Since the beginning of my career, I have consistently invested in training and innovation in Urology. I completed my General Internship at São João University Hospital in Porto (1994-1995) and subsequently began my Specialized Urology Internship at Santo António University Hospital (CHUSA) under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. José Maria La Fuente de Carvalho. During this period, I pioneered the implementation of minimally invasive surgical techniques, including laparoscopy and percutaneous surgery, and introduced urological ultrasound along with innovative techniques such as ultrasound-guided biopsies and percutaneous nephrostomies. I completed my internship in 2002 with a final score of 19.1.
After a public selection process, I was appointed as a Hospital Assistant in the Urology Department at CHUSA, where I led the areas of endourology and laparoscopy until 2010, introducing advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques. During this time, I also mentored and trained interns in Urology, equipping them with the skills for excellent clinical practice.
From 2010 to 2020, I served as Head of the Urology Department at Braga Hospital, during its management by José de Mello Saúde. This period was marked by the transition to the new hospital facilities, which, under my leadership, became one of the best Urology departments in the country, focused on clinical and scientific excellence. We increased the number of consultations and operating hours, introducing complex laparoscopic surgeries, such as radical prostatectomies, nephrectomies, and percutaneous kidney surgery for the treatment of large kidney stones. In 2012, the Urology Department at Braga Hospital achieved full training accreditation, gaining national recognition for its quality in training interns.
In parallel, I collaborated with the University of Minho’s School of Medicine to organize postgraduate courses and conferences, such as the 2015 Portuguese Urology Congress. The department was also recognized as a recommended European center for training in laparoscopy and endourology.
In 2015, I achieved the rank of Consultant in Urology, and since 2016, I have served as National Coordinator of Urology and Urologic Tumors at the CUF Institute of Oncology. In 2017, I introduced robotic surgery at CUF Infante Santo, CUF Tejo, and CUF Porto Hospitals, after receiving training and certification from IRCAD (Strasbourg) and ORSI Academy (Ghent). Since then, I have been responsible for training specialists in robotic surgery and implementing multidisciplinary oncology consultations, integrating urologists, oncologists, geneticists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive and coordinated patient care. With the support of CUF Academy, I organize postgraduate training in areas such as innovation and laparoscopic and robotic techniques.
My career is marked by innovation in minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques, including NOTES, laparoscopy, and robotics. Recently, I developed the extraperitoneal approach for robotic radical prostatectomies, described in the “CUF Technique” chapter of an international textbook. I am also a consultant for Karl Storz SE & Co. KG, where I contribute to the development of surgical technology and instruments.
In terms of management, I led the Urology Department at Braga Hospital and have coordinated Urology at CUF Hospitals since 2016. I participated in working groups within the Ministry of Health, contributing to the development of National Networks of Hospital Specialties, the review of the National Hospital Formulary, and updates to the procedure tables in Urology.
Participation in Final Exams for Specialized Internships
President of the final urology internship exam in April 2017, at Braga Hospital.
Active Member in the final exam of the urology internship in June 2005, in Coimbra.
Management Activities in Hospital Institutions and the Ministry of Health
Director of the Urology Department at Braga Hospital from December 2010 to December 2020.
National Coordinator of Urology at CUF Hospitals and Clinics since 2016.
Member of the group responsible for drafting and reviewing the National Networks of Hospital Specialties and Referral Guidelines for Urology (Order No. 6769-A/2015, Ministry of Health).
Participation in the National Hospital Formulary Review Group (2013-2014) for Group 7 - Genitourinary, ARS North, IP.
Acting as a Urology expert for the ACSS in various functions:
Operational Unit of Financing and Contracting (2012-2014).
Update of nomenclature and Urology procedure tables for the ACSS (2012-2014).
Update of the SNS fee schedule (2013-2014).
Cost assessment (2012-2014).
My career is characterized by a commitment to clinical excellence, continuous training, and innovation in Urology, with a focus on minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques. Leading and training new generations of specialists, alongside active participation in national healthcare management and public health projects, reflects my dedication to continuously improving the quality of healthcare. The recognition achieved over the years reaffirms the importance of innovation and collaborative work in achieving excellence in urological care.