The social in health: trajectory and contributions of Maria Cecilia Ferro Donnangelo

Abstract

This text covers the professional and scientific career of Maria Cecilia Ferro Donnangelo, professor, researcher and influential intellectual in the area of Collective Health. Born in 1940, and killed in a car accident in 1983, she actively participated in the emergence of Collective Health in Brazil and greatly influenced the creation of the sub-areas of Social Science and the Humanities in the health field. Her brief biography, contextualized professional choices and scientific production is hereby presented. Graduated in pedagogy at the time of national developmentalism with a post graduation in Sociology, Donnangelo fell into the triangulated area of Education, Sociology and Health, focusing medicine as a social practice and as a profession in society. Always with an eye to human rights and an ongoing dialogue with the modern Brazilian state and public policy, she examined questions of the social aspects in health and education, as well as questions of health education as a social tool. An educator of great prestige, her published work was limited. However, due to her foundational presence, her writings are classic references with assured presence and contributions for today and also vital to the future development of the Brazilian Collective Health.