The joint course between the future Faculty of Medicine of the University of Macao (UM) and the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon (UL) aims to prepare doctors for a reality transformed by artificial intelligence (AI), according to João Eurico Fonseca, director of the Portuguese faculty.

During the 1st Joint Symposium between the two faculties, held recently in Macao, he indicated that, if the project proceeds as planned, the first students should enrol in 2028 and the first doctors should complete their training in 2034.

He identified four factors that are transforming clinical practice: AI and digital medicine, precision medicine and advanced therapies, population ageing and pressure on health systems. He argued that future doctors must understand the potential and the limits of these technologies.

The pedagogical model provides for early contact with patients, clinical simulation and the close coordination of teaching, research and care delivery. The training should also value empathy, research capacity, critical thinking and teamwork.

Fonseca said collaboration between Lisbon and Macao should extend to teaching staff mobility, joint research and the development of new academic programmes. He also highlighted the potential of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area for medical training and biomedical research.

(Source: Ponto Final, 29 October)