We are creatures of habits and we are constantly confronted with change and transformation, which simultaneously allow us to let go of everything that no longer serves us, reinventing new ways of being, making room for new ideas and opportunities.
The times we live in have been intense regarding how they have impacted society globally, imposing on everyone the need to readjust in order to steer the boat in a new direction, despite the turbulence of the trip and the uncertain destination.
With more or less conviction and willpower, we are used to a new normal that has dictated new paradigms and serious restructuring in the most diverse sectors of activity. Somehow with some hesitation, in a temporarily closed world, we move with our attention turned to the half-full bottle, because after all we have the extraordinary ability, through perception, to find the key to the realization of our goals, despite the limiting or totally adverse circumstances.
But how can we create new habits in a healthy way, how can we accept change, integrating into our daily lives a new dynamic of interpersonal relationships, which no longer allows touch, or close contact with the others that we were accustomed to? This is what we tried to unravel in this edition, with the interview about the psychological impacts of the pandemic and how our students are dealing with the “new normal”.
And the “new normal” took us to know in detail the rapid tests (PCR) procedure implemented in our Institution, by the team of Professor Thomas Hanscheid, from the Microbiology Institute of the FMUL.
Thinking about the future of the students, we tried to understand the mission of those who are in charge of the new AEFML Board, with the testimonial of the new President, António Velha.
We highlighted the best that the month of November brought us and we understand that happiness is a driving force, which, when shared with others, makes life's challenges simpler, through the testimonial of Marta Santos, a year 6 medical student of our faculty.
We take you to yet another must-see itinerary, exploring the intricacies of vaccine history and the role they played in societies at different times.
We looked at the largest Medical Education Congress in the country and listened to the students who participated in the 7th edition of Beyond MEd, and highlighted the presence of Professor Mamede Carvalho on the Editorial Board of the North American magazine Neurology, a pioneering initiative that allowed us, once again, take our knowledge across borders.
We have made excellence a habit through the actions we carry out daily and repeatedly. And the results are evidence of an unprecedented commitment and dedication. In this sense, we shared the reaction of Professor Teresa Bandeira to the Professor João Gomes Pedro Prize for Pedagogical Merit that was awarded to her in recognition of the service provided to Medical Education at our Faculty.
Finally, a novelty! "medical prescription required" is the new communication segment that offers you the most interesting conversations in a new podcast that you will certainly want to listen to with the utmost attention.
Sofia Tavares
Editorial Team