João Grenho, general surgeon at Hospital da Luz Oeiras and Hospital Beatriz Ângelo , was elected, on October 19, secretary-general of the European Union of Medical Specialists , UEMS. With 60 years of existence, UEMS is the oldest European medical organization , representing about 1.6 million physicians on 40 countries. The UEMS executive board (including the president, secretary-general, liaison officer and treasurer) ensures the daily functioning of the organization, counting with 43 specialist sections, which are responsible for organizing the respective European curricula integrating representatives of national medical organizations, scientific societies and universities. UEMS represents approximately 1.6 million medical physicians from all specialities, with close connections to the European institutions (Commission and Parliament) and other European scientific organizations and societies. Through its documents, approved by consensus, UEMS defines quality standards for medical practice, that are subsequently transmitted to the European Union authorities and institutions and national medical associations, motivating and encouraging them to implement its recommendations. João Grenho , who in the last four years was vice-president of this organization, saw thus his work recognized by the 31 European medical organizations with voting right, designating him for secretary-general, also for a four-year term.
