Editorial Note « News@fmul News@fmul

The Faculty exists because of the students

By Isabel Varela On 28 May, 2019 2019 | Editorial Note Comments Off No tags

In this edition of News, students are featured as they deserve to be. FMUL not only exists for them, but also exists because of them. Our mission is to teach, educate and train, by endowing society with citizens with values and professionals with skills to change the world. It is, thus, natural for us to focus on the students, listen to them and reflect on and with them. The topic of News could not be more relevant or more timely.
Students serving on the Pedagogical Council, who are nearing the end of their term of office, and Andreia Daniel, the diligent and highly competent chairwoman of the Students’ Association, provide us with clearer insights into what it’s like to experience FMUL from the students’ perspective. Students Carolina Monteiro and Ana Rita Bello, winner of the 2019 Professor Francisco Pulido Valente Teaching Award, round out the array of students’ perspectives. Professor Susana Constantino, Professor Maria José Diógenes and I attempt to show the professors’ angle. All of us lecture to first-year students, whether in the Degree in Nutritional Science, or in the Integrated Master’s Degree in Medicine. The first year is special; the year of welcoming students and forming vital links: if well established and strengthened, the links formed with classmates, with the FMUL institution and with professors will last and will serve as a benchmark. This benchmark will be the most important heritage for the future of the professionals we train and for the future of our faculty. The way FMUL evolves and conforms to its students is something that can be learned by reading about two of our School’s assets: the Student Support Office, and the extraordinary students who are part of the Mentoring and Solvin’it Project. Above all, it’s important to know how FMUL is preparing for the future and wants to appeal to tomorrow’s top students; the assessment of Applicant’s Day in an article appearing in News is the perfect occasion for that. Also within the context of an institution that is open to the outside are two noteworthy items: the ‘For a healthy heart‘ initiative, this time at a primary school, and the protocol signed between FMUL and the Champalimaud Foundation as part of cooperation in clinical areas that could strengthen medical teaching and scientific research at both institutions.

Finally, a very important highlight: the dissemination of the 2018 Activity Report, recently submitted by FMUL’s Administration to the School Council. We cannot help but get to know ourselves (what we produce, the resources we rely on, our strengths and the opportunities of our time), and we will get to know exactly who we are only if we engage in a careful reading of this report. This is like a numbered photo album of our school and the pulse of our collective realisation.

Miguel Castanho

Full Professor at FMUL’s Biochemistry Institute, MMi Group Leader, member of FMUL’s School Council and of News@FMUL’s Editorial Board

In this edition of News, students are featured as they deserve to be. FMUL not only exists for them, but also exists because of them. Our mission is to teach, educate and train, by endowing society with citizens with values and professionals with skills to change the world. It is, thus, natural for us to focus on the students, listen to them and reflect on and with them. The topic of News could not be more relevant or more timely. Students serving on the Pedagogical Council, who are nearing the end of their term of office, and Andreia Daniel, the diligent and highly […]

Freedom to write from the heart

By Joana Ferreira de Sousa On 24 April, 2019 2019 | Editorial Note Comments Off No tags

Credits: Pexels

The first time we met was at UTIC-AC, the Coronary Intensive Care Unit, founded by Arsénio Cordeiro.

At the agreed time, we arrived 5 minutes earlier, but Professor Carlos Ribeiro was already there, half an hour in advance.

We revisited the corridors and the old rooms with him, where there are still photographs that honour its two greatest protagonists. Professors, Researchers and Cardiologists, Arsénio Cordeiro created UTIC in 1969 and Carlos Ribeiro gave continuity to his work in 1980. We speak of both with special emphasis in this April edition, which celebrates another anniversary of CICU.

50 years more mature and after introducing the most groundbreaking and visionary investments in the country, UTIC was honoured on April 5, in a meeting between peers, crossing the national and international generations of Cardiology.

This month we do not just write about the Heart Unit, we remain convinced that it is worth writing from the heart.

It’s regarding this powerful muscular organ and its prevention, through Cardiovascular Rehabilitation, that we inform you of the Iberian-American Meeting, which took place in the Aula Magna of our School. At the centre of the world, Portugal and FMUL welcomed experts from all subjects to gather, discuss and present their joint efforts.

The attentive look of the past did not take our focus from the present and what was happening in the students’ lives. In a month full of events, we witnessed the Inauguration Ceremony of the Student Members of the Pedagogical Council. We took a look at the backstage of the Cultural Gathering, Ad Æternum, which brought together about 1600 spectators. . We met Ana David and João Martins and talked about what happens on stage when two passions merge: Medicine and the expression of art.

With their feet firmly on the ground and some dreams reaching for the moon, Ana Sofia Mota and Marta Viúla Ramos were two of the 50 internationally chosen students to join an education and training programme at the European Astronaut Centre, in Germany. It was thanks to the “European Space Agency Academy” that they were able to assess human physiological systems and how they respond both on and off the Earth.

Showing attendance every year at the education events of the University of Lisbon, FMUL was in Futurália, the Education, Training and Educational Orientation Fair held at FIL, which is visited by students from grades 9 to 12. What future students want to know about us is what we tried to answer.

The Medical School puts its scientific stamp on the “Sintra Cresce Saudável“ Project, through the Nutrition Laboratory. Represented by Professor Catarina Sousa Guerreiro, the signing of the protocol established with the Municipality of Sintra took place earlier this month.

Created in 2011, resulting from a sense of social responsibility, Faculdade de Ajudar, carries a solidarity and integrative initiative every year. This activity is promoted by some FMUL personnel, as we give you the first-person report of one of its organisers.

In this month’s iMM Corner, we got to know two scientific articles: In this month’s article published in PNAS, Ana Pamplona and Bruno Silva-Santos reveal new data on the role of gamma delta T cells in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria after a liver infection by the malaria parasite. The study developed by Tiago Rodrigues and Gonçalo Bernardes, now published in Nature Chemistry, shows a large-scale analysis using artificial intelligence models on the frequency and impact that aggregates of small molecules have on the discovery of drugs, both at the academic level and, more importantly, at the industry level. This is a partnership between the iMM and the FMUL Communication Office.

These and other topics observed from the angle of a team that strives to bring you news every month, telling stories of events and the people that make up this establishment.

We still rely on your collaboration, so send us your news to news@medicina.ulisboa.pt

Joana Sousa

Editorial Team

The first time we met was at UTIC-AC, the Coronary Intensive Care Unit, founded by Arsénio Cordeiro. At the agreed time, we arrived 5 minutes earlier, but Professor Carlos Ribeiro was already there, half an hour in advance. We revisited the corridors and the old rooms with him, where there are still photographs that honour its two greatest protagonists. Professors, Researchers and Cardiologists, Arsénio Cordeiro created UTIC in 1969 and Carlos Ribeiro gave continuity to his work in 1980. We speak of both with special emphasis in this April edition, which celebrates another anniversary of CICU. 50 years more mature […]

“ (…) Finally, man is placed where the earth ends; the woman, where the sky begins .”

By Rui Gomes On 19 March, 2019 2019 | Editorial Note Comments Off No tags

Credits: Pexels

Thus ends the poem, The Man and the Woman by Victor Hugo.

