The community health agents (ACS) are key players in the implementation of policies related to the reorientation of health model, based on primary care. This study presents a literature review, led to critical analysis on the contribution of this work for the consolidation of the Unified Health System (SUS). Whereas the conception of health-disease process gives meaning to the practice and actions of health professionals, first we discussed the evolution of the paradigms of health and the influence of currents of thought in this process, presenting the main differences between the paradigm and Flexnerian paradigm of social production of health. In this context, the SUS emerged as a new health system, with principles and guidelines that make up the Family Health Program a revolutionary strategy which presents answers to the unsolved problems by the hegemonic health system, based on the paradigm dominant so far. So, focusing on care, primary care, health surveillance practices and multi-professional teamwork, professional training to address the health-disease process with a focus on family health poses a challenge to the success of the proposed public health model. Thus, critical reflection on the role of the ACS points to conflicts between the theoretical model and professional practice, highlighting the need for ongoing training, critical and reflective and based on questionable methodology, such as augmentation strategy for the effective change in the health model in the context of the praxis of the Family Health Program.
Community Health Agent; Single Health System; Family Health Program; Professional Education; Problem Based Learning