Salgado GA. Danilo Perestrello and person-centered medicine: a critical journey through tropical psychosomatics. Interface (Botucatu). 2026; 30: e250477 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/interface.250477
Abstract
This article presents a critical analysis of the work of Danilo Perestrello, a pioneer of psychosomatic medicine in Brazil. Drawing on 16 publications from 1941 to 1987, we conducted a documentary hermeneutic analysis, resulting in the identification of four conceptual phases: psychosocial hygienism; clinical psychobiology; tropical psychosomatics; and medicine of the person. Each phase is contextualized historically, institutionally, and conceptually, highlighting the intersections between clinical practice, theoretical research and social dynamics. The analysis dialogues with the work of Dunbar, Alexander and Engel, as well as Brazilian studies by Guedes, Eksterman and Tenenbaum. We discuss the contemporary reception of Perestrelloism within person-centered care models, public health and social determinant of health approaches. It is concluded that reviving his thinking reinforces clinical practice’s capacity to address the challenges of dehumanization and fragmentation of care.
Keywords
Perestrello; Psychosomatics; Clinical listening; Health education; History of medicine
Access in: https://doi.org/10.1590/interface.250477
