The Rockefeller Foundation and the Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Paulo: A case study in philanthropy as policy (Brazil)

In 1916, the Rockefeller Foundation (RF) began a long-term relationship with the Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Paulo (the medical school at Sao Paulo, Brazil, FMSP). The FMSP was an elite medical school located in a Brazilian state which was newly wealthy and rapidly industrializing. Through the historical analysis of the relationship between FMSP and RF, I find that the RF was able to fulfill its policy of disseminating a model of elite medical education exemplified by The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. This model, with its conception of elite, modern medicine as located within a university structure, conflicted with Brazilian conceptions of academic career and excellence. The reform effort did not lead to the re-creation of The Johns Hopkins in Brazil nor did it lead to a direct emulation of US university systems; rather, through dialogue and concession on both sides, the result was a construction of something new that could be adapted to Brazilian needs. This dialogue and concession process is conceived of as a gift-giving sequence, in which American and Brazilian actors played critical roles and made critical contributions. The close analysis of this action can inform policy for the future of developing nation university systems by suggesting standards by which to judge the appropriateness of elite focused education and high-tech innovations.