On the 19th of June 2009, in the Aula Magna of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon the Last Lesson by Professor Luciano Ravara was held.

Present at the ceremony were a great number of professors, doctors, nurses, students, staff from the Faculty and from the North Lisbon Hospital Centre – Santa Maria Hospital (CHLN-HSM) and friends, as sometimes the Professor stated, to pay homage to the Professor, to the Doctor and to the Man.

Of particular note was the presence of the Chancellor of the UL, Professor António Sampaio Nóvoa; the Dean of the FMUL, Professor J. Fernandes e Fernandes; the President of the Scientific Council of the FMUL, Professor Rui Manuel Martins Victorino; the President of the Pedagogical Council, Professor Miguel Oliveira da Silva; the President of the Board of the CHLN, Professor Adalberto Campos Fernandes; the Clinical Director of the CHLN, Dr. Correia da Cunha; the President of the 10th Parliamentary Health Commission, Dr. Maria de Belém Roseira and several retired professors.

The session was begun by Professor Braz Nogueira, recalling Professor Luciano Ravara’s personal and professional career, as an outstanding figure in the Medicine I Service of the Hospital (Director of Service since 1996) and of the Faculty.

He reinforced the humanist nature of the Doctor and the Man, paraphrasing Dr. Maria de Belém Roseira: “The art of life is to make life be an art”.

This was followed by a speech by Dr. Correia da Cunha, referring to the concerned and reflective spirit about the world, an intrinsic characteristic of the professor being paid homage.

The speech by the Dean of the FMUL, Professor José Fernandes e Fernandes centred on the impact of the work carried out and the inevitable feeling of being missed that Professor Luciano Ravara will leave behind in the Faculty.

The FMUL medal was awarded to Professor Luciano Ravara by the Chancelor of the University of Lisbon, Professor António Nóvoa, who was generous in His words when stating that “… he is one of the greatest, the best in the University …”, thanking him for everything he had done for the University with his critical spirit, frankness and deep affection.

Finally, Professor Luciano Ravara thanked everyone present for the affection they had shown and rewarded them with images from his life referring to his professional career. He stressed the importance of the University in the empowering of active intellects in society. He ended, emotionally, giving thanks for having had the opportunity to have contributed to this river of knowledge.

The session ended with a great ovation by those present.

Professor António Nóvoa, Professor Luciano Ravara, Professor Fernando Pádua; Professor Gomes-Pedro, Professor António Nóvoa

Editorial Team
(news@fm.ul.pt)