Mission

The University Rheumatology Clinic's mission is to advance education and research, fostering a highly skilled and specialized clinical practice in the field of Rheumatology.

Vision

The vision of the University Rheumatology Clinic is to be recognized internationally as a leader in Rheumatology education, research, and clinical practice, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and awareness about rheumatic diseases.

Objectives

• High-quality undergraduate and postgraduate education with an emphasis on practical learning.
• Translational and clinical research with a strong focus on clinical trials.
• Specialization in clinical areas to enhance the quality and effectiveness of medical practice.

The University Rheumatology Clinic has been led by Professor João Eurico Cabral da Fonseca since 2010, who directly coordinates all aspects of Rheumatology education and research at the University of Lisbon's Faculty of Medicine. Prof. Fonseca also serves as the Head of the Rheumatology Department at the Santa Maria University Hospital (ULS), where most teaching activities take place. Co-director Prof. Maria José Santos leads the Rheumatology Department at Garcia de Orta Hospital, ULS Almada-Seixal, where a significant part of the teaching also occurs. Co-director Prof. Elsa Vieira de Sousa is the coordinator of the Clinical Trials Unit at Santa Maria’s Rheumatology Department and serves as the Deputy Director of the Clinical Research Center at Santa Maria. This integration of educational, research, and clinical activities reflects the mission of the Lisbon Academic Medical Center (CAML).

1 - Education

Integrated Master’s in Medicine

• Pathophysiology of Rheumatic Diseases: From Autoinflammation to Autoimmunity. Free elective course (Years 2–4) (Course Leader: Prof. Maria José Santos)
• Clinical Rheumatology Tutorials (Year 4) (Course Leader: Prof. Maria José Santos)
• Rheumatology Elective Course (Years 4–5) (Course Leader: Prof. Elsa Vieira de Sousa)
• Musculoskeletal Diseases (Year 3) (Course Leaders: Prof. Cristina Ponte and Prof. Vasco Romão)
• Rheumatology, integrated within the Medicine-Surgery Module (Year 5) (Course Leaders: Prof. João Eurico Cabral da Fonseca, Prof. Maria José Santos, and Prof. Elsa Vieira de Sousa)
• Coordination of Modules III.IV and III.V and co-coordination of the Medicine-Surgery Module (Year 5) (Prof. João Eurico Cabral da Fonseca)
• Supervision of Master’s theses in Medicine (Years 5–6)
• Clinical research internships in Rheumatology (Year 6)
• Rheumatology lectures in Introduction to Clinical Medicine, Pathophysiology, Orthopedics, and Pediatrics.

Bachelor’s in Nutritional Sciences

• Lecture in Pathology I

Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering

• Seminars in Stem Cell Bioengineering and Biomechanics of Tissues. Collaboration in practical anatomy and histology classes.

2 - Research

The scientific focus centers on studying the mechanisms of joint inflammation, particularly in the early stages of disease, and identifying diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic response markers. Research incorporates human samples and clinical data, supplemented as needed with animal models. Clinical practice is organized into specialized consultations for a consistent, high-quality medical approach, supported by precise clinical records using the national Reuma.pt database, developed by this team as an electronic clinical record. Students conducting their master’s theses at the University Rheumatology Clinic participate in this dynamic environment, often developing original research. Research is closely integrated with clinical activities and education.

Key Research Outcomes of the Last Five Years:

• Translational research using registries and a biobank focused on inflammatory rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, and Sjögren’s syndrome.
• Translational and clinical research on synovial biopsy and ultrasound.
• Clinical research on giant cell arteritis (classification, diagnosis, ultrasound).
• Clinical research on juvenile idiopathic arthritis (classification, prognosis).

Strategic Goals for the Next 3–5 Years:

• Translational research in inflammatory rheumatic diseases using biobank resources (complemented with animal models in selected cases).
• Clinical research on inflammatory rheumatic diseases using Reuma.pt.
• Clinical research focused on specific cohorts, including Giant Cell Arteritis, Sjögren’s Syndrome, and Early Arthritis.
• Clinical and translational research through international consortia within European projects and ERN networks Reconnet and RITA.

3 - Clinical Practice – Integration with the Rheumatology Department of ULS Santa Maria

The Rheumatology Department at ULS Santa Maria aims to ensure:

• Maximum accessibility to Rheumatology healthcare.
• Enhanced coordination with General and Family Medicine, enabling a higher rate of first consultations without requiring follow-up.
• Specialization in clinical areas for improved quality and efficacy of medical practice.
• High-quality undergraduate and postgraduate training, with a focus on practical learning.
• Translational and clinical research, strongly focused on clinical trials.

For a more detailed overview of the Rheumatology Department at ULS Santa Maria, please see the link.