Guilherme Rodrigues da Silva: the development of the field of collective health in Brazil.

This article describes the academic trajectory of Professor Guilherme Rodrigues da Silva and his contribution in the formation of Collective Health in Brazil. Three key aspects are covered: active participation in medical education, both undergraduate and graduate level; its application in scientific research for the study of neglected diseases and the development of epidemiological methodology; his contribution in establishing health policy with emphasis on the Unique Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS).