SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To learn about the perceptions of medical internship students about the early conclusion of the course and their preparation to act in the fight against COVID-19. METHODS An online questionnaire was applied with questions about the socioeconomic profile and the object of investigation. The data were analyzed using the Bioestat 5.0 software. RESULTS 111 students participated, most of whom (61.3%) were male, aged 20 to 25 years (80.2%), of Catholic religion (57.5%), and attending the 2nd year of internship (50.5%). A small portion (22.5%) reported being in total social isolation. The majority (57.5%) considered themselves unprepared to act in the fight against the pandemic, and 86.8% of the students believe that the early conclusion of the course will contribute to the fight against COVID-19 in the country. CONCLUSION This scenario points to the urgency of measures that provide, to recent graduates, timely technical preparation, safe work conditions, and emotional support even at the beginning of their professional career, leading them to competent, dignified and healthy work, during and after the pandemic.