On the month International Women’s Day is celebrated, News no. 88 was written entirely by women, (not that we want to express a feminist position, but because it must be so, since the editorial team consists only of women). However, it’s our will that all genders feel involved in our content. After all, the 8th of March celebration is nothing more than the desire for a fairer and more balanced and egalitarian society.

Far gone are the days where women were relegated to second place in the society. Throughout the history of mankind, many women found themselves embroiled in fascinating plots to reach positions that hitherto were only sought after by men. This month’s edition starts with a set of examples of women who, throughout history, dissatisfied with their condition, fought the best they knew how, with the weapons they had.

Proof that the paradigm has been changing through the selection of interviews that we carried out:

Luisa Vaqueiro Lopes studies the Neurobiology of Ageing. She is a determined scientist who likes to mobilise ideas and people, constantly joining Science with the Clinic. Reason for which she launched a new cycle of scientific conversations, Neuroses. As a woman convinced of her role in society she told us about her research and she recalled the reasons that made her choose Portugal to work.

Patrícia Costa Reis is a paediatrician and one of the winners of the L’Oréal Prize for Women in Science. During our conversation, she told us about her passionate interest for autoimmunity.

And on the matter of feminine courage, we must mention Gabriela, who beat Burkitt Lymphoma with which she was diagnosed at the age of 25. Gabriela Fonseca has proven to be a determined woman: Not only did she beat the disease but she continues to help other women with cancer through photography.

The Honorary Doctorate was awarded to the Professor Pekka Puska, a Finnish epidemiologist, who was responsible for the Northern Karelia Project and was awarded the title by the Rector of the University of Lisbon at the Aula Magna of the Faculty. The Professor was also invited to a Conference on Health Story of North Karelia and Finland – Implications for Global Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Policy, in which he presented his Project, which resulted in an 80% decrease in premature mortality from heart disease in the working age population in Finland.

In an exclusive interview with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte(CHULN), we showed the side of the man that you don’t get to see every day. Carlos Neves Martins’ timeline.

At the biggest event ever, the AIMS comes to an end with its 10th edition. An assessment done and reviewed with the general Coordinator, Diogo Ferreira.

The University of Lisbon / Caixa Geral de Depósitos 2018 Scientific Awards were also given, whose results are already known. This year’s awards go to Professors Miguel Castanho, Luís Graça and João Guerra da Costa.

It’s the biggest university race in the country and it will be taking place for the 6th time. The Corrida Saúde Mais Solidária [Race for a more Solidary Health] is also the best way to start running for a cause. Do you already know whom you’re going to help?

FMUL was represented in the 12th Edition of the Education, Training, Youth and Employment Fair – Qualifica, in Porto. The event took place between February 28th and March 3rd and had the objective of clarifying future medical students about their academic career.

Last but not least, March 2019 marks the start of the iMM Corner, the new column of the FMUL Newsletter that intends to bring to the reader the latest research, projects and initiatives developed by iMM scientists. We thus seek to further strengthen the links between partner institutions and to disseminate within our community some recently published scientific articles. This is a partnership between the iMM and the FMUL Communication Office..

Isabel C. Varela

Editorial Team

Thus ends the poem, The Man and the Woman by Victor Hugo. On the month International Women’s Day is celebrated, News no. 88 was written entirely by women, (not that we want to express a feminist position, but because it must be so, since the editorial team consists only of women). However, it’s our will that all genders feel involved in our content. After all, the 8th of March celebration is nothing more than the desire for a fairer and more balanced and egalitarian society. Far gone are the days where women were relegated to second place in the society. […]

Starting Over and Moving Forward

By Ana Raquel Moreira On 27 February, 2019 2019 | Editorial Note Comments Off Tags: slider

Sometimes we have to take a step back so we can start over and move forward. The February edition of the newsletter focuses on this process, on this often difficult path, and gives voice to those who, in the past year, felt that they had no other choice.

The month started with the inauguration of a space that was reborn.

Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, the Faculty’s Aula Magna introduced itself to the entire academic community, renovated and ready for a new life cycle.

This renovation was the result of the effort of a work team that came together on the day following the fire occurred in 2017. We met some of the protagonists of the theatre of operations.

Isabel Aguiar, the Squad Lieutenant, tells us about the team, the project, the success and how we got here.

The artist of the project Sara Gonçalves, the architect who decided to accept this challenge with all her enthusiasm, tells us how everything was designed and studied in detail.

João Godinho, the coordinator of the Audio-visual Team, who found in this fresh start the opportunity to enhance the facility’s technical equipment, tells us how he closely followed the project and how he had a say in choosing the best digital solutions.

Keeping in mind that the Aula Magna was born many years ago, the Newsletter interviewed the staff member we all now, “Lurdes from Aula Magna“, the assistant who was responsible for managing the daily routines of that noble facility for two decades. She attended many Academic Exams and remembers the numerous ceremonies that took place there and many of the people who spent some time there.

The News@FMUL Team asked several professors to share their photographic memories of the Aula Magna. This is the result!

With a name that bears an inescapable family signature, António Gentil Martins is a surgeon and one of the figures that are always present at the Faculty’s main events. He didn’t want to miss the inauguration of the Aula Magna and News@fmul took the opportunity to talk to him.

We went to meet Professor António Vaz Carneiro to meet a real jack-of-all-trades .

We also tell you about the experience our school had at the Descobre ULisboa event, which took place at the Rectory of the University and aimed at introducing our courses to 3rd-cycle and high-school students.

Biobanco-iMM decided to choose February as the month to issue a challenge to the Faculty – organizing a blood collection campaign – “Hoje Pode Fazer a Diferença!” (Today You Can Make a Difference!) – in which staff members, students, and professors could donate a small blood sample and maybe participate in a future research project.

Have you ever hear of the ecological footprint? The FMUL and the iMM teamed up and launched a joint communication campaign to support a more sustainable planet. “Mais Planeta Amanhã” (More Planet Tomorrow) is the name of the campaign, aimed at reducing environmental impacts.

Last week, the iMM launched a cycle of three-way talks. FMUL Professors Luis Costa and Bruno Silva-Santos were joined by retired Professor Fernando Rosas, in a talk moderated by Graça Franco. “Why does cancer slip from our grasp?” was the topic under discussion.

Ana Raquel Moreira

Editorial Team

Sometimes we have to take a step back so we can start over and move forward. The February edition of the newsletter focuses on this process, on this often difficult path, and gives voice to those who, in the past year, felt that they had no other choice. The month started with the inauguration of a space that was reborn. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, the Faculty’s Aula Magna introduced itself to the entire academic community, renovated and ready for a new life cycle. This renovation was the result of the effort of a work team that came […]

Beginnings that mark the start or point to the end

By Cristina Bastos On 28 January, 2019 2019 | Editorial Note Comments Off Tags: tile

Where do we begin? That’s what we ask ourselves in this editorial note intended to say that we chose beginnings as the topic for this month’s edition.

January, the first month of the year, was also what encouraged us and made us look for some topics and ask specific questions.

What is the exact moment when life begins, that is what we asked Professor Diogo Ayres de Campos, appointed last January 1st as Director of the Obstetrics Department of the Lisboa Norte Hospital Centre (CHLN). From a new era that is now beginning in Obstetrics, another one existed to explain how it all began, the History of Obstetrics of the HSM is the research work developed by Lurdes Barata.

From an ironic perspective on this topic, we talked to the Deputy Director of the FMUL, Professor Mamede de Carvalho, a world-class physician who follows Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. How does one start a new phase in life when they have just been given a deadline?

We also tell you about two great beginnings. The student mobility protocol between the Faculties of Medicine of the University of Lisbon and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. If you’re a medical student at the FMUL, you should know that from February onwards you will be able to spend an academic year or a semester in Brazil. Another major step was taken by China, which challenged the IMM for new scientific alliances. A report from our researcher and Professor Bruno Silva Santos who took another 5 Group-Leaders with him to Guangzhou for the 1st Symposium between scientists.

Internally, there were also major steps taken in order to change the food health of young children. In a work launched by the researcher Telma Nogueira, the FMUL took the technical-scientific lead of the Sintra Cresce Saudável, project, a journey started by the Sintra City Council that aims at providing schools with food skills.

They are not small, but in these meetings that celebrate the team spirit among FMUL employees, there is always something more spontaneous. We are not sure whether the lunch ingredients were the healthiest ones, but we certainly know that it was organised keeping everybody in mind. Check out the best moments of the New Year’s lunch with the Director Fausto J. Pinto, in a report by Isabel Varela.

Where do we begin. You may be asking yourself that. We often ask ourselves that when we want to change something or add value. Start here and find out everything about Tools For Innovation in Health, the workshops of the Office for Innovation and Entrepreneurship of the Faculty that will give you new tools for different areas connected to innovation. Sónia Teixeira explains it all to you.

Have you ever thought about starting a good relationship with Science and your research? Remember the 7th edition of Research Day, an event organised by the GAPIC and the AEFML.

Because teams are also made of beginnings and new cycles, the News@fmul team also starts the year with a breath of fresh air, with new members and those who have always been part of it, with the desire to come closer to everybody and to be more plural and free, with the spirit of a new beginning with each month that starts and ends.

Next month we will be back with a journey through the memory of the old Aula Magna and we will show you what has changed. We are also talking about the blood campaign from Biobanco that will be held on February 7 at the João Cid dos Santos Amphitheater. Please help.

These and other news coming soon!

We can only wish everyone a happy new year, full of challenges, new stages, obstacles and changes. Because only that will be a good beginning for you!

Joana Sousa

Equipa Editorial

news@medicina.ulisboa.pt

Where do we begin? That’s what we ask ourselves in this editorial note intended to say that we chose beginnings as the topic for this month’s edition. January, the first month of the year, was also what encouraged us and made us look for some topics and ask specific questions. What is the exact moment when life begins, that is what we asked Professor Diogo Ayres de Campos, appointed last January 1st as Director of the Obstetrics Department of the Lisboa Norte Hospital Centre (CHLN). From a new era that is now beginning in Obstetrics, another one existed to explain […]

Christmas Routines

By Joana Ferreira de Sousa On 20 December, 2018 2018 | Editorial Note Comments Off Tags: slider

There is an expression that says that “our routine is our second skin”, but what does one feel when he sees his routine disrupted and moving to a plan which one cannot control? With Christmas as the key topic of December, this topic takes a whole another level of importance when we think about those cases when the second skin does not allow to spend Christmas with whom one had planned.

We spoke with two different groups that organize themselves to bring a new sense of “normality” to the routine when it has been disrupted around Christmas time.

We met João, Catarina and Madalena and the solidarity projects which they represent in the Student Association of the Faculty and we have visited some Paediatric Wings of the Santa Maria Hospital, to realize that there is still Christmas magic even for the little ones that are hospitalized.

From the tropical Christmas of previous years, Nádia and Beatriz will also experience something new. Studying on the 1st year, their life has only now begin to change.

We also mentioned some important topics in the Faculty’s agenda, the Research Day and what resulted from the last meeting of the School Board.

And speaking of School Board, she is also one of its members. Well known for her assertive principles, we got to know better the former Secretary of State for Science, Scientist and Professor Leonor Parreira better..

She was the second Portuguese to be awarded the Gusi, Prize, an asian award considered to be a Nobel Peace Prize, the first to receive it was General Ramalho Eanes. Completed70 years of age and dedicated a great part of her life to Medical Education and to FMUL. is the Professor Madalena Patrício who walked us through the story of her life.

Another Award that should be mentioned is the Neuroscience Award of Santa Casa da Misericórdia that this year went to the researcher and Professor Luisa Lopes of the iMM / FMUL.

Did you know that bread has a new patent? All thanks to the work of Olga Amaral who, in the scope of her PHD project for the Faculty has discovered a resistant starch that brings several benefits to the health of people, in particular to diabetics.

Now we end the way we started, by speaking about Christmas. Please do read the season greetings of the Director of the Faculty, Professor Fausto J. Pinto.

Remember you can be part of our stories too, send us your ideas, stories or recommendations to news@medicina.ulisboa.pt.

We will be back next year with more topics, more names and more life stories.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and great inspiration for 2019!

Joana Sousa

Editorial Team

joanasousa@medicina.ulisboa.pt

There is an expression that says that “our routine is our second skin”, but what does one feel when he sees his routine disrupted and moving to a plan which one cannot control? With Christmas as the key topic of December, this topic takes a whole another level of importance when we think about those cases when the second skin does not allow to spend Christmas with whom one had planned. We spoke with two different groups that organize themselves to bring a new sense of “normality” to the routine when it has been disrupted around Christmas time. We met […]

Stop and look!

By Joana Ferreira de Sousa On 27 November, 2018 2018 | Editorial Note Comments Off Tags: slider

Image Credits: Pexels.com

How often do we walk in other people’s shoes?

How often do we try to look at things from a perspective different from our own?

This month in News@fmul, we look at things ‘From our readers’ perspective”

After being contacted by Luz Resende, who wrote to us suggesting that we pay tribute to her father, João Cid dos Santos, as November marks yet another anniversary of the death of this FMUL Professor and physician, we thought that the most appropriate way to honour him would be to ask his own daughter to talk about him. She wrote a nostalgic account that made even more sense when we challenged the man who one day became his apprentice, José Fernandes e Fernandes, to recall his great Master of Angiology and Vascular Surgery.

From then on, other ideas arose and we made one contact after another. We posed the challenge to different people and asked them to speak to us from their perspective.

And the result is shown in this issue.

In a month with so many important events where students left their mark, we asked Diogo Ferreira, General Coordinator of the 10th AIMS Meeting, to take us on a guided tour of the AIMS and the Masterclasses that brought together about 400 students. We met with Pilar Burillo Simões, who described the backstage of Medicine Night and explained that this party, which is always organized by the 6th-year students, is really a passing on of their love for the Institution to younger students. We were also contacted by João Pedro Rocha, who told us the story of a top-level athlete that, as a 6th-year student, has never failed to get a passing grade; her name is Sara Neto and she’s an inspiration to us all!

In an interesting account of synergy between countries, Professor Emília Valadas tells us about an internship in Cape Verde and the experience of 4 students who won a scholarship within the scope of the Tropical Medicine course of the University Clinic for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases.

