Inauguration of the first Master Degree in Hyperbaric and Underwater Medicine in Portugal

By etavares On 27 October, 2016 2016 | Events Comments Off Tags: tile

The Master Degree in Hyperbaric and Underwater Medicine was set up by dispatch on 23 October 2015, as part of a collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon and the Naval School.

According to the Deputy Director of FMUL, Professor Mamede de Carvalho, this is a very important area in which one should invest both in the acquisition of knowledge and in research. This Master Degree arose naturally from an elective course in Hyperbaric and Underwater Medicine offered at the Faculty, which was followed by a postgraduate qualification.

This first year will have the participation of 13 students who will have classes at the FMUL and the Naval School. The objective of this Master Degree is to contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the field of Bio-Oceanography, like physiology and immersion physiology, and is aimed at graduates and holders of a master degree in the fields of Naval Science and Biomedicine.

Underwater Medicine has contributed to the progress of scientific knowledge related to Bio-oceanography through operating and mechanically improving respiratory diving equipment, such as physiology and immersion pathophysiology, and the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of various types of injuries arising from the practice of activities in underwater environments.

Advances in these areas of knowledge, combined with oxygen discovery, have been decisive for the creation and development of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which has contributed significantly to the evolution of concepts on the molecular oxygen action mechanisms at biological level, beneficial and deleterious.

In this context, science has sought to take advantage of the beneficial biological effects provided by oxygen inhalation in a hyperbaric environment, using it in certain pathological conditions.

Currently, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is considered to be irreplaceable in the treatment of certain conditions and highly recommend when used with other therapy.
The Opening Session of the Master Degree was attended by the Deputy Director of FMUL, Professor Mamede de Carvalho, the President of the Scientific Council, Professor J. Melo Cristino, Professor Alberto Escalda, member of the Scientific Committee of the Master Degree, Frigate Captain Navy Physician Quaresma Guerreiro of the Naval School and Sea and War Captain Navy Physician Luis Santos Carvalho.