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