We also highlight projects focused on supporting students which have grown significantly over the past few months and aim at being, if not the solution, the guide to solve doubts, fears and questions. There are more news about Solvin’It!

And talking about news, it’s almost Research Day. Thinking about students and allowing them to explore different paths related to science, GAPIC organizes a day filled with poster contents, debates and presentations on Science.

How does a Faculty Professor who was once a student look at current students? That’s what we asked João Eurico da Fonseca, the Professor awarded the João Pedro Gomes Prize by the students this year, in Beyond Med.

Also about this event, one of the main guests, Luis Portela, told us how a person responsible for one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the Iberian Peninsula (Bial) can look at Psychophysiology and ask Science to respect it more.

Working in a laboratory financed precisely by Bial, Professor and Psychiatrist Mário Simões welcomed us to LIMMIT. He talked to us about his last lecture and the horizon on which he sets his eyes.

A study by the Epidemiology Unit of the Preventive Medicine and Public Health Institute of the FMUL was awarded the Arnaldo Sampaio Public Health Prize. Researcher and Professor Paulo Jorge Nicola talks about this award, aimed at distinguishing the best work in Public Health Research.

November was also the month of the 1st “The University of Lisbon and Heritage“, Meeting, where the Faculty of Medicine was represented. A different perspective on the importance of cultural identity, by André Rodrigues.

Do you realize how many different perspectives we have to offer?

But this month, we want to go even further. So we’re also challenging our readers. What would you like to talk about? What would you like to tell us?

Tell us your point of view, make suggestions, help us to look at things from different perspectives, through what your eyes wants to see.

From our readers’ perspective, we discover that we can look at things from many different perspectives.

Next month, don’t miss the interview with Professor Madalena Patrício, the Results of the Presentation of the 2018 Activity Report and the Plan for 2019 of the Faculty in School Council and the Results of the Santa Casa Neurosciences Awards.

Happy readings! You are welcome to join us!

Joana Sousa

news@medicina.ulisboa.pt

How often do we walk in other people’s shoes? How often do we try to look at things from a perspective different from our own? This month in News@fmul, we look at things ‘From our readers’ perspective” After being contacted by Luz Resende, who wrote to us suggesting that we pay tribute to her father, João Cid dos Santos, as November marks yet another anniversary of the death of this FMUL Professor and physician, we thought that the most appropriate way to honour him would be to ask his own daughter to talk about him. She wrote a nostalgic account […]

Simbioses

By Joana Ferreira de Sousa On 29 October, 2018 2018 | Editorial Note Comments Off Tags: slider

It was with great pleasure that I accepted the challenge issued by Joana Sousa to write the Editorial of the October issue of the Faculty’s Newsletter, an information channel that so contributes to substantiating our school.

I feel particularly close to the contents of this edition, which illustrate the wealth of research that is being developed at our campus and, in particular, at iMM-João Lobo Antunes.

As a Researcher, Deputy Director of the iMM, and Professor of FMUL, I get a first-hand experience of the symbiosis between these two pillars – teaching and research – of our University.

This symbiosis is clearly reflected in the work developed by my colleague Miguel Castanho, an excellent Professor (who I knew as such when he taught me Biophysics a few decades ago), whose innovative research was recognised by a European Commission programme (FET-OPEN) with the funding for a project aimed at developing a unique compound capable of interfering with various viruses that try to infect the brain, such as Zika or HIV.

Another notable Professor at the FMUL, who is inseparable from the iMM’s research, is Carmo Fonseca, who was inspired by a civil society group of women with mutations in the BRCA genes, which are very relevant in breast cancer, to conceptualise a model that reproduces all the key stages in the development of this type of cancer, since the onset of the mutations. This is yet another project with a great transformative potential developed at our campus.

And, like Carmo, Sérgio Almeida also has a new project in breast cancer, in this case focused on a molecule that protects cancer cells from the lesions caused by mutations in their DNA. The idea, which is trying to eliminate this molecule that protects tumour cells, is sponsored by the iMM-Laço Fund, which we owe to the work of Lynne Archibald, Founder of the Laço Association, who talks to us about her motivation for this noble cause of contributing to the research on the biology of breast cancer. To complement this analysis, we have the contribution from a physician from Santa Maria Hospital – Vera Mendonça – who talks about Radiotherapy and her patients, and from a patient – Sandra Lucas – who is also a researcher at the Cancer Research Centre of the CAML.

While cancer is currently a major medical challenge, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in Portugal, as well as in most developed countries. That’s what we were reminded of by the Director of the FMUL, Professor Fausto Pinto, in the “Healthy Heart” event that brought together FMUL colleagues and students, among other guests. It is indeed of the utmost importance that we all be aware of the preventive power that healthy habits have over cardiovascular diseases. Namely, nutrition, exercise, and no smoking (which is also critical to prevent cancer, of course). In this edition we find a review of the event, as well as a tribute to cardiologist Professor Fernando Pádua, who received from the hands of Professor Fausto Pinto the Sustainable Health Award.

To highlight the homage to Professor Jorge Draper Mineiro, in commemoration of the centenary of your birth that occurred in the context of CAML and attended by many important figures in the panorama of Orthopedics.

And I finish this editorial by going back to the iMM, whose Executive Director, Maria Mota, is interviewed in this issue of the Newsletter. It is the profile of a life packed with awards for her research about Malaria, to which she added a great mission in 2014, when she took over the helm of the iMM. I am delighted to share this mission with Maria; I admire her determination and, above all, her vision, which is clearly reflected in the creation of the João Lobo Antunes Fund, aimed at engaging society in the activity of scientific discovery in Biomedicine, which is the soul of our iMM.

Good readings.

Bruno Silva Santos

Deputy Director of the iMM João Lobo Antunes and Associate Professor with Aggregation at the FMUL. He leads a research group in the area of Onco-Immunology at the iMM, which is focused on studying the molecular mechanisms of differentiation of T lymphocytes and recognition of tumour cells, and on translating this knowledge into the development of new immunotherapies for cancer.

It was with great pleasure that I accepted the challenge issued by Joana Sousa to write the Editorial of the October issue of the Faculty’s Newsletter, an information channel that so contributes to substantiating our school. I feel particularly close to the contents of this edition, which illustrate the wealth of research that is being developed at our campus and, in particular, at iMM-João Lobo Antunes. As a Researcher, Deputy Director of the iMM, and Professor of FMUL, I get a first-hand experience of the symbiosis between these two pillars – teaching and research – of our University. This symbiosis […]

Editorial Note

By Joana Ferreira de Sousa On 23 September, 2018 2018 | Editorial Note Comments Off Tags: slider

It is a privilege to be able to write an editorial note about a newsletter with such a rich table of contents that reflects the nobility of the past and the potentialities of the present and future of our School.

To those who are currently responsible for the pedagogical department, it is an honour to start by highlighting the tribute to Professor Pinto Correia, someone who, in addition to many clinical and academic merits, was also one of the pioneers of Medical Education in Portugal. Speaking of Masters, I cannot fail to highlight Professor David Ferreira, associated to the GAPIC Award, which aims at distinguishing the best MIM Final Work/Thesis of the FMUL and, in this way, stimulate students to pursue scientific research. Equally worthy of mention are the other GAPIC Awards, promoting research among young physicians and students.

All of this happens at a time when we have the privilege and responsibility to welcome new students, not only in the Integrated Master’s Degree in Medicine, but also in the new Degree in Nutrition Sciences. For younger students, it will be very useful to understand the relevant role played by the students in various Faculty Departments and the remarkable work developed by the Faculty’s Student Association, in the interview with its President. Andreia Daniel.

In a century-old institution that celebrated Faculty Day this month, it is remarkable to witness the appreciation of new areas of knowledge such as the new Degree in Nutrition Sciences and the Master’s Degree in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation.

The decision to incorporate new educational projects in areas of enormous potential such as nutrition and rehabilitation in a Faculty of Medicine occurs in parallel with the establishment of bridges with other universities. In this case, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, as a way to promote and facilitate the international exchange of students.

The start of a new academic year is always an opportunity to reflect. I’m sure that the contents on this newsletter support our confidence in the quality and vitality of this

Joaquim Ferreira

President of the Pedagogical Council

It is a privilege to be able to write an editorial note about a newsletter with such a rich table of contents that reflects the nobility of the past and the potentialities of the present and future of our School. To those who are currently responsible for the pedagogical department, it is an honour to start by highlighting the tribute to Professor Pinto Correia, someone who, in addition to many clinical and academic merits, was also one of the pioneers of Medical Education in Portugal. Speaking of Masters, I cannot fail to highlight Professor David Ferreira, associated to the GAPIC […]

For a healthy summer!

By Cristina Bastos On 13 July, 2018 2018 | Editorial Note Comments Off Tags: slider

In June we present a preview of the new Degree in Nutrition Sciences. Integrated into the concept “For a Healthy University,” which has existed since the creation of the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Centre of ULisboa, this Degree promises to continue with a concept which is increasingly important for the Faculty of Medicine, and of which its current Director Professor Fausto J. Pinto, who has recently taken office, is a strong supporter.

In order to be able to tell the whole story behind this Degree in Nutrition, its creation, what you need to be a good Nutritionist, we had to meet the Professors Catarina Sousa Guerreiro, Helena Cortez Pinto and Joana Sousa.

Still on Nutrition, we highlight the signing of an education protocol between the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon and the Lisbon City Council, under the Healthy School Meals Programme.

Moving on from a new-born degree to the experienced and consolidated Neurology group, we listened to some of the most brilliant minds of the FMUL who lit up the European Congress of Neurology and interact with us every day.

But you’re wrong if you think we’re gone for the holidays. We also take stock of the 29th anniversary of the GAPIC, with several initiatives underway, and we will tell you all about the Santa Casa da Misericórdia Awards – the João Lobo Antunes Prize, awarded to Pedro Alves, and the Nunes Correa Verdades de Faria Prize, awarded to Daniel Caldeira and Mariana Alves, bringing the Faculty to the headlines.

You will also be able to learn more about the Mentoring seminar, as the FMUL did not miss a meeting in northern Portugal.

As you can see, July brings you a lot to read and offers a glimpse of a return in full swing.

The News@fmul team goes off to the sea looking for sun and return in September.

Come back with us and have a great vacation!

Joana Sousa

Editorial Team

In June we present a preview of the new Degree in Nutrition Sciences. Integrated into the concept “For a Healthy University,” which has existed since the creation of the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Centre of ULisboa, this Degree promises to continue with a concept which is increasingly important for the Faculty of Medicine, and of which its current Director Professor Fausto J. Pinto, who has recently taken office, is a strong supporter. In order to be able to tell the whole story behind this Degree in Nutrition, its creation, what you need to be a good Nutritionist, we had to meet the […]

Inside and out

By Ana Cristina Mota On 25 June, 2018 2018 | Editorial Note Comments Off No tags

This 80th edition of the Newsletter is focused on subjects related to the Faculty, some of which, due to their comprehensive nature, concern civil society as a whole.

We announce, first of all, the re-election of the Director of the Faculty of Medicine, Professor Fausto Pinto, publishing also the Management Report for the three-year period which has now ended (2015-2018).

We mention the presentation of the João Lobo Antunes Fund, which, as the iMM Management explains, was “created with the aim of attracting and retaining the best and brightest scientists in Portugal, supported by the excellent infrastructures of the iMM, competitive at the highest international level, and focused on improving human health.”

We also talk about the discovery of a new gene associated with the development of Parkinson’s disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies, a research investigation coordinated by Professor Leonor Correia Guedes in the Laboratory managed by Professor Joaquim Ferreira.

We take stock of the PhD Meeting Students, in an interview with members of the organisation. Also, with respect to the Meeting, we interviewed Professor Suzana Herculano, who was the main speaker at the event.

We continued our series of interviews, with which we have come to know the people who give shape and content to this institution, as well as their activities and projects. In this issue, we bring you interviews with Professor Ana Almeida and Professor Martins e Silva, former director of the FMUL.

We also present a multidisciplinary team with two years of existence, whose work intends to evaluate the benefits of physical activity in people with vascular cognitive impairment – AFIVASC. This is yet another noteworthy project in which the Faculty is involved!

Thus we present FMUL, inside and out.

Enjoy your readings and, if that’s the case, enjoy your holidays!

André Rodrigues

Editorial Team

andresilva@medicina.ulisboa.pt

This 80th edition of the Newsletter is focused on subjects related to the Faculty, some of which, due to their comprehensive nature, concern civil society as a whole. We announce, first of all, the re-election of the Director of the Faculty of Medicine, Professor Fausto Pinto, publishing also the Management Report for the three-year period which has now ended (2015-2018). We mention the presentation of the João Lobo Antunes Fund, which, as the iMM Management explains, was “created with the aim of attracting and retaining the best and brightest scientists in Portugal, supported by the excellent infrastructures of the iMM, […]

Paediatrics

By Rui Gomes On 28 May, 2018 Editorial Note Comments Off Tags: slider

June 1 is International Children’s Day and maybe that’s why this month’s edition of the Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon’s newsletter is about Paediatrics.

I couldn’t agree more. Paediatrics is Internal Medicine aimed at ages 0 to 18, an age group that in some cases is extended to 21 or more, in cases of chronic illness. But children’s medicine, despite its split into subspecialties, has managed to retain its cohesion, with no dissociation or disbanding.

As Coordinator of the Paediatrics area of the Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon, I accepted the invitation from the Newsletter’s editorial team.

The Paediatrics/University Clinic Department of Santa Maria Hospital comprises 6 services (Medical Paediatrics, with 13 subspecialty Units; Neonatology; Paediatric Surgery; Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Paediatric Genetics, and Cardiology, 5 Reference Centres) and offers sophisticated technologies such as ECMO, hemodiafiltration, induced hypothermia, all types of ventilation, endoscopies, renal transplantation, among others.

We work as a team, as there is a permanent will to update and innovate, and everyone (virtually everyone) is involved in pre-graduate education. Each school year, we welcome more than 1000 students to our services. And we have more than 100 interns, both from our school and from other hospitals, on specific internships.

Nurses, as well as therapists, psychologists and social workers, are dedicated and tireless. Educators and teachers are also irreplaceable.

