The Internal Medicine Award 2019 was granted to João Sá, director of the Medicine Department of Hospital da Luz Lisboa, during the 25th national congress of the specialty’s professionals, which took place between 23 and 25 May at Centro de Congressos do Algarve, in Vilamoura. “Dr João Sá has proven to be a prestigious professional with a significant contribution to the development of the specialty of Internal Medicine, through the performance of functions in the area, in Intensive Medicine and as active member in several projects, researches and organizations”, justified João Araújo Correia, president of the Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine (SPMI), adding that the award was approved “unanimously and with praise” by all members of the board. The Internal Medicine Award was created four years ago with the purpose of” distinguishing a specialist considered to represent the ideal model of internist”, that is to say, “someone active and recognized by younger colleagues as a reference for his work of excellence in the area of Medicine, and in particular in the area of Internal Medicine”, explained João Araújo Correia. “I am very happy and flattered with this recognition by my peers. It is also a great incentive to keep going”, stated João Sá, after receiving the award. “To be a doctor is basically to be at the service of others – the community and each citizen – and to promote health, wellbeing and happiness”, he added. Graduated in Medicine and Surgery by Universidade de Lisboa, in 1975, João Sá has over 40 years of activity. Before Hospital da Luz, where he is since 2006, he headed the service of this specialty at Hospital de São José, presided the college of the specialty of Internal Medicine in the Portuguese Medical Association and presided the Portuguese Society of Intensive Care. He is also member of the Portuguese Academy of Medicine.
