On 23 and 24 December 2010, the Students’ Association of the Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon (AEFML) carried out another Different Christmas event. Given that this initiative goes back many years amid the student community, once more medical students made a point of marking this festive occasion with a gesture of solidarity, empathy for others and humanism.

The Christmas season brings out the best in people. However, it does not mean a moment of happiness for all. Quite the opposite, it is a sensitive time of pain and loneliness for many people. Despite the remarkable efforts made by the health professionals, students from the Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon wanted to make a difference, not only with regard to the lives of patients, but their own too, by experiencing this Christmas in a unique and unforgettable manner.

Accordingly, on 23 December, AEFML started the morning by handing a cheque for the amount of 1000€ to the NLHC Paediatrics Service. This support was the result of a partnership with the Welfare Services of the University of Lisbon, to whom AEFML handed over the profits from the Fado Evening. This gesture, which took place at the Refectory of the University of Lisbon, denoted AEFML’s social concern for one of the Services of SMH that best meets the needs of our country on a daily basis, and in a quest for excellence for the services it provides.

In the afternoon, the Students’ Room was honoured to welcome one of the most prestigious Portuguese artists – Tony Carreira – who, in an unprecedented attitude, decided to offer all SMH patients a Christmas concert and, in the process, support our activity.

Lastly, in the morning of the day before Christmas, students from our Academy undertook one of the most beautiful initiatives of the year, giving a small gift to all patients staying at NLHC (SMH and PVH) and at the Paediatrics Unit of Fernando Fonseca Hospital as a symbol of their wishes for a speedy recovery. Students interpreted this gesture as the least they could do to show their care and assistance to all the needy this Christmas.

Humanism in Medicine, social concern and responsibility, and the huge recognition on the part of the institution that shelters us mean nothing other than the great honour all students from this university feel to be part of the Lisbon Medical Academic Centre, prompting them to make a regular and committed contribution to a better future.

Nuno Gaibino,
President of the Students’ Association of the Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon
nunogaibino@aefml.pt