From among everyone, the Newsletter’s editorial team chose, Ana Isabel Lopes, full professor and specialist in paediatric gastroenterology, Tiago Proença dos Santos, a remarkable neuropaediatrician, and Mafalda Castelão, an intern whose future seems promising.

And also educator Rosário Botelho, always dedicated and mindful, Sara Costa, professor at the HSM School, who is so diligent, volunteer Susana Machaqueiro (it is so good for the Department to have volunteers!) and Paula Belmonte, secretary at the University Paediatric Clinic, without whom we wouldn’t survive.

But because, before becoming Paediatricians, young people arrive at University with dreams and ambitions, it is very important to organise the Applicant’s Day event, to help them make choices. Madalena Patrício and António Vaz Carneiro reflect on this event. “On This Side” we get to find out who Miguel Andrade is..

Honoured a few weeks ago by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, Professor Carlota Saldanha, who was recently distinguished with the Fahraeus Medal Award, revisits her memories.

And because the Faculty needs its routines, applications are now open for the GAPIC David Ferreira Award and the 2017 Activities Report is now available for consultation.

June 1 is Children’s day, but for all of us, it’s not just one Day, it’s the whole month of June, the whole Year!

June 1 is International Children’s Day and maybe that’s why this month’s edition of the Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon’s newsletter is about Paediatrics. I couldn’t agree more. Paediatrics is Internal Medicine aimed at ages 0 to 18, an age group that in some cases is extended to 21 or more, in cases of chronic illness. But children’s medicine, despite its split into subspecialties, has managed to retain its cohesion, with no dissociation or disbanding. As Coordinator of the Paediatrics area of the Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon, I accepted the invitation from the Newsletter’s editorial team. The Paediatrics/University Clinic […]

In April, the heart beats faster

By Cristina Bastos On 26 April, 2018 2018 | Editorial Note Comments Off Tags: slider

In ancient times, humanity believed that within the body there was an organ with its own will.

The restless, sometimes inconstant muscle that never takes a break, beats on average 120 times a minute in the chest of a, and about 72 in the chest of an adult. At the end of one day it has pulsed more than 100 thousand times.

It inspires musicians and poets, moves people or breaks them in sadness. Vital for life, the Heart also goes to the doctor.

It is to Cardiology that we look, in this issue no. 78 of the Newsletter, to realise what Medicine has yet to say about the Heart.

We listened to some of its best care providers and realised that with each door that closes, other windows open with alternative clues to strengthen fight for longevity. Professor Luís Rosário researches the stem cells of the heart and the ability to one day regenerate it. We also spoke with Professor Dulce Brito, who telemonitorises the heart’s beating, with Professor Ana Almeida, who analyses it through her images, with Professor Manuela Fiúza, who welcomes the hearts that provide a historical oncology of the past and with Professor Susana Constantino, who researches the birth of new vessels and their relationship with low doses of ionising radiation. We were also able to listen to Inês Zimbarra Cabrita, PhD, who directs two research departments, creating solid foundations for further research in Cardiology.

Directing this perfect orchestra that follows the same melody with such different instruments is Professor Fausto Pinto, Director of the Department of Heart and Vessels of the Hospital Center of Lisbon North (CHLN) / Hospital of Santa Maria, and Director at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, whose term ends in June. In an exclusive interview with news@fmul he presented us with his remarks and explained what goals he sets for an upcoming term, without neglecting the Heart.

The Heart is precisely the one that fails due to cardiorespiratory arrest, and because it is fundamental to know how to provide the basic support of life, or connect 112, the Movimento Cívico Salvar Mais Vidas (Civic Movement Save More Lives) explains everything to you and alerts you to this need.

Although digital platforms have changed in recent times, the concept of Library as the encounter with the physical space and the book has not lost its importance. In a joint effort of teams a more extensive and rejuvenated Library was born. As Professor António Vaz Carneiro, Library Professor, said “make use of the Library for that is its purpose.”

Moved by the heart, Isabel Aguiar, is the Director of the Department of Administrative Management of FMUL and is responsible for the Centre for Facilities, Equipment and Logistics. She is still the great storyteller when talking about the Faculty of Help and yet another Solidarity Day.

We wish you an exciting month!

Joana Sousa

Editorial Team

Image Credits: Studio Catarina Zimbarra

In ancient times, humanity believed that within the body there was an organ with its own will. The restless, sometimes inconstant muscle that never takes a break, beats on average 120 times a minute in the chest of a, and about 72 in the chest of an adult. At the end of one day it has pulsed more than 100 thousand times. It inspires musicians and poets, moves people or breaks them in sadness. Vital for life, the Heart also goes to the doctor. It is to Cardiology that we look, in this issue no. 78 of the Newsletter, to […]

Challenges

By Ana Cristina Mota On 26 March, 2018 2018 | Editorial Note Comments Off No tags

Neuroscience is the theme of Issue 77 of the Newsletter. This is where, for many, the greatest challenges to human knowledge and science lie today. It has been, for a long time, a field of medical sciences cherished by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon. Some of the most prominent names in this field, such as António Caetano de Abreu Freire de Egas Moniz (who graduated in Coimbra and then moved to Lisbon as Professor), Pedro Almeida Lima, João Alfredo Lobo Antunes and, later, Antonio Damásio or João Lobo Antunes, just to mention a few, attended this faculty. Their international renown is also that of the FMUL where, today as in the past, we continue to find people who stand out in this field.

It is in this context, and taking into account the purpose of the Newsletter – which is to inform its readers about the research, teaching and clinical practice developed in this faculty – that in this edition we publish interviews with José Ferro, Full Professor and Director of the University Clinic of Neurology of the Faculty, with Lia Neto, Neuroradiologist, Professor and Researcher, and Maria José Diógenes, a Faculty Professor who has recently been distinguished with the Santa Casa Neuroscience Prize. Also, within this scope, we publish an article on the work carried out by the neurosurgeon Cláudia Faria.

In this edition, we also mention the presence of the Faculty in Futurália, the iMM-Biobank, its objectives, its protagonists and the work that is being developed there, and also the work developed by Professor Sérgio Dias, in an article about his research work, which demonstrates how high levels of cholesterol decrease the immune system’s ability to kill cancer cells.

We also mention the heartfelt tribute paid by the FMUL to Professor Carlota Saldanha and, last but not least, as first article of our new section, From this side, which aims precisely at disseminating the work and activities pursued by non-teaching staff, the Newsletter gives an account of the launch of a book by our dear colleague, who is now retired, Manuela Ajuda Nunes, also known as Mané, entitled Um Nariz Comprido [A Long Nose], which clearly shows why so many colleagues, professors and students still remember her.

Happy reading,

André Rodrigues

andresilva@medicina.ulisboa.pt

Neuroscience is the theme of Issue 77 of the Newsletter. This is where, for many, the greatest challenges to human knowledge and science lie today. It has been, for a long time, a field of medical sciences cherished by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon. Some of the most prominent names in this field, such as António Caetano de Abreu Freire de Egas Moniz (who graduated in Coimbra and then moved to Lisbon as Professor), Pedro Almeida Lima, João Alfredo Lobo Antunes and, later, Antonio Damásio or João Lobo Antunes, just to mention a few, attended this […]

Between worlds

By Ana Cristina Mota On 26 February, 2018 2018 | Editorial Note Comments Off No tags

The 76th edition of news@FMUL, which visits the world of Neurosciences, brings us several interviews with some of the most noteworthy names in scientific research in Portugal. They are professors, researchers from our institution, and so we went to chat with them.

Hearing our scientists and professors gives us the chance to get to learn more about the universe of scientific research in this country and the way it is interconnected with certain sectors of society. To learn more about what is being done, how it’s being done, and, in the opinion of these players, what can be improved.

The interviews with Ana Sebastião, Bruno Miranda, Maria do Carmo Fonseca and Miguel Castanho, give us precisely that, while cluing us in on how they see the world, without leaving out what are often deeply personal experiences. We also use these interviews as a way of raising awareness of our academic community and its research works.

Today, the media has returned to an age-old topic that remains as relevant as ever: the possibility of lessening or even stemming the effects of ageing on human beings. All this because of one of the research projects developed at the Laboratory run by Professor Carmo Fonseca, the touchstone of an interview that brings her together with Bruno de Jesus.

The article Social Cognition and the Laboratory run by Diana Prata focuses on another study we would like you to learn about, which deals with a hormone in our brain that can enhance social relations. The article we have published allows us to find out more about it.

The FMUL’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Office launched SynerGIEs a news cycle focusing on the latest in innovation and entrepreneurship, and News@FMUL keeps abreast of this project while raising everyone’s awareness of it.

Happy reading.

André Rodrigues

andresilva@medicina.ulisboa.pt

The 76th edition of news@FMUL, which visits the world of Neurosciences, brings us several interviews with some of the most noteworthy names in scientific research in Portugal. They are professors, researchers from our institution, and so we went to chat with them. Hearing our scientists and professors gives us the chance to get to learn more about the universe of scientific research in this country and the way it is interconnected with certain sectors of society. To learn more about what is being done, how it’s being done, and, in the opinion of these players, what can be improved. The […]

Novo ano e mais Investigação

By Joana Ferreira de Sousa On 29 January, 2018 2018 | Editorial Note Comments Off No tags

January is often the month in which we plan to make changes. It is the month used as a starting point to put plans into practice and to set goals.

Our Newsletter has new features and relies on a team committed to providing information about what we do, but above all, to spreading the sense of belonging we should all have and feel.

The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, together with the Institute of Molecular Medicine and the Lisboa Norte Hospital Centre and keeping with the spirit of the CAML, has the best professionals in the scientific area, as well as demanding students, who are willing to reach the same excellent quality standards. These people have a face and a career, which needs to be shared to inspire others and make them feel proud.

That is why we decided to give our Newsletter a different theme each month, gradually trying to reach the various agents and sectors that make up this institution.

Given that Scientific Research is one of the growth pillars of advanced countries and given that in this range of researchers and doctors, there are many names from this institution, we decided to show our country’s greatest achievements in the field of Research, namely the ones related to our institution.

Bruno Silva Santos, Vice-President of the iMM and Professor of Immunology at our Faculty, has found that, by injecting millions of white blood cells of a special type – T lymphocytes –, it was possible to slow down leukaemia in animal models.

Another group of researchers, coordinated by the Professor of Oncobiology and President of the iMM Carmo Fonseca and by Bruno de Jesus, have discovered a genethat reverses the ageing process.

Research is always on the agenda when the GAPIC honours the best students presenting theses in Scientific fields. The student Diogo Maia e Silva has raised the bar a few notches, defending his thesis on intra-tumour heterogeneity and receiving the GAPIC David-Ferreira award.

But since I’m talking about targets to be achieved, the Activity Plan, already available for 2018, is worth a read.

The loneliness and frustration of not always being the best student, can cause emotional problems. Espaço S, a project strongly supported by the Faculty, was designed thinking about these students who need answers.

Following the publication of a law prohibiting the sale of sweets at public health facilities, the Newsletter team spoke with Professor and Endocrinologist Isabel do Carmo and Psychiatrist at the Santa Maria Hospital, Manuel de Carvalho, to find out more about the sweetest enemy in the world.

Did you find reasons to read what our team has prepared for you this month?

And did you realise that they are all from our institution? This institution is also yours.

These are good reasons for you to feel proud and willing to keep following us.

I wish you all a Fantastic, Healthy and Scientific 2018.

Fausto J. Pinto

Director of FMUL

January is often the month in which we plan to make changes. It is the month used as a starting point to put plans into practice and to set goals. Our Newsletter has new features and relies on a team committed to providing information about what we do, but above all, to spreading the sense of belonging we should all have and feel. The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, together with the Institute of Molecular Medicine and the Lisboa Norte Hospital Centre and keeping with the spirit of the CAML, has the best professionals in the scientific […]

Traditions and current news

By Ana Cristina Mota On 27 December, 2017 2017 | Editorial Note Comments Off No tags

A certain historical tradition traces the figure of Santa Claus to Saint Nicholas, the Greek bishop of the 4th century, probably from Mira in present-day Turkey. Having in the meantime absorbed a number of influences from pagan mythology, still in the old continent, it was in the United States, and as a result of the work of several commercial companies, especially Coca-Cola, that Santa Claus acquired his current features. It is to him that at this time of the year children from the whole world send letters in numbers that are difficult to imagine.

In this Newsletter, at the end of this year and embracing the challenges that 2018 will not fail to bring, we have a renewed team committed to bringing relevant and judicious information to a very broad and scattered academic community. Within this community, and so that we can reach more people, we renew to our readers the request to send us corrections and suggestions for improvement.

In this 74th edition, we highlight the second part of the interview with Professor Fernandes and Fernandes, which is included in a new section called Memory Trail, through which we will propose, at each edition, that you revisit some moments of our past that give us identity.

We also highlight the news of the prize awarded by the Portuguese Society of Microbiology to Professor José Melo Cristino, Full Professor of the Faculty of Medicine.

Researcher and professor Pedro Simas gave an interesting interview to the Newsletter, telling us about viruses that can help mankind on the path to discovery.

Taking advantage of the opportunity offered by the end of her term in the FMUL Pedagogical Council, Newsletter talked to Professor Isabel Pavão Martins, an interview whose reading we recommend.

The article about Luísa Figueiredo, the scientist who is making it difficult for the tsetse fly to sleep is also noteworthy, as well as the news about the awards in the field of neurosciences that honoured lecturers from the Faculty of Medicine.

The Newsletter Editorial Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

A Equipa Editorial da Newsletter deseja-lhe Boas Festas e um Feliz Ano Novo,

André Rodrigues

Equipa Editorial

andresilva@medicina.ulisboa.pt

A certain historical tradition traces the figure of Santa Claus to Saint Nicholas, the Greek bishop of the 4th century, probably from Mira in present-day Turkey. Having in the meantime absorbed a number of influences from pagan mythology, still in the old continent, it was in the United States, and as a result of the work of several commercial companies, especially Coca-Cola, that Santa Claus acquired his current features. It is to him that at this time of the year children from the whole world send letters in numbers that are difficult to imagine. In this Newsletter, at the end […]

The past in the present

By Rui Gomes On 27 November, 2017 2017 | Editorial Note Comments Off No tags

This is undoubtedly an issue of the newsletter that tells us about the importance of the past in the present: we have the news of the Retirement Lesson of one of FMUL’s Full Professors, Professor José Pereira Miguel; the news of the designation of a name, that of João Lobo Antunes, to the Great Auditorium of the Egas Moniz Building, the same given to the Institute of Molecular Medicine; we also have the news of the evocative session that marked this attribution. We understand that this is also our mission as a Newsletter, to evoke and register for future memory the names and facts that give us identity as an institution.

We also refer to the Beyond MEd, the former Day of Pedagogy and Medical Education (PME Day) implemented in 2014, an annual event designed to promote reflection on the reality of Education in medical schools in Portugal, with the presence of national and international speakers.

We also highlight the Mentoring Project that we mentioned in the Newsletter, which is a partnership involving the Department of Pedagogy and Medical Education (DPEM), the Students’ Association of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon (AEFML) and FMUL, and whose mission is to foster the integration of new FMUL students in the academic and social environment. In this fourth edition, as a result of the partnership between AEFML and FMUL, several new features are mentioned.

In this issue, we invite you to read the interview with Diana Prata, a researcher at the João Lobo Antunes Institute of Molecular Medicine, who told us about her work and ongoing projects.

Do not miss the opportunity to see and hear, first hand, a little of the history of the medical career and life of Professor José Fernandes e Fernandes, a Full Professor and former Director of FMUL who retired a few weeks ago.

Last but not least, we highlight one of the most emblematic days of the Faculty: Research Day, an event that has received great attention from our students, who see it as an opportunity to take the first steps in the world of scientific research.

The Editorial Team

andresilva@medicina.ulisboa.pt

This is undoubtedly an issue of the newsletter that tells us about the importance of the past in the present: we have the news of the Retirement Lesson of one of FMUL’s Full Professors, Professor José Pereira Miguel; the news of the designation of a name, that of João Lobo Antunes, to the Great Auditorium of the Egas Moniz Building, the same given to the Institute of Molecular Medicine; we also have the news of the evocative session that marked this attribution. We understand that this is also our mission as a Newsletter, to evoke and register for future memory […]

Hope

By Ana Cristina Mota On 20 October, 2017 2017 | Editorial Note Comments Off No tags

Whereas it is undeniable that the events of the last months represent a period of apprehension and concern for us, there is reason to believe that the country will be able to overcome many of the structural and economic problems that currently affect us. There is knowledge and will in many quarters of society that we should make the best of and use for the common good. A substantial part of this knowledge is in universities.

In fact, in this 72nd edition of the Newsletter, we begin by mentioning that the Center for World University Rankings – Ranking CWRU once again places the University of Lisbon among the best in the world, in a universe of 27,770 university institutions evaluated.

We continue with a report on the discovery, by Portuguese scientists, of a drug that allows the halting of memory loss associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Did you know that there are students of the Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon winning medals in high competition sport, reconciling the requirements of medical training with sports practice at the highest level?

In the Newsletter, we did not miss the opportunity to remember all those who “honour the past and build the future”. It is in this context that we announce the Retirement Lesson of Professor José Fernandes e Fernandes, an Illustrious Vascular and Academic Surgeon, who presented his “Last Lesson” at the Great Auditorium of the Egas Moniz Building, which was packed with colleagues, students and figures of society civil.

Professor João Lobo Antunes (1944-2016) will be honoured by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, in a ceremony that will evoke the journey of this major figure of “medicine of humanistic tradition”, who, besides being a physician, researcher and professor, held a number of prominent positions in civil society, namely that of State Counsellor.

And there is more, much more.

The Faculty to Help, a Social Responsibility project of the FMUL, joined hands with the Pink Campaign in the Fight against Breast Cancer.

Elections will be held for the School Council and the Pedagogical Council at the University and in the faculties. We are all called in to participate, and we must not fail to do so.

Finally, we highlight an initiative of GAPIC – Office for the Support to Scientific and Technological Research and Innovation: Find the Investigator you are looking for aims to facilitate and promote the contact between researchers and medical students and thus create a network that extends to the entire CAML, strengthening the relations in the scientific community.

The Editorial Team

andresilva@medicina.ulisboa.pt

Whereas it is undeniable that the events of the last months represent a period of apprehension and concern for us, there is reason to believe that the country will be able to overcome many of the structural and economic problems that currently affect us. There is knowledge and will in many quarters of society that we should make the best of and use for the common good. A substantial part of this knowledge is in universities. In fact, in this 72nd edition of the Newsletter, we begin by mentioning that the Center for World University Rankings – Ranking CWRU once again […]

Bem-vindos!

By Ana Cristina Mota On 26 September, 2017 2017 | Editorial Note Comments Off No tags

Esta 71ª edição da Newsletter tem como pano de fundo o início de mais um ano letivo, na FMUL, como pelas escolas e universidades do país. Para os alunos que agora entram na universidade, este é o início de um dos períodos mais marcantes das suas vidas. Que sejam muito bem-vindos e que este seja o início dum percurso que conduza à realização pessoal e profissional, são os votos da Equipa Editorial da Newsletter!

O Investimento na ciência, no nosso país, volta a crescer pela primeira vez desde 2009. Assiste-se pela primeira vez, desde então, à inversão da tendência de queda contínua da despesa nacional em investigação e desenvolvimento.

Destacamos justamente, nesta nota editorial, notícias no âmbito da ciência e da investigação.

Uma equipa de investigadores do IMM, liderada pelo Professor da FMUL Luís Graça, publicou na revista científica Science Immunology o resultado de um primeiro e importante estudo acerca da presença das Células T humanas.

Salientamos também uma notícia que tem como protagonista o Instituto de Medicina Preventiva e Saúde Pública e que nos dá conta duma contribuição portuguesa na Organização Mundial de Saúde, nomeadamente no âmbito da deteção precoce e intervenção breve no consumo excessivo de álcool na comunidade.

Ainda no campo da ciência e investigação, a equipa de investigação de Maria Mota, Professora na Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa e Directora Executiva do Instituto de Medicina Molecular, alcançou importantes resultados no que se refere ao combate do Plasmodium, o parasita unicelular protozoário presente no mosquito fêmea do género Anopheles.

Por fim, damos notícia de que os primeiros implantes de uma válvula cardíaca biológica realizados em Portugal aconteceram no passado dia 10 de agosto e decorreram no Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte.

André Rodrigues

Equipa Editorial

andresilva@medicina.ulisboa.pt

Esta 71ª edição da Newsletter tem como pano de fundo o início de mais um ano letivo, na FMUL, como pelas escolas e universidades do país. Para os alunos que agora entram na universidade, este é o início de um dos períodos mais marcantes das suas vidas. Que sejam muito bem-vindos e que este seja o início dum percurso que conduza à realização pessoal e profissional, são os votos da Equipa Editorial da Newsletter! O Investimento na ciência, no nosso país, volta a crescer pela primeira vez desde 2009. Assiste-se pela primeira vez, desde então, à inversão da tendência de […]

Our Category: Editorial Note

Search