The event “Studying medicine at FMUL – Candidate’s day 2011 was held on 29 April last, and it continues to enthuse high school students, students, researchers, lecturers and the organizing committee (OC) of FMUL.

The timing of the actions carried out by members of the OC was established after reflecting about the results of the self-evaluation and evaluation of previous events by participants. In other words, we have re-examined prior SWOT analyses. With motivation and efficiency, the OC carried out the measures it had planned thanks to the support received from sponsors and from FMUL, namely from the Students’ Association (AEFML), speakers, heads of management sections, the Secretary, Directors of institutes and offices, and from the Director.

The programme started on time following the reception of participants by members of the secretariat, who were at the Academic Medical Centre and at the desk in the Egas Moniz Building. AEFML students volunteered to support the various activities, enhancing the event with their presence, and thus strengthening the good feeling and confidence on the programme schedule of the visit.

The welcome was followed by the presentation of the profile of participants as an interactive start. After presentations about the Integrated Master in Medicine (IMM), GAPIC Research, and Erasmus, participants were grouped for the visits to the research laboratories of the IMM and the areas where the teaching and learning takes place.

During the lunch break, participants talked at the information kiosks of the Institute of Molecular Medicine and of the IMM, and enjoyed a cheerful and comfortable atmosphere, which was made possible by the renewed logistical arrangements.

In the afternoon, there were presentations on Experiences at the Clinic, Teaching and Research, FMUL in Africa, and AEFML, followed by the distribution of an anonymous questionnaire to evaluate the event.

At the end of the event participants were told they could view the results of this evaluation at the blog created for the event. We can see that expectations have been met and that those related to the syllabus and the prestige of FMUL have been strengthened.

We cannot resist transcribing some sentences …”Please continue to hold a Candidate’s day in future, as the talks and opinions of students and lecturers give us a strong motivation and strength for what lies ahead next year”… “It was a most appealing initiative. FMUL offers excellent facilities and a good syllabus”. “I loved the atmosphere and the way we were made welcome. One of the things I liked the most was talking to some university researchers, they were very informative”.

The OC wishes to thank BES, Carris, Águas do Vimeiro and all those referred to above for their support and for enabling another happy day for science and humanism at FMUL.

  
Carlota Saldanha
Organizing Committee – Candidate’s day