Internationalization is important for the professional development of doctors, says DGS

The general director of Health, Rita Sá Machado, argued that internalization is crucial for the professional development and enrichment of doctors.

“There is the possibility of internationalization, whether this involves physically leaving the country or promoting other internationalization opportunities from Portugal, connecting to the global world”, said Rita Sá Machado, during the 2nd Open Meeting of the Faculty’s Pedagogical Council of Medicine at the University of Porto (FMUP), in a conversation with students.

“The important thing here is to maintain this contact, to know that there is this possibility, but there is also the possibility of staying. I think this is one of the reasons why we were talking about internationalization today”, he highlighted, adding that, “if they have the opportunity to get to know some realities abroad, I think it can be very beneficial for each person”, said Rita Sá Machado.

Still, he said that “this is an individual choice” and that “leaving the country is not the only way to internationalize. There are possibilities of going, but there is also the possibility of being in contact with the reality outside, being in Portugal”.

Regarding the lack of doctors in the country, the person responsible, in response to journalists, stated that “it is the responsibility of the executive director of the SNS, the Ministry of Health and professional orders”.