A young doctor ‘with her whole life ahead of her’ has died in a head-on crash on her way to a job interview.
Dr. Júlia Picinini Pelinson only graduated from university last month.
The 25-year-old was on her way to a selection process to become a community doctor.
She set off from home that morning, but was involved in a head-on crash that claimed her life and killed a passenger in the other vehicle.
Dr. Picinini was driving on the BR-282 highway near Campos Novos located south-west of São Paulo, Brazil, when the accident took place on Sunday (18 Jan).
A resident of Joaçaba, the young doctor was driving alone at the time.
The driver of the other vehicle, a 56-year-old man, was rescued from the wreckage and hospitalised in a serious condition.
His companion, named as 50-year-old Neiva Junges, was killed at the scene, as reported by Need To Know.
The authorities have yet to disclose which driver veered into the opposite lane or any other details about the accident.
The investigation is ongoing.
Dr. Picinini graduated from the University of Western Santa Catarina in December 2025.
She had recently started working shifts in the municipality’s public health service at a local clinic.
A city council spokesperson said: “Julia demonstrated commitment, sensitivity, and dedication in caring for patients, and was recognised by colleagues and patients for her professionalism and humanity in the practice of medicine.”
Her twin sister Eduarda Pelinson described her as “fearless and courageous”.
“If I needed her, she was there,” she said.
“Sometimes she would forgo her rest time to visit and care for an uncle or our grandfather.
“At all times she knew what words to use to comfort others.
“We can only accept what happened because we know she fulfilled her dream.
“She never wanted material things; she only wanted to make our parents proud and be a good doctor to those she treated, and that’s what she did.”
Her father said: “Like the waters of a river, I know you won’t be coming back.
“But every message I receive shows me that, in 25 years, you burned brightly and left many good memories.
“Your wishes will now be ours.
“Be a wonderful angel, as you were here.”
On social media, the young doctor shared tips on wellness and health routines, as well as quality moments with her family and friends.
In one of her final posts, she shared an image of her posing in her graduation gown with the message: “There’s so much life in these six years.
“There’s been so much dedication, love, disappointments, joys, and overcoming challenges.
“But there hasn’t been any giving up or regret.
“There’s no Julia without intensity, and that’s how my journey has been marked.
“A sense of justice, humility, gratitude, and acceptance – that’s what working in healthcare is all about!”
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