The 4 th edition of Encontro da Luz, on primary healthcare, which took place on November 7 at Hospital da Luz Lisboa, sold out the registrations available and provided a different experience to family doctors: a day of training filled with theoretical sessions and simulation training on a few topics treated by these specialists in their daily activity with patients. “An unusual opportunity”, as mentioned by some of the participants who benefited this year of reinforced practical sessions hold at Hospital da Luz Learning Health Simulation Centre. “It was a long but excellent day, and I do hereby express my gratitude to speakers and moderators. This gathering demonstrates well what we do since the beginning of this hospital in terms of training”, stated José Roquette , president of Luz Saúde Superior Clinical Council, at the conclusion of works. “Training ensures the future of institutions”, he pointed out. “I would like to offer a word of appreciation to all those who came here and all those who have been following this primary healthcare project in private hospitals. We are celebrating 19 years in December. In fact, together (private and public) we are stronger in primary healthcare provided to the population”, stated on its turn João Sequeira Carlos , coordinator of General and Family Medicine at Hospital da Luz Lisboa. “Primary healthcare is at the basis of the whole health system and, as João Sequeira Carlos said, the family doctor in the private sector is increasingly an option”, referred Nuno Jacinto , president of the Portuguese Association of General and Family Medicine (APMGF) , who delivered the inaugural lecture of the gathering. Attending the event was also Tiago Villanueva, the current president of UEMO (European Union of General Practitioners / Family Physicians), European organization of family physicians. “We hope that this event will enhance your clinical practice”, stressed Rodrigo Camelo , GFM physician and one of the event’s organizers. The gathering Encontro da Luz intercalates theoretical presentations and practical sessions in the Simulation Centre of Luz Learning Health, the largest in Portugal and among the largest in Europe, with manikins and state-of-the-art technology. Even during theoretical sessions there were always moments of interaction, the audience being confronted with questions on clinical cases: the speakers presented cases of patients and from there hypotheses of diagnosis, exams to conduct, and best therapeutical options were discussed. This way, the topics of obesity, diabetes, and menopause were approached. Every participant had the chance to take two practical sessions (one in the morning, the other in the afternoon) in the topic selected upon registration , among the following: obesity (practical approach of the patient with obesity), basic principles of CVA Via Verde, diabetes injectable therapeutics, hypertension and OSA, echography in GFM, and inhalation therapy. The “training” received once again very positive reactions from participants. Anabela Raimundo , Internal Medicine specialist and director of medical internship at Hospital da Luz Lisboa, explains the recipe for success: “As graduate doctors, we have very few opportunities to learn via simulation, something innovative and that has proven to be effective, from the pedagogical point of view, in the acquisition of knowledge and skills. Therefore, when seven years ago I was launched the challenge to develop a series of practical sessions based on simulation for GFM physicians, I considered it a disruptive project in the training of these practitioners.” “GFM colleagues are often overwhelmed with theoretical sessions, multiple algorithms, clinical guidelines, etc., frequently remaining enclosed in their consultation offices, which makes it difficult to discuss cases and interact/learn in team. This is what we want to offer them in these sessions of Encontro na Luz, and at Hospital da Luz Lisboa we have the ideal conditions to materialize this challenge in a varied and complete way.” “The feedback we receive is excellent and the truth is our colleagues come back every year, and it is very rewarding to see familiar faces year on year!” It remains to be said that these gatherings, Encontro na Luz, are promoted by program Hospital da Luz Associated Physicians , created to facilitate the access to physicians external to hospitals and clinics of this network, so they can complement the healthcare provided to their patients. Both theoretical and practical sessions are provided by specialists of Hospital da Luz Network and are mostly destined to external doctors, in GMF and other specialities with interest in primary healthcare. Hospital da Luz thanks all the participants, sponsors, and trainers in this edition. And take note: the next Encontro na Luz is already scheduled for the 6 November 2026. In the group photo, some of the participants in this gathering and elements of the organizing committee: João Sequeira Carlos, Nuno Florêncio, António Mesquita , Rodrigo Camelo, José Roquette, Maria João Araújo , Inês Rosa and Francisco Duarte.
