In the programme of my candidature to a new term as director of the Faculty presented at the end of the present year, I had the opportunity to highlight the importance of reorganizing the Portuguese university system, which I have summarized in the following concept: the country needs fewer and better universities. The merger between the University of Lisbon (UL) and the Technical University of Lisbon (UTL), which is about to take place, is a major step in that direction and will surely mark the beginning of the reorganization of the University of Lisbon. It is a challenge for our Faculty which, within the new university, should become a core area for the development of Life and Health Sciences and a reference in the practice of frontline clinical medicine at the service of the community