Q1. Is NOVA University Lisbon a public university?
+A: Yes. NOVA University Lisbon is a recognised public university in Portugal.
The NOVA Medical School of NOVA University Lisbon is one of Portugal's leading medical schools, internationally recognised for innovation in medical education, biomedical research, clinical excellence, and healthcare leadership. Located in Lisbon, Portugal, the school prepares future physicians through an integrated curriculum that combines biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, scientific research, digital health, and patient-centred healthcare.
The Faculty of Medical Sciences was established in 1977 and later adopted the name NOVA Medical School, reflecting its commitment to modern medical education and international collaboration. As part of NOVA University Lisbon, the school has earned an outstanding reputation for academic excellence, research productivity, and innovation in healthcare education.
The Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine follows the Portuguese higher education framework and complies with the standards established by the European Higher Education Area. The six-year programme integrates biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, scientific research, communication skills, ethics, public health, and evidence-based healthcare to prepare graduates for professional medical practice.
Students begin with comprehensive biomedical sciences including anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, neuroscience, epidemiology, behavioural sciences, medical ethics, public health, and scientific methodology. These disciplines establish the scientific knowledge required for advanced clinical education.
Teaching combines lectures, anatomy laboratories, biomedical practical sessions, simulation-based education, clinical skills workshops, seminars, problem-based learning, case-based discussions, digital learning platforms, and small-group tutorials. Students progressively strengthen analytical thinking, communication skills, professionalism, teamwork, and clinical reasoning throughout the programme.
The curriculum promotes patient-centred healthcare by integrating scientific education with practical clinical experience. Students develop competencies in disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, healthcare quality improvement, patient safety, and ethical clinical decision-making while understanding the broader responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
Clinical education is delivered through Hospital de São José, Hospital Curry Cabral, Hospital Dona Estefânia, and several affiliated healthcare institutions within the Lisbon Central University Hospital Centre (ULS São José). Students gradually transition from classroom learning to supervised patient care while working alongside experienced physicians and multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
Clinical rotations include internal medicine, general surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, emergency medicine, anaesthesiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, ENT, radiology, oncology, nephrology, endocrinology, respiratory medicine, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, geriatrics, rehabilitation medicine, family medicine, and community healthcare.
Students actively participate in ward rounds, outpatient consultations, emergency departments, operating theatres, multidisciplinary meetings, diagnostic investigations, patient interviews, and supervised patient management. Clinical responsibilities progressively increase throughout the programme to prepare students for independent medical practice.
Simulation-based education strengthens practical learning through advanced clinical skills centres equipped with patient simulators, emergency medicine laboratories, consultation rooms, procedural laboratories, surgical simulation facilities, and digital healthcare technologies. Students refine their clinical competencies before entering direct patient care.
Biomedical research is a major strength of NOVA Medical School. Students participate in research involving oncology, neuroscience, cardiovascular medicine, molecular medicine, genetics, immunology, regenerative medicine, infectious diseases, pharmacology, epidemiology, precision medicine, public health, biomedical engineering, digital health, artificial intelligence in medicine, and healthcare innovation. Research activities strengthen scientific thinking while promoting evidence-based clinical decision-making.
The school collaborates extensively with hospitals, research institutes, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical organisations, healthcare providers, and international universities. These collaborations support scientific innovation, interdisciplinary education, international mobility, and healthcare research.
Students also study healthcare leadership, evidence-based medicine, healthcare quality improvement, patient safety, digital medicine, healthcare law, public health, medical ethics, and interprofessional collaboration throughout the curriculum.
Educational facilities include anatomy laboratories, biomedical research centres, simulation laboratories, clinical skills centres, specialised research institutes, digital learning environments, modern medical libraries, and affiliated teaching hospitals equipped with advanced healthcare technologies.
Student life includes scientific societies, medical associations, research groups, international exchange programmes, volunteering opportunities, sports facilities, cultural organisations, leadership initiatives, and academic mentoring. Students receive comprehensive academic and professional support throughout their education.
Graduates pursue residency training, specialist medical practice, biomedical research, academic medicine, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, healthcare administration, public health, and international medical careers after meeting national licensing requirements.
Today, NOVA Medical School continues to rank among Portugal's most innovative medical schools through its modern curriculum, internationally recognised research, outstanding clinical partnerships, and commitment to excellence in healthcare education.
