagioclase, quartz, k-feldspar and biotite as substrate’s most abundant minerals, among which only plagioclase has sodium in its composition. According to Goldich’s series (mineral stability to weathering), plagioclase was identified as the main weathered mineral in this assemblage, being consumed at a rate of 649 mol ha -1 year -1 and forming the minerals kaolinite and gibbsite, with the release of a minimum of 818 mols ha -1 year -1 and a maximum of 1490 mols ha -1 year -1 of dissolved silica in the river (measured value). Considering plagioclase as the main mineral responsible for Na flux in the basin, stoichiometric calculations in association with Si ratio, it was estimated that only from the plagioclase weathering, the soil should be composed by 14% of kaolinite and 86% of gibbsite in percentage relative of the two mineral phases. The quantitative analysis of the mineralogy (Rietveld method) confirmed the calculations, showing a soil composition 7% kaolinite e 93% gibbsite, and attested the importance of plagioclase weathering in fluvial hydrogeochemistry and soil composition.

A New Bromeligenous Species of Fritziana Mello-Leitão, 1937 (Amphibia: Anura: Hemiphractidae) from High Elevations in the Serra Dos Órgãos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract Fritziana is a genus of phytotelm-dwelling frogs that inhabits bamboo and bromeliads in the southern and southeastern portions of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Currently, five species are known, but the existence of undescribed species has been acknowledged. Here, we conducted a species-delimitation analysis of Fritziana using deoxyribonucleic acid sequences comprising two fragments of a mitochondrial gene (16S). The species delimitation analysis (with 16S) with Bayesian inference and maximum parsimony supported the recognition of a new species as an exclusive lineage, sister to all other Fritziana species. Bioacoustic and morphological evidence also support this finding. The new species occurs from 1166 to 2146 m above sea level and inhabits bromeliads from the National Park of Serra dos Orgaos, in the municipality of Teresopolis, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Compared with its congeners, the new species has nostrils narrowly separated, diameter of tympanum equal to or larger than diameter o...

Changing a Brazilian Protected Areas Paradigm: Why Public Use is Not Just Optional

Over the last few decades, Brazilian National Parks followed a paradigm suggesting that public use is only a superfluous activity that can be developed after the full implementation of a Protected Area, which we refer to as the “cherry on the cake paradigm.” This case study aims at discussing whether the increase of public use activities is related to the development of other management activities. This is done by using selected indicators from Serra dos Orgaos National Park (SONP) and investigating aspects of the history of this protected area. The results indicate that if it is not possible to conclude that public use causes improvement in other management activities, there is a strong relationship between the number of visitors and other management indicators. In contrast to what happens in Brazil, our results suggest that public use should be taken into account by protected area managers from the moment of its creation. By doing this, public use contributes significantly to protected areas’ image improvement and to the gain of allies for conservation. Subscribe to JPRA

ANURAN FAUNA OF THE HIGH-ELEVATION AREAS OF THE PARQUE NACIONAL DA SERRA DOS ÓRGÃOS (PARNASO), SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

There is a lack of knowledge regarding the diversity of anurans in high-elevation areas of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. In order to improve the knowledge about the diversity of this group in this kind of environment, we present a list of anuran amphibians recorded in high-elevation areas (above 1,200 m) of the Parque Nacional da Serra dos Orgaos (PARNASO), in southeastern Brazil. The list was compiled based on primary data (from fieldwork) and on secondary data (from surveys of institutional collections). Twenty-eight species belonging to seven families were recorded: Brachycephalidae (6 species), Bufonidae (3 spp.), Cycloramphidae (4 spp.), Hemiphractidae (5 spp.), Hylidae (8 spp.), Hylodidae (1 sp.), and Odontophrynidae (1 sp.). According to the IUCN Red List, eight of those species are classified as “Data Deficient” and two species have not been assessed yet (i.e., Dendrophryniscus organensis and Fritziana sp. nov.). Ten species are classified as “Least Concern” but with populations in decline, although six of them ( Bokermannohyla carvalhoi , B. circumdata , Ischnocnema parva , Proceratophrys appendiculata , Scinax albicans and Zachaenus parvulus ) were frequently found during fieldwork at PARNASO and seem to be locally abundant. The other eight species classified as “Least Concern” have stable populations. We add three species to the list of anurans endemic to the high-elevation areas of Serra dos Orgaos ( Cycloramphus organensis , D. organensis , and Fritziana sp. nov.), raising to 14 the number of endemic taxa in the area.

ELEVATIONAL RANGES AND LOCAL EXTINCTION RISK OF BEETLES OCCURRING IN THE “CAMPOS DE ALTITUDE” IN SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

The mountaintops of the Atlantic Rainforest in Southeastern Brazil are dominated by high altitude grasslands, named Campos de Altitude (CA). Considering the location and the smaller habitat areas of communities on the mountaintops and the high frequency of endemic species, the assemblages in these habitats are particularly threatened by climate change, and the vulnerability of a species should then be higher if its elevational range is narrow. In this study we aim to describe the elevational range of beetle species occurring in the CA and discuss their vulnerability to local extinction in the context of climate change, also considering their trophic group. We selected beetles in five taxa from three trophic groups in the CA of Serra dos Orgaos National Park (SONP) and Itatiaia National Park (INP): detritivores (Scarabaeidae - INP), herbivores (Chrysomelidae - SONP and INP, and Curculionidae - SONP) and predators (Coccinellidae - SONP, and Lampyridae - SONP). We found different elevational ranges among the studied taxa and among species within each taxon. Herbivores tended to have narrower ranges than the detritivores, and predators were the trophic group with the broadest species range. The relatively high frequency of species with narrow elevational range, particularly within the herbivores, suggests that this entomofauna is particularly endangered due to predicted climate warming and an expected range shift upwards. Considering that many endemic species are expected in the CA and that many undescribed species of insects have been found in this habitat, we may lose many yet unknown species.

Does regenerative strategy vary between populations? A test using a narrowly distributed Atlantic Rainforest palm species

Germination rate and seed mass are important factors determining the proportion of seedlings that become established in a habitat, especially where resources are limited and under adverse environmental conditions. Variation in seed attributes can determine a species’ potential to adapt to new climates. This study aimed to investigate the germination behavior of Lytocaryum weddellianum along climatic gradients at two altitudes in the Serra dos Orgaos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We conducted ex situ experiments on germination under two light conditions (light or dark) and three levels of water potential (Ψ = 0, −0.4 or −0.8 MPa) over 8 months. In addition, seeds of different sizes were sown and after 6 months seedlings were divided into shoot and root components. The following growth parameters were measured: root, shoot and total biomass, leaf area, specific leaf area and leaf area ratio. Our results showed that the high- and low-altitude populations had different germination rates, seed mass, and resource allocation in seedlings. The lower altitude population, with higher temperatures and humidity, higher germination rates, produced heavier seeds, and their seedlings invested more in root and total biomass. Meanwhile, seedlings from the higher altitude site, with less available light, had a greater investment in foliar parameters. These differences in the two populations’ seedling establishment strategies over an altitudinal gradient in the Serra dos Orgaos suggest that the species may have the potential to adapt to predicted climate change in this region.

Práticas de utilização e perfil de contaminação microbiológica de jalecos em escola médica

Os jalecos são um veículo potencial de transmissão microbiológica e seu uso inadequado traz riscos à saúde de profissionais e da população. O objetivo deste estudo foi o de conhecer as práticas de utiliza- ção e o perfil de contaminação dos jalecos brancos usados como uniforme por docentes e discentes do Centro Universitário Serra dos Orgãos (UNIFESO). Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, transversal e exploratório. Respeitados os princípios éticos, aplicou-se questionário sobre o modo de uso e se realizou a análise microbiológica. Os dados foram analisados de forma manual, expressos em percentuais e demonstrados por meio de tabelas. Como resultado, 73 (setenta e três) jalecos estudados apresentaram variada flora, com predomínio de cocos Gram positivos. A região do punho, a mais contaminada, apresentou em média 23 UFC por campo. Quanto ao perfil de uso, a maioria, 42, (57%) tem idade entre 18 e 25 anos, 46 (63%) são do sexo feminino, 27 (37%) são acadêmicos de medicina do 3o período e apenas 13 (18%) são docentes. Sobre a frequência de troca do jaleco, 35 (48%) trocam uma vez por semana, entretanto com inadequado manuseio. Após uso, 36 (49%) não lavam o jaleco separadamente, 43 (58%) não usam produto desinfetante e 54 (73%) utilizam a passagem a ferro como medida complementar de contenção microbiológica. Conclui-se que há imperiosa necessidade de conscientização dos acadêmicos e docentes sobre adequados uso e manuseio do jaleco e importância da vestimenta na epidemiologia das infecções intra e extra-ambientes da saúde

Experimentos de cruzamentos recíprocos como ferramenta para avaliar o isolamento reprodutivo numa zona de hibridação natural da família Orchidaceae Juss

Hybrids are individuals formed when reproductive barriers between closely related species aren’t totally established, and individuals from different species cross. Hybridization is remarkably common in some genus within the Orchidaceae family. On Serra dos Orgaos, Rio de Janeiro, two sister species from the genus Epidendrum: E. secundum Jacq e E. xanthinum Lindl occur sympatrically. Individuals with intermediate traces, supposedly hybrids, also occur. In this work, we evaluate the hypothesis of hybridization between these two species and the intensity of their reproductive isolation. It was possible to detect hybridization using experiments of reciprocal pollination. The low reproductive success observed on hybrid individuals plays a major role as a barrier that promotes reproductive isolation strong enough to maintain these two species apart.

Aechmea e gêneros relacionados (Bromelioideae, Bromeliaceae) no Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Resumo O Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos (PARNASO) constitui um dos maiores remanescentes de Mata Atlântica no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Bromeliaceae possui neste bioma um dos seus principais centros de diversidade, com 31 gêneros e 803 espécies, sendo mais de 500 pertencentes à subfamília Bromelioideae. Como parte do projeto Bromeliaceae organensis desenvolvido no Departamento de Botânica do Museu Nacional- UFRJ, o presente trabalho buscou inventariar as espécies de Aechmea, Billbergia, Hohenbergia e Quesnelia no PARNASO, fornecendo a descrição morfológica das espécies e uma chave para identificação, além de dados sobre sua distribuição, geral e dentro do parque. O estudo taxonômico foi realizado através da análise de material herborizado, coletas e observações de campo. Foram encontradas no parque: seis espécies de Aechmea, cinco de Billbergia, uma de Hohenbergia e quatro de Quesnelia. Apesar de bem representado em número de espécies na unidade de conservação, Billbergia conta com poucos registros nos herbários, sendo quatro de suas espécies referenciadas por um ou poucos indivíduos nas coleções. A localidade guarda ainda populações de espécies endêmicas do estado do Rio de Janeiro, como A. wellbachii, A. fasciata, Q. lateralis e Q. edmundoi var. edmundoi.

First description of a nest of the Rufous-tailed Antthrush Chamaeza ruficauda

I report a nest of Rufous-tailed Antthrush discovered on 9 December 1998 in the Serra dos Orgaos National Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the altitude of 1950 m. The nest was located in a natural tree cavity with vertically-elliptical entrance hole ca. 5 m above the ground. It was a thick pad of piled bamboo leaves, leathery tree leaves, fungal rhizomorphs, grass, and a piece of cellophane. The nest contained two nearly fully-grown nestlings, which were fed by both parents. The architecture of the nest and parental behavior are compared to those of other antthrushes.

A transformação curricular e a escolha da especialidade médica

A reforma curricular implantada em 2005 no curso de graduação em Medicina do Centro Universitário Serra dos Órgãos (Unifeso) com a utilização das metodologias ativas de ensino-aprendizagem, no caso a aprendizagem baseada em problemas (ABP), e com a passagem pela Unidade Básica de Saúde da Família (UBSF) desde os primeiros períodos pode influenciar a trajetória de formação profissional de seu estudante? Para responder a esta questão - objetivo deste estudo -, procedeu-se a uma pesquisa qualitativa com os discentes matriculados no quinto período do curso, por meio de entrevistas, as quais foram categorizadas e analisadas. Os resultados evidenciaram significativa receptividade ao novo modelo curricular, pelo entendimento de que este é capaz de suscitar novas reflexões dirigidas à futura prática do estudante, e, igualmente, ao conceito de saúde e ao processo de adoecimento. Verificou-se, ainda, que a opção precoce por uma especialidade, expressa pela maior parte dos entrevistados, não foi alterada sob o novo currículo e que a formação do médico como generalista ou médico de família é ainda pouco valorizada.

A new species of Mucrosomia (Collembola: Isotomidae) from Brazil

A new species of Collembola, Mucrosomia alticola sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on material from Parque Nacional da Serra dos Orgaos (State of Rio de Janeiro) and from Parque Nacional da Serra do Caparao (State of Minas Gerais). This is the first record of a species of Mucrosomia for Brazil. The genus has, up to date, only three species and can be diagnosed by the absence of eyes and pigmentation, PAO present, tenent hair pointed, Abd V and VI fused, manubrium with 1+1 chaetae on anterior side, long dens and a remarkable mucro with five teeth. The presence of chaetae on ventral thorax, between segments II-III, supports the new species.

A Corrida de Massa do Rio Vieira em Teresópolis, Sudeste do Brasil: Caracterização da Área-Fonte dos Sedimentos Transportados

This work has presents the geology of the bedrock and the sedimentary deposits of the upper course of the Vieira river where a debris flow killed 23 people on January 2011. The upper course of rio Vieira has drawn a straight line and is embedded in a N25E trending fracture and fault system. Over the almost 2 km of exposed bedrock, there is a predominance of gneissic Cordeiro and Serra dos Orgaos suites. The granite of the Nova Friburgo suite occurs only in the river head and in a narrow strip in the middle section of the channel. Three types of sedimentary remnants were observed: a) talus deposit with granite boulders in the river head; b) gneissic rock fall deposits near the the channel walls; c) granite boulders and gneissic blocks in the floodplain. The presence of granite boulders at the head and the scarcity of the granite in the bedrock indicates that the bulk transported solids comes from the erosion of talus deposits in the headwaters of the river. The blocks of gneiss comes from rock-fall deposits along the channel walls.

Air concentrations and transport of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in mountains of southeast and southern Brazil

As part of the Global Atmospheric Passive Sampling (GAPS) Network, this study investigates the occurrence and transport of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in mountainous regions of southern and southeastern Brazil. Measurements of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the atmosphere were made along altitudinal gradients at the Serra dos Orgaos national park (Rio de Janeiro state) and Sao Joaquim national park (Santa Catarina state) over summer (December to March) and winter (June to August) periods in 2007 and 2008. PCB concentrations (sum of about 30 congeners) ranged from a few tens to a hundreds of picograms per cubic meter and were dominated by the tri– and tetra–PCB homologue groups. These concentrations are considerably higher than those reported in mountain studies from other parts of the world. The highest PCB concentrations were observed at the lower altitude sites (400 to 1 000m a.s.l.) with a strong negative correlation between air concentration and altitude (Spearman test, p<0.05). Higher PCB concentrations at the lower altitude sites are attributed to the greater influence from urban/suburban emission sources in Brazil that are associated with both historical and ongoing usage. Air trajectory analysis showed that southerly trajectories stemming from the Atlantic Ocean, with minimal time spent over land, are the main continental influences for both national parks. The total PBDE air concentrations were below the detection limit at all sites, which was on the order of about 20pg m−3. PUF disk passive samplers are demonstrated as a cost–effective tool for investigating the effectiveness of PCB regulation and management efforts in Brazil and for monitoring the POPs contamination of pristine and sensitive environments.

Formação médica na estratégia de saúde da família: percepções discentes

Diante das atuais demandas sociais, tornou-se imprescindível para a educação médica a transição do modelo tradicional de formação reducionista e hospitalocêntrica para uma vertente de educação mais ampla e integralizada. A construção de novas práticas de formação em saúde - com a utilização de cenários externos -, em coparticipação com o SUS, tem assumido um papel fundamental na formação médica. Em 2005, o Centro Universitário Serra dos Órgãos (Unifeso) incorporou em seu currículo a Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas e a inserção dos graduandos de Medicina em Unidades Básicas de Saúde da Família. Este artigo apresenta a percepção dos discentes de Medicina neste cenário. Para isto, realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa, utilizando-se entrevistas e análise temática das respostas, com a criação de categorias. Os resultados demonstram a combinação de impressões positivas - integração entre teoria e prática - e negativas - problemas na organização das atividades e necessidade de identificação de um preceptor local. Propõe-se um planejamento orientado pelas novas diretrizes para o ensino na Atenção Primária à Saúde, contextualizada à condição da integralidade.