1. Check specialist registration
Every doctor in Brazil must be registered with a Regional Council of Medicine (CRM). To present themselves as a psychiatry specialist, they must also hold a Specialist Qualification Registration (RQE) in Psychiatry. Both can be checked in the physician search of the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM) website by name or CRM number.
2. Look at training
A psychiatry residency at a recognized institution and board certification from the Brazilian Psychiatric Association show structured training. Graduate degrees, hospital work and membership in scientific societies show ongoing learning.
3. Look for experience with your situation
Some situations call for specific experience: older adults on many medications, people with medical illnesses, pregnancy and the postpartum period, adult ADHD, bipolar disorder. Ask whether the doctor sees patients like you.
4. Understand how appointments work
A good psychiatric assessment takes time: full history, physical health, current medications and tests. Ask how the first appointment and follow-up work and how the doctor approaches prescribing.
5. Consider language and format
For international patients, ask about the consultation language. Video consultations help keep treatment regular, which is an important part of the outcome.
6. Be wary of promises
In Brazil, doctors may not promise results or use sensationalism in advertising, under the Code of Medical Ethics and CFM rules. Prefer objective information: training, registration, experience and how care works.
About Dr. Petrus Raulino
For those considering Dr. Petrus Raulino’s practice in Campinas, these are the objective facts: psychiatrist, CRM-SP 97.166, RQE 22.645; medical degree and residencies in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at UNICAMP; board certification from the Brazilian Psychiatric Association; Master of Science from USP; medical staff of Hospital Vera Cruz and Hospital São Luiz Rede D’Or Campinas; more than 20 years in psychiatry. He sees adults and older adults privately, in person or by video.