This morning, the auditorium of the Department of Medical Sciences (DCM) at the University of Aveiro (UA) welcomed the 38 new students of the Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine (MIM-UA), which is now entering its second academic year. The session was attended by representatives of the Local Health Units (ULSs) that are part of the Egas Moniz Health Alliance (EMHA) Academic Clinical Centre: Aveiro, Entre Douro e Vouga, Gaia and Espinho, Matosinhos, and Baixo Mondego.
The session was chaired by Professor Artur Silva, Vice-Rector of the University of Aveiro and President of EMHA, who congratulated the students on choosing UA for their medical education. Dr Luís Matos, President of the Board of Directors of the Gaia and Espinho Local Health Unit, welcomed the new cohort and highlighted the noble nature of the medical profession.
Dr Margarida França, President of the Board of Directors of the Aveiro Local Health Unit, emphasised the unique opportunity students will have to interact with healthcare professionals from the various institutions involved in the programme. Dr Miguel Paiva, President of the Board of Directors of the Entre Douro e Vouga Local Health Unit, underlined the strong collaboration between the partner ULSs, the excellence of the teaching staff, and the programme's commitment to educational innovation. He also reminded students that the true distinction of the medical profession lies in its social and human mission.
Professor António Taveira Gomes, President of the Board of Directors of the Matosinhos Local Health Unit, stressed that medicine is fundamentally about people and collaboration, both of which are essential for high-quality healthcare. Representing the Board of Directors of the Baixo Mondego Local Health Unit, Dr Sónia Campelo stated that being a good doctor begins with being a good person and reaffirmed the institution's commitment to this partnership.
Professor Francisco Amado, Director of the Department of Medical Sciences, thanked everyone involved in the programme and emphasised that the partner Local Health Units are much more than collaborators—they are key pillars of the broader ecosystem supporting the University's medical degree. He highlighted that improvements in healthcare depend on the close integration of clinical practice, education, innovation, and research. Addressing the students directly, he reminded them of the responsibility they are undertaking and thanked them for choosing the University of Aveiro.
Professor Firmino Machado, Director of the Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine, was recognised for his organisational leadership, energy, and dedication. He highlighted the importance of teamwork and thanked the more than 150 faculty members, the Medical Education Unit, and the technical staff who contribute to the programme. He emphasised that the goal is to educate physicians capable of responding to today's and tomorrow's healthcare challenges, encouraging students to innovate and actively contribute to the continuous improvement of the programme. He concluded by recalling a phrase often shared by Professor Artur Silva – that the University of Aveiro is a "university without walls," open to the world and to knowledge.
During the session, students also introduced themselves and shared the reasons that led them to choose the University of Aveiro. Among the most frequently mentioned were the University's reputation, the quality and innovative nature of the medical programme, and its welcoming academic environment.
EMHA congratulates all new students of the Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine at the University of Aveiro and wishes them an inspiring and transformative academic journey.