Day 1
From Woman to Life: Frontiers in Care
IRINA RAMILO I MD
The session will focus on Endometriosis, exploring its impact on women’s health and fertility, recent advances, and future perspectives in clinical management. Dr. Irina Ramilo, who graduated in Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon in 2006 and completed her medical residency at Hospital Dr. Fernando Fonseca, will lead the discussion. She is a member of the Board of the Portuguese Society of Gynecology (SPG) and serves as a hospital specialist at the Endometriosis Specialized Center within the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department at Hospital Lusíadas in Lisbon, as well as at Hospital Vila Franca de Xira. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Ramilo is the creator of the widely recognised Instagram page @aginecologistadaminhamelhoramiga, where she educates the public on gynecological and obstetric topics, promoting awareness and understanding of women’s health.
Lifetalk: Dr. Zachary Murphy
ZACHARY MURPHY I PA-C
Dr. Zachary Murphy is one of the co- founders of Ninja Nerd, where he is responsible for preparing, illustrating, and presenting science and medicine lectures that have reached a global audience. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry at Misericordia University and later obtained his master’s as a Physician Assistant from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2020. Alongside his passion for teaching, Dr. Murphy pursued a clinical career in neuro–intensive care medicine. His
unique blend of clinical expertise and dedication to education has turned Ninja Nerd into a transformative platform, supporting students and professionals worldwide in their academic and medical journeys.
Decoding memory: from Neuroscience to the future of Medicine
TORCATO MEIRA I MD, PhD
The first part of this session will explore the impact of social memory in multiple sclerosis, examining how changes in neural circuits affect social cognition and daily life. Prof. Dr. Torcato Meira, a neuroradiologist, university lecturer, and neuroscience researcher, will lead the discussion. He graduated in Medicine from the University of Minho, where he received the Institutional Merit Prize, and completed his PhD with highest honors at Columbia University. Currently he is a Principal Investigator at the University of Minho, leading research on social memory in multiple sclerosis and aging, while also practicing as a clinician at Braga Hospital. Author of numerous papers, he has received several distinguished awards.
ISABEL SANTANA I MD, PhD
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressively debilitating condition with profound effects on patients, families, and society, making it a major focus of current research. Therefore, this Lecture will explore the advances in understanding the mechanisms, early diagnosis, and clinical management of this disease. Prof. Dr. Isabel Santana, a neurologist since 1992 and Head of the Neurology Department at ULS Coimbra, will lead the discussion. She coordinates the Coimbra Dementia Consortium and is an Integrated Member of the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, having authored over 180 scientific articles and participated in 38 funded research projects, contributing extensively to Alzheimer’s research.
Students Today, Doctors Tomorrow: The Next Generation of Healthcare
This Round Table brings together four leading voices to address the future of the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS) and its impact on both doctors and patients. Dr. Deolinda Beça, Specialist in General and Family Medicine, Member of the National Council and Board of the College of General and Family Medicine of the Portuguese Medical Association, and Executive Coordinator of Guidelines at the Directorate-General of Health, will share her insights on the challenges faced in primary care and policymaking. Dr. Joana Bordalo e Sá, Specialist in Medical Oncology, President of the Northern Doctors’ Union and of the National Federation of Doctors (FNAM), will contribute her perspective on physicians’ rights and working conditions. Dr. Maria do Céu Machado, Specialist in Pediatrics, Coordinator of the National Working Group on Rare Diseases, and former Clinical Director of Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte and Hospital Fernando da Fonseca, will highlight the intersection between innovation, clinical leadership, and patient care. Finally, Dr. Rui Guimarães, Specialist in Anesthesiology and former President of the Board of Directors of Unidade Local de Saúde Gaia/Espinho, will reflect on the systemic and managerial challenges of healthcare institutions. Together, they will engage in an open dialogue on pressing issues such as medical training, resource shortages, professional migration, and the ethical implications of a health system under strain.
This session is designed to encourage reflection and discussion on how today’s students will become tomorrow’s doctors, carrying forward the responsibility of shaping a sustainable and equitable future for healthcare.