A few months ago I received a phone call from Professor José Ferro asking about my availability for an important meeting. A few days later, we sat at his round table, which has my favourite view of the entire Hospital. Responsible for coordinating the team of the Clinical Education Reform Implementation Commission (CIREC), there was a challenge to address, which was to inform the entire Faculty community that the Integrated Master Degree in Medicine would undergo structured changes in the clinical years.
After the reports were read and reviewed again with the Professor, and still very private ideas were exchanged with the last two Presidents of the AAEFML Board, Zé and António, a communication plan was drawn up for something that had to be understandable for all. This required staged meetings, the involvement of several professors, committed students and exchange of methodologies that gave rise to new elements of work, new ideas and adjustments. Everyone knew that the course was set. Like a sea captain, José Ferro stressed that one could only reach a good port.
Between students and the Communication and News Office, an effective content dynamic was created. Distribution of themes over time, exchange of graphics. A clarification session was held for some students, Professors José Ferro and Joaquim Ferreira and the academic public.
In the work exchanges and among so many impressions and contacts, we met the former Presidents of the AEFML and established bridges with more professors. We also agreed in private that, if we were successful in general communication, we would buy a drink made with lemons from Alentejo, the land where António Velha comes from and, as we now know, also João Martins, the new President of the AEFML.
All these activities made us dedicate the July issue to the Clinical Education Reform. We met part of the CIREC team, revisited the decisions that live in the memory of the last four Presidents of the AEFML, and listen to two medical students about what they foresee about this new Reform.
We also recalled “The Secondary Effects of Communication”, the Webinar that brought together some of the most influential names regarding the covid-19 pandemic.
We suggest to you another book and a story. And we remember the most relevant things that took place in July.
We also introduced Professor and physician André Graça, Director of the CHULN Neonatology Service and National Coordinator of the TREOCAPA Clinical Trial, which studies acetaminophen in preterm infants.
Who progresses without change? Nobody.
Co-founder of the London School of Economics, the title quote for this editorial note belongs to George Bernard Shaw, an Irish journalist and essayist. And it couldn't be more accurate, if we don't change minds, then we won't change anything.
Professor José Ferro was right when he told me at the initial meeting about the implementation of the new Reform, “It will happen, because it has to be done”. Neither the Professor, nor António, nor Maria (from the AEFML work team) know that I have proposed a real toast with everyone. I am well aware that none of our student work partners would dare to propose it, but I am responsible for this. At this distance, I make a toast to Professor José Ferro, to all the Professors and students who have worked for hours and months on a project that is for everyone, but with a special focus on the future doctors of this country.
May we all be agents of this change.
We will return in September, with the Reform in effect.
Between works and different rhythms, I hope you all make it and have a good holiday!
Joana Sousa
Editorial